Help with infant lifejackets...

[KD7000Guy]

I am wondering what jackets others have used for their infants? We have twin little girls and have bought them neo infant jackets from Hyperlite. We like them, however the neck opening seems to be kinda small. I have done some looking online and it seems some other infant life jackets have more of a v-neck opening that may provide a little more space (although the pictures online can be deceiving) ?

Not sure if it makes a difference, but they are both about 29" tall and 20lbs

Just wondering what others have done?

Thanks

[east tx skier]

We have the HO branded neo vest, which I believe ought to be the same thing. They tend to zip up a bit tight on the neck. When the kids are little, this can rub them a bit. I'm guessing it's to keep it snug on them since they don't really fit the shape of the vest too well. As they get bigger, it is actually less of an issue if memory serves. Our 15 month old is using it currently, but will probably outgrow it soon. I found an inexpensive Ocean Pacific Neo kids vest on ebay several years ago for about $12. It has been fantastic.

[ffmedic74]

http://www.practical-sailor.com/mari...fe-Jacket.html

http://www.practical-sailor.com/mari...fe-Jacket.html

Both are good links. You will notice that they ugliest ones are the best ones!

[Latonkaboarder]

I am wondering what jackets others have used for their infants? We have twin little girls and have bought them neo infant jackets from Hyperlite. We like them, however the neck opening seems to be kinda small. I have done some looking online and it seems some other infant life jackets have more of a v-neck opening that may provide a little more space (although the pictures online can be deceiving) ?

Not sure if it makes a difference, but they are both about 29" tall and 20lbs

Just wondering what others have done?

Thanks

I have two infant jackets hanging in my garage that you can have if you want. They are about 4 years old and were only used one season. These jackets aren't neo but seamed to work pretty well. They are both girly in color. Now that the kids are older we got them neo vests.

[GoBig]

Considering these are generally used for only one season, then they outgrow them, I just picked up a generic USCG Overtons infant vest. The head support is critical for that size. My son is now 2 y/o & 30lbs+ so he's in an O'Neill neo this season, rated (30-50 lbs.)

[east tx skier]

We've used the HO neo with both of ours, but if I could do it over again with the infant vest, I'd probably go with the less expensive nylon vest. The neo tends to rub a bit on their cheeks.

What can I say, my boys have chubby cheeks.

[2004196]

Infant lifejackets

KD, first rule of thumb, DO NOT skimp on your infant's life jacket. Make sure it has the neck floation to to turn an infant face up should, God forbid, they go in the water. Another must is the crotch strap. Snug is much better than loose fitting. Mustang makes the best infant lifejackets on the market, ok, my opinion but they are designed for maximum protection. You can get the el-cheaps from k-marche or others but how much is your infant's life worth? So what if you have to get a new one every other year, it's worth every penny for a quality life jacket.

[KD7000Guy]

Thanks for all the feedback guys! And thanks for the offer on the jackets "Latonkaboarder"! I would have to pay you something.

From what I am seeing and hearing from a couple of you is that the nylon ones might be a little better. Our current neo jackets definitely rub on their cheeks.