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My parents have a pool and now that Gavin is a little older than bobbing around in an inflatable boat we scoured the pool stores and big box stores looking for something that would keep him safe in the pool, while helping him to develop some balance in the water giving him a little independence. The bathing suits with floaties inside didn’t provide enough support, while the life jackets almost always rode up over his head or caused him to flip over on his back, forcing him to reach for dear life and cling on to us in the pool. This lead to an even bigger issue for me, someone always had to be IN the pool, and I won’t lie, I don’t like swimming unless it’s at least 80 degrees. I had seen the Stearns Puddle Jumper vest in almost every store we shopped in, then went home to do a little online research before we decided to buy it.

I can’t even begin to tell you how I much love this vest, and it has quickly become a fan favorite of anyone at the pool with us. It’s considered a PFD so though I definitely wouldn’t rely completely on it in the ocean or a lake, if Gavin jumps off a step into the pool his head and face can go under the water, but within seconds it immediately brings him back up to the surface.

The transformation that occurred in 1 day of him using this in the pool was amazing. The unique design of this vest allows him to lie forward on his belly when swimming and within hours he was literally, with supervision of course, maneuvering around an entire in-ground pool with his bottom up and feet kicking away. Now comes the art of mastering using his arms and legs at the same time.

Though we always suit up and supervise him from the steps or the edge of the pool, the confidence and independence he now has in the water is life changing. If he’s in any pool area or around any water, he knows he has to wear it and never complains.  I would also suggest putting a long-sleeve water shirt on before the PFD,  we’ve found it has been much easier to remove. Now I know nothing about teaching a child how to swim, so the experts may have their opinions on body mechanics, but what I do know is, gone is a fearful child clinging to me for dear life, who we had to coax into the pool. My little boy is now jumping in off the side of the pool holding our hands and a screaming for us to dunk him under. Swimming is a part of our family lifestyle, and watching your child learn to conquer a really difficult life skill is priceless.

I purchased this item myself and have no affiliation what-so-ever with Stearns. This is a product I feel very passionate about and wanted to share with my readers. The opinions are my own.