life jacket for child age 5

two stroke mick · 04 May 2013, 09:53

I am seeking recommendations for a life jacket for a child aged 5. What should i be looking out for?

tsm

Mollers · 04 May 2013, 10:04

Our's had crewsaver when they were little.

PeterM · 04 May 2013, 10:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Our's had crewsaver when they were little.

Same here..with foam , nothing auto or self inflating for small kids...

m chappelow · 04 May 2013, 11:09

I would agree with the other posts
But do make sure as in adult lifejackets it has some sort of crutch strap.

I have always have the kids try one on then lift them up by the shoulder of the jacket ,
at least it will give you some idea how it will look when their floating in the water ( no good with their heads or faces buried in the jacket below the water ) or their faces are underwater & the jackets floating above them .

Mollers · 04 May 2013, 11:19

The other great thing about crewsaver LJs, the kids can swim in them and use them as buoyancy aids. Give 'em a a good rinse in fresh water a dry them after though. :-)

richardjawilson · 05 May 2013, 19:26

Sea Child should do the trick.

150N Air Foam Lifejackets and Life Cribs from Crewsaver

We have the Baby, Toddler and Child versions and I can recommend them

woody73 · 05 May 2013, 19:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

I am seeking recommendations for a life jacket for a child aged 5. What should i be looking out for?

tsm

I agree with all the other guys and have one/ two needing to go to a good home as my kids are now 6 and 8. PM me if interested

two stroke mick · 05 May 2013, 20:01

what have you got woody?

simsy · 05 May 2013, 20:29

I use one on my lad that may float him on his back with a neck float that may allow him to breath long enough for me to come round after my rib has crashed and save him.... My thought process.....

Seconded..
Crutch strap is really important, really annoys me when I see people not using them on small kids...

mister p · 05 May 2013, 21:35

Crewsaver with crotch straps, they're flourescent, easy to clean, keep heads above the water, keep them warm and have a whistle.........which, for a five year old, cancels out all the uncomfortableness of wearing a life-jacket.
Get them to jump into the drink with it a few times so that they know what's going on when it happens for real. Make sure they react to hold their nose closed.

mister p · 05 May 2013, 21:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by two stroke mick

what have you got woody?

Without doing anybody out of any money, are used life jackets a good way to go for liitle 'uns?

Nick Hearne · 05 May 2013, 22:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by mister p

Without doing anybody out of any money, are used life jackets a good way to go for liitle 'uns?

If in good condition why not?

I have used these then my kid where little good price and have lasted well, trouble is they grow so fast & no way they would be seen in one these days!

Compass buoyancy | online at compass24

mister p · 05 May 2013, 22:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick Hearne

If in good condition why not?

I have used these then my kid where little good price and have lasted well, trouble is they grow so fast & no way they would be seen in one these days!

Compass buoyancy | online at compass24

It's not a troublesome post, but I'm just saying that you'd want to remove any thirdparty involvement in anything that had your child's safety.
If it's new it's as ok as it can be, if second hand then maybe........it was left in the sun too long, something had been spilt on it, it had been chewed, etc., you know what I mean.
It's not a clobber, only some things like pushchairs don't rely as heavily on being perfect as a lifejacket.
That all.

two stroke mick · 06 May 2013, 12:30

good point mr p

Nick Hearne · 06 May 2013, 12:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by mister p

It's not a troublesome post, but I'm just saying that you'd want to remove any thirdparty involvement in anything that had your child's safety.
If it's new it's as ok as it can be, if second hand then maybe........it was left in the sun too long, something had been spilt on it, it had been chewed, etc., you know what I mean.
It's not a clobber, only some things like pushchairs don't rely as heavily on being perfect as a lifejacket.
That all.

Yer and its only new once, so it's is up to you to make sure it is in good condition same as buying second hand!
Any how the ones I linked to do the job well for a price it is not worth buying second hand Me thinks

But you have to look after them like any bit of kit!

lakelandterrier · 06 May 2013, 16:27

Having had my 2 afloat since they were 4/5....my view is Solid foam child lifejacket with crotch strap. Aren't too many choices, but Baltic / Crewsaver seem the most readily available- I found no real difference in quality / wearability between the two.

Do take the trouble to get the right size - they go on child's weight more than age. you need to make sure the LJ is not to loose so it rides up too high. I'd take them to a good chandler to make sure you get a good fit. Might cost £5 more than a blind internet buy, nut I'd say a price worth paying.

As for 2nd hand - it will depend on condition. I've sold 4 children's jackets to 2 other members onm here when my 2 grew out of them and they've been happy (as far as I know!!)

LT