Need: Type 1 PFD for Child

[schoonerdog]

So my question is -- can somebody post a link to a child's (under 90 pounds) Type 1 PFD that has a crotch strap? Because I have yet to find a child type one that does, which to me seems way less safe than the high end (or any CG certified) TYPE II's which have crotch strap, head floater, and strong buckle closures.

It seems a TYPE II for a kid is a safer bet so they don't slip out?

[GordMay]

MERCHANT MATE & OCEAN MATE Type I PFD’s
Youth size (<90#) c/w Crotch Strap
Commercial PFDs

Although, I don’t believe those are what I’d recommend.

PFD sizing for a youngster depends on his or her weight (not chest size):
* Infant PFDs - 8-30 pounds
* Child PFDs - 30-50 pounds
* Youth PFDs - 50-90 pounds

See also the Practical Sailor Test Report:
Infant/Toddler PFDs

[hellosailor]

If you can't find one with a crotch strap, the webbing (nylong, poly, or cotton) and buckles are available inexpensively from any camping supply store. Ten minutes with a needle and some strong thread, all done.

That's what I had to do with my inflatable PFD in the 80's, when only divers knew the value of crotch straps and PFDs coudn't be bought with them.

[clausont]

To echo Schoonerdogs wife, find one with the crotch strap. We make sure that all five of our kids have these (No type 1's though) with the crotch strap. When they are playing in the water they are more comfortable with the strap than without most of the time simply because even a good fitting lifejacket without the crotch strap will allow the child to slip down low in the lifejacket. When we can not find the correct lifejacket with a crotch strap we do as Hellosailor says - we make the crotch strap out of nylon webbing and readily available plastic buckles.