27th Aug 2025
Keeping your children safe on the water is every parent’s top priority, and the right life jacket makes all the difference. But with so many options available - foam, inflatable, baby, junior, adult - it can feel a little overwhelming to know which type to choose and when it’s time to move your child up to the next stage.
At Life Jacket Outlet, we know how confusing it can be. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to walk you through each stage: from babies in their first foam life jackets, through juniors who may be ready for inflatable life jackets, all the way up to teenagers making the switch to their first adult life jacket.
Life Jackets vs Buoyancy Aids
Before diving into the age groups, let’s clear up one common question: what’s the difference between a life jacket and a buoyancy aid? A life jacket is designed to turn most wearers onto their back and keep their face clear of the water, even if they are unconscious. For children, this is essential. A buoyancy aid, on the other hand, is designed for confident swimmers in controlled conditions, such as dinghy sailing or paddle sports, and it will not reliably turn someone face-up. If you’re shopping for your child, a proper life jacket is the safe choice.
Baby and Toddler Life Jackets
For babies and toddlers, foam life jackets are the only option. Foam provides constant buoyancy without relying on gas cylinders or triggers, which is crucial for very young children. Baby and toddler life jackets are normally rated at 100 Newtons or more, giving plenty of buoyancy to keep little heads above water.
When choosing for this age group, look for a large padded collar that supports the head, secure closures such as zips and buckles, and one or two crotch straps that stop the jacket from riding up. Many baby sizes include a “beaver tail” or nappy-style flap for added comfort, as well as a lifting handle so you can quickly recover your child from the water if needed. High-visibility colours, reflective patches, and a whistle are also important features.
A baby or toddler life jacket should always fit snugly around both the chest and the weight range stated by the manufacturer. Never be tempted to buy a size too big for them to “grow into,” as a poorly fitting jacket is unsafe.
Junior Life Jackets: Foam or Inflatable?
Once your child reaches school age, you’ll find more options available. Some juniors continue with foam life jackets, while others may be ready to step up to an inflatable.
Foam is still the best option for children who are not yet confident swimmers, who are small for their age, or who are still likely to mess about and fiddle with their kit. Foam life jackets are simple, require very little maintenance, and provide reliable buoyancy.
However, older juniors often find foam bulky, especially if they are active on deck or learning to sail. This is where junior inflatable life jackets come in. These are usually rated at 150 Newtons and are much lighter, giving far more freedom of movement. Most parents choose automatic inflation for children, so that the jacket inflates immediately on contact with the water.
It’s important to note that junior life jackets come with strict size requirements, typically starting at around 20-25 kg and running up to about 40-50 kg, with chest measurements specified as well. Children also need to be mature enough to keep the jacket on, not tamper with toggles or CO2 cylinders, and understand what inflation will feel like. If there’s any doubt, it’s best to stick with foam for a while longer.
When to move from a foam life jacket to an inflatable life jacket
The right time to switch from foam to a junior life jacket is when your child meets three conditions. First, they must fall within the weight and chest size specified by the manufacturer. Second, they should be mature enough to wear the jacket responsibly without fiddling with it. Third, they should be confident enough in the water to handle the sensation of inflation without panic. If those three boxes are ticked, a junior inflatable can be a great next step.
Growing into an Adult Life Jacket
Eventually, your child will outgrow their junior life jacket. This usually happens in the early teenage years when they exceed the maximum weight or chest size of the junior model. A life jacket that rides up even when fully tightened is a clear sign it’s time to move up.
Most teenagers begin with an adult 150N automatic life jacket, which is suitable for general coastal cruising and powerboating. If they will be sailing offshore in heavy weather gear, a 275N life jacket provides extra buoyancy. At this stage, features such as integrated harnesses, sprayhoods, lights, and personal locator beacon (PLB) pockets may also become relevant, depending on the type of boating you do.
Getting the Fit Right
At every stage, the fit of the life jacket is more important than the brand or style. Both the child’s weight and chest measurement must match the size guide on the jacket. A life jacket crotch strap is essential, as it prevents the jacket from slipping over the child’s head. Always check the fit over the clothing your child will actually wear on the water, and carry out a “lift test”: when you pull gently on the shoulders, the life jacket should stay snug and not ride up over the chin or ears.
Maintenance and Safety
Foam jackets require little more than a rinse and dry after use. Inflatables, however, need regular checks to ensure the gas cylinder is secure and the automatic firing mechanism is in date. After any inflation, the jacket must be re-armed with a new cylinder and trigger. It’s also worth teaching your child how the toggle works, what to expect if the jacket inflates, and why it isn’t something to play with.
Final Thoughts
The journey from baby’s first foam jacket to a teenager’s adult inflatable is a natural progression, but the key is to match the jacket to your child’s current size, maturity, and activity - not where you expect them to be in a year or two. With the right life jacket at each stage, your child will not only be safe but also comfortable and confident on the water.
At Life Jacket Outlet, we stock a wide range of baby, junior, and adult life jackets from trusted brands like Crewsaver, Seago, and Spinlock. If you’re unsure which model is right for your child, our team is always here to help with expert advice - contact us today!
