The best PFDs for children - test and comparison of children's life jackets

The best PFDs for children - test and comparison of children's life jackets

We compare various personal floatation devices for children in our life jacket test. We check their fit, how easy they are to put on and take off and how safe for children they really are.

The great SVB test of children's life jacket 2024 - the best PFDs for children in comparison

March 2024
1
Test winner:
Rating: very good
2
Price-performance winner:
Rating: very good
3
Rating: very good
4
Rating: very good
5
Customer favourite
Rating: very good
6
Rating: very good
7
Rating: very good
8
Rating: very good
9
Rating: very good
Item no.
57540
57568
57556
57565
57415
47031
32146
57580
57602
Reviews and customer opinions
(43)

(17)

(1)

(1)

(46)

Perfect product and service. Great company and professional service

(1)

(1)

(13)

(5)

Buoyancy
30 N
40 N
90 N
110 N
45 N
100 N
150 N
30 N
30 N
Buoyancy class
100 N
100 N
150 N
150 N
50 N
150 N
150 N
100 N
100 N
Chest circumference
61.0 - 64.0 cm
60.0 - 75.0 cm
49.0 - 72.0 cm
58 - 82 cm
82.0 - 104.0 cm
60.0 - 90.0 cm
60 - 90 cm
 
 
Fleece neck
 
 
 
 
 
Emergency beacon
 
 
 
 
 
Harness / Lifebelt / D-Ring
 
 
 
 
 
Lifeline
 
 
 
 
 
Fit
 
 
Standard
Standard
 
Standard
Standard
 
 
ISO Norm
 
 
ISO 12402-3
ISO 12402-3
 
ISO 12402-3
ISO 12402-3
 
 
Spraycap
 
 
 
 
 
Crotch strap
 
 
 
 
 
Availability / Price
38 in stock
only €47 02
Buy now
more than 100 in stock
only €18 45
Buy now
7 left in stock
only €214 24
Buy now
Only 3 in stock
only €214 24
Buy now
57 in stock
only €36 93
Buy now
9 left in stock
only €168 03
Buy now
Only 4 in stock
only €159 62
Buy now
Only 3 in stock
only €36 09
Buy now
16 in stock
only €26 85
Buy now

How much do life jackets for children cost?

In general, when buying a children's life jacket, you should avoid the "cheaper" options. Try not to base your choice only on price. To ensure the safety of life jackets for children, there are recognised European (EN) and international (ISO) standards. A good life jacket will comply with these specifications.

Colourful life jackets with a fun design might look nice, and being small and light will not restrict your child’s movements. However, caution is also advised with these models. Always be sure about the intended use for any life jacket. Often such modern-looking vests will not turn the wearer into an unconscious-safe position, i.e., face up, and only serve to give the child some slight additional buoyancy. That's great for the pool in the garden, but completely unsuitable for boating or other water sports.

Customer favourite: Officially, the Secumar Arkona Midi is a buoyancy aid. This life jacket, or regatta PFD, will NOT turn the wearer into a face up position, but it does offer greater freedom of movement and is extremely comfortable to wear. A favourite with optimist and dinghy sailors, as well as canoeists and kayakers!

Test winner: An absolute classic. This life jacket has performed well for many years. Will turn an unconscious person face up and is easy to adjust. With a leg strap and attractive design, not only do children love this vest, but also parents. It is available in different sizes (according to weight). Kids love wearing this jacket and it has everything a good children's life jacket needs. Recommended for children up to 8 years old.

Price-performance winner: Extremely comfortable children's life jacket with automatic release mechanism. Will turn the wearer face up and is suitable for the high seas. The best in terms of price and performance.