Hi Mamas,
I have a 22 month old and he loves the water but he hasn't had any swim training. So, I'm looking for advice on where I can buy the best life jacket out there for when we go to the pool. He's too big for those raft floaty devices since he weighs 27 lbs. so I'm assuming my only option is a toddler life jacket.
I can't remember the brand name, but you can find them at WalMart and Target -there are toddler jackets that have the built-in safety device where the body is automatically going to be turned face-up so the head is out of the water. My son has worn one since he was around 18 months. One Step Ahead also makes a great one where you can remove the floaty pads bit by bit as your child learns to swim.
My dad was an avid boat person. for the little ones in a boat the ugly orange ones are perfect they flip the kid on thier back. but for swimming I would use a zip up life jacket. so if your not doing boating stay away from the orange ones.
Please just be aware that a life vest/polywog siut/ect often positions the body face down in a pool and he's too young for that still. Please constantly have contact with and keep in under supervision!
Look into Mustang vests. And make sure it is US Coast Guard approved.
You need to find one with a hoodie or flap on the back..this supports his head and keeps it out of the water when he falls in and gets turned onto his back.
These are awesome!! http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId... They are US Coastguard approved.
They sell them in Target and Walmart also for about $20.
My son will be 2 next month and since we bought a house with a pool we will be in it a lot! We are going to work on teaching him swimming concepts and figure he will be swimming before the end of summer.
I bought my daughter a life vest when she was the same age and it caused her to tilt towards the water (her head!).
So I went back and bought a bathing suit that has foam/floation device in it and it works awesome!! My daughter didnt' need a different suit and she could 'swim' all around my parents pool by herself! It didn't cause her to tilt forward or backwards too much. I bought one on clearance last year and she'll be using it this year. Makes a huge difference!
