What do you know about Puddle Jumpers?

[WatchingThemGrow]

I grabbed a couple of these. Does anyone use them? When and how? http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-PFD-Puddle-Jumper-Basic-in-Green/15763650?sourceid=1500000000000003260410&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=15763650

[Melaine]

We have them and I love them. I let the girls wear them when they are playing by the lake and in the pool. They are definitely a more comfortable and practical shape than the traditional life jackets, but they do hold them up just fine. I think the design, which lets them float on their tummies better, is somewhat more conducive to learning to swim.

[ohiomom1121]

We have 2 and love them!!! DD only wore hers if she wanted to go to deep water but DS1 wears his more. We take them to hotels (great to let them swim and not have to get in!), lakes, friend's pools, on vacation etc. They were such a great purchase. The kids are getting to be better swimmers so I doubt they will use them much more than this year but then DS2 can have them.

[scrooks]

We got one for DD last summer for our beach vacation and it was GREAT! In fact I saw one on clearance at the end of the summer last year at Target and picked up another one. It was nice because she could really move around the pool by herself (it was a TINY pool and people were always there with her) so it gave her som confidence and independance- important because she was really really afraid to go in the first day.

[elliput]

I started using one with DS last summer (he actually was just slightly under the recommended weight), and once he realized he could easily float in the pool on his own, he did not want me holding on to him anymore. We like it much better than a traditional style vest for the pool.

[o_mom]

We use them mainly for pools or lake/shallow water swimming. They are much easier to swim in and allow the kids to get in a more natural, belly down swim position, but will pop them back upright when they stop. On shore, though, the arms are more restricting, so we use vests. Boating, I want a vest on them and for the little guy a crotch strap, head flap and handle.

[vonfirmath]

We have them and I love them. I let the girls wear them when they are playing by the lake and in the pool. They are definitely a more comfortable and practical shape than the traditional life jackets, but they do hold them up just fine. I think the design, which lets them float on their tummies better, is somewhat more conducive to learning to swim.

We LOVE our Puddle Jumpers. We got it for use when our son was barely turned 2 and he used it all last summer. He still fits and could use it this summer -- But we want him to learn how to swim so we may not get it out.

The great thing about the Puddle Jumpers is that it gives the child a lot of independence in the pool. They can propel themselves around, go where they want, etc. Without being held. They are also easy to put on and take off, and dried off well. They are bulky.

When he was barely turned 2, his second cousin had brought arm floaties and a swim suit float thing. Neither worked very well (She kept going face down in the water) and they saw how happy my son was with his Puddle Jumpers and went right out and bought them (luckily found them still in the store)

[WatchingThemGrow]

So, definitely good for the 3yo...should I maybe bring one for the almost 2yo? I guess if we have room I can! Thanks! Glad to hear they work well to get their tummies down.

[Kaylee31]

Just FYI they are cheaper on Amazon. I ordered one for DS and hope it will fit him. Does anyone know the difference between the "basic" and the "deluxe"?
http://www.amazon.com/Stearns-Puddle-Jumper-Basic-Jacket/dp/B003648O7I/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2
http://www.amazon.com/Stearns-Puddle-Jumper-Deluxe-Jacket/dp/B00364E1DE/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

[chozen]

i bought 2 puddle jumpers last yr. and they do work well the only problem i had was that all of the decal started to come off on both of them, our pool does have a salt water system so i dont if thats what caused it or what.

[lchang25000]

Just FYI they are cheaper on Amazon. I ordered one for DS and hope it will fit him. Does anyone know the difference between the "basic" and the "deluxe"?
http://www.amazon.com/Stearns-Puddle-Jumper-Basic-Jacket/dp/B003648O7I/ref=pd_sbs_sg_2
http://www.amazon.com/Stearns-Puddle-Jumper-Deluxe-Jacket/dp/B00364E1DE/ref=pd_sim_sg_1

Thanks for the link! I need to get DS one of those!

[Pinky]

Do you guys know if they make anything like this to fit smaller babies? My DD is only 18lbs at a year old so she is a long way off from wearing those.