Protect Your People: A Guide to Choosing the Right PFD for Infants and Children
Whether you're paddling along a quiet lake, enjoying a boat day with family, or just letting your kids splash around near the shore—safety should always come first. For parents and caregivers, that starts with choosing the right personal flotation device (PFD) for your child. At Stohlquist, we believe that protecting your people—especially the youngest ones—is the most important part of any water adventure.
In this post, we’ll walk you through what makes a great child or infant PFD, what features to look for, and why it matters more than ever to invest in gear that’s designed with both safety and comfort in mind.
Why Infant and Child PFDs Matter
Children aren’t just small adults—they have different proportions, movement patterns, and safety needs. A properly fitted PFD for a child or infant is specially designed to keep their head above water and their body in a safe, stable position if they fall in or enter the water unexpectedly.
While adult PFDs are designed for performance or endurance, infant and child life jackets are first and foremost about safety and stability. That’s why U.S. Coast Guard–approved PFDs for children under 50 lbs include features not found in adult jackets, such as head support collars, crotch straps, and grab handles.
Key Safety Features to Look For
Not all life jackets are created equal. Here are a few key features you should look for when choosing a PFD for your infant or child:
1. Head Support
Young children, especially infants, lack the muscle strength and coordination to keep their heads above water on their own. A quality PFD will have a double collar or flotation support behind the neck to help keep their face safely out of the water.
2. Secure Fit
The life jacket should fit snugly without being too tight. Look for:
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Adjustable straps (shoulders, sides, and crotch)
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A zippered front for secure closure
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A strap between the legs (crotch strap) to prevent the jacket from riding up
3. Grab Handle
This small but essential feature allows adults to quickly lift the child out of the water in an emergency. It’s especially helpful around docks, boats, or during boarding.
4. Comfortable Materials
If a jacket rubs, chafes, or feels stiff, a child will resist wearing it. Choose a PFD with soft, quick-drying materials and ergonomic paneling that moves with the child’s body.
5. Visibility
Bright colors and reflective detailing can help keep your child visible in the water, especially in lower light conditions or busy areas.
Infant vs. Child PFDs: What’s the Difference?
The U.S. Coast Guard classifies life jackets by weight, not age. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Infant PFDs: Designed for children under 30 lbs
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Child PFDs: Designed for children 30–50 lbs
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Youth PFDs: Designed for children 50–90 lbs
It’s important to choose a jacket that matches your child’s current weight—not something they’ll “grow into.” A jacket that’s too big won’t provide the intended level of safety.
Why Families Trust Stohlquist
Stohlquist has been making performance-driven water safety gear for over 40 years. Our child and infant PFDs are a reflection of our deep commitment to families and our legacy in water safety. Designed with thoughtful features, soft-touch materials, and a fit-first philosophy, Stohlquist PFDs help parents feel confident that their kids are protected—whether it’s their first time on the water or their hundredth cannonball.
We design our life jackets so kids want to wear them. And more importantly, so you can enjoy every water moment knowing they’re safe.
Final Thoughts: Start Safe, Stay Safe
Water brings families together. It creates joy, adventure, and lifelong memories. But with those moments comes responsibility. Before you launch, float, or cast off, make sure everyone on board—especially the littlest ones—has the right safety gear.
Because nothing should come between you and a good day on the water—except a life jacket that keeps your child safe.