If you had to put one on a child 3-6 years old, which would you pick for a pool? Are the equally safe? DH just wants to get life jackets so we can use them on a boat too...thoughts?
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We have a puddle jumper for my 4 year old (30 lbs). He has been using it in the pool this summer and really likes it. He "swims" from one end of the pool to the other. He stays afloat very well, and there are so many kids at the pool that use puddle jumpers as well. I haven't seen any life jackets but have seem one kid use ordinary floaties for the arms.
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We have a a puddle jumper for our almost 3 year old. We haven't tried a life jacket but the puddle jumper works great. We had it last year too but he couldn't get his balance right. Much better this year.
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The puddle jumper that we have are coast guard approved so we'll use it on the boat as well.
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@birdofafeather: where's it from?
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@HLK208: I got it from Target, but they have them at Costco. Stearns is the brand.
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I would get the puddle jumper. That's what we use for the pool and have for several years.
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@birdofafeather: thanks!! I'm going to Costco today so I'll look for them!
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@HLK208: Your own pool or a public/private community one? I know many pools have strict guidelines regarding what they'll allow, so you might check first before buying.
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@mrsrain: it's a hotel pool - thanks, I'll check!
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We have both, and DS despises swimming in the life jacket but will accept the puddle jumper.
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Definitely puddle jumper! I think they help keep their head above water much better....our girls vastly prefer them to life jackets! Also, they are approved for use on boats, too. They have them at costco and target!
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@birdofafeather: @HLK208: puddle jumpers are USCG approved as a Class 3 life jacket. Normal life jackets are Class 1 or Class 2 which prevent heads from going into water. Class 3 does not if wearer can't stay upright (ie they are unconscious).
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@mrs.shinerbock: good to know! Thank you
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I don't think puddle jumpers seem safe at all. I'm a total wet blanket on here tonight!
In a boat I'd do a real life jacket, in a pool- what about a neoprene vest? It doesn't restrict movement.
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My 2 year old does great with a puddle jumper. It keeps his head above water and makes it easy for him to roll onto his back to float face up. Most places that don't allow certain things like arm floaties still allow puddle jumpers. We've yet to encounter a pool that doesn't allow them. My guy didn't like the life jacket because it was really bulky and annoying under his chin. He loves the PJ.
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We have both. Puddle jumpers are coast guard approved but I won't use them if we're going to be going fast, far out, or really deep because they don't flip the child to his back. We use them if we're anchored or on an idle only river. But they're perfect for the pool and lake because they let him move around easily and play without me hovering over him. We went to a pool party today and almost all the kids were wearing them since they're all under 5 and there were like 20 of them in the pool at a time. Plus they can actually swim in them. A good life jacket will fight to flip a child into their back because that's the safest position.
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@Greentea: my DH feels the same way...so much that we went with life jackets because he's too uncomfortable with puddle jumpers
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For a pool, with an adult that is fully able, a puddle jumper. But for a boat, where you might get thrown overboard, adults injured and have heavy wake, a life vest, no question.
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