I discovered Stearns puddle jumpers this summer. They provide more stability than swimmies, they are easy to get on and off, kids love the cute designs on front, they dry fast, and they are comfortable. They are even coast guard approved! Best for ages 3+ (30-50 lbs).
I’m going to get on my soap box for a moment. If your child doesn’t know how to swim and you are around water, they should be wearing a life jacket or some sort of flotation device. Why do you think they are called “LIFE JACKETS”? At our house it’s a rule that the kids can’t go on the dock when we are at the lake or on the deck of a pool without their Puddle Jumper on. If they break that rule there are serious consequences. Why? Because I love my children with all of my heart and I don’t want anything to happen to them. I know how distracted I can get and I don’t trust my own eyes to watch them well enough. I can’t put them in a bubble for their whole life, but I can require a flotation device. A child can drown in 1 in. of water in 2 minutes or less. I know that sounds crazy, but if that’s the case I am going to be EXTRA careful around 6 feet of water!
There are many fun styles for boys and girls and I’ve found them at many well known retailers such as Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc. They range from $18-$30. I think you know what price I paid as the frugal shopper. I got mine online through the Target website and got an additional 5% off and free shipping with no minimum for using my Target debit card.Puddle Jumpers :: $18-30
*The product in this review was purchased by myself. All opinions expressed are my own*
Carinn
August 6, 2012 at 10:06 amWe LOVE these! Both my girls now have Puddle Jumpers and I couldn’t be happier about the flotation they use in the pool and lake. After trying a LOT of other types of flotation products these are my favorite because they don’t POP like all the air filled products but they still offer great support for kids in the water! Good call on sharing this Ginny!
Ginny
August 11, 2012 at 4:10 amThanks Carinn. It’s amazing how many of these I see around now. I just heard that some pools don’t let you bring in swimmies and unapproved floatation devices, but these are allowed!
Sue
July 31, 2012 at 10:26 pmMy boys, who want total freedom and no restrictions, DO like these puddle jumpers. I got them after Ginny recommended it. I bought the basic version (not the fancy 3D or decorated ones) at Sports Authority for $15.99 plus tax (they were marked 20% off the regular price). This would be a good time of year to get them at a steal. Thanks for your always great recommendations, Ginny!
Renee
July 31, 2012 at 9:25 pmI MUST get this! My first would love this and maybe it would fit my youngest to have one for next year since she is only 1. I didn’t think I would have to worry bout my youngest at the beach this year being still a “baby” but she is a WATER BUG – it’s all she wants – she dives face first, runs at the water and laughs! Beach days are NOT relaxing for this Mama!
Ginny
August 1, 2012 at 12:30 amRead Sue’s comment below…this will be the time of year to find a deal on one for next year! Annabelle is our water girl and has no fear. Thus the extra need to keep her afloat!
Carinn
August 6, 2012 at 10:04 amRenee – try Dick’s Sporting Goods. They had a couple left when I went and got one for Dani 2 weeks ago. 🙂
Ashley
July 31, 2012 at 9:16 pmMy parents found one of these a couple years ago for my son and we LOVE it! It doesn’t have the bulk as a regular life jacket, which are required when we are boating on the river. I love that the floatation is on the front, meaning that if something bad did happen, they would float face up, not face down. My son didn’t fight us at all putting this one on either which was a huge help!
Ginny
July 31, 2012 at 8:17 pmBoooo Lily! 🙁 You know, it might be her age. Toddlers are tough. I had to fight Jack on a few things and Annabelle’s been easier. Maybe because she knows the rules from her big brother, maybe she’s less stubborn. Who knows, I just try to make sure to set the rules as early as possible so they know things no other way. Good luck! 🙂
Jessica
July 31, 2012 at 3:19 pmI totally bought one of these for Lily (the purple one), and she refuses to wear it. I’m hoping it will be more successful next summer because it seems really awesome!