JoJo Maman Bebe UPF 50+ Swim Jacket Review

As a dad of a very active 3-year-old who's just starting to get comfortable in the water, I wanted a swim vest that would give my son some buoyancy without taking away the need for him to learn how to swim. After testing the Jojo Maman Bébé toddler swim vest over the summer, here are my thoughts.

Testing the JoJo Maman Bebe UPF 50+ Swim Jacket

Getting the vest on and off was a breeze, and because of the snug fit, it was easy to hold onto him when I needed to. The snugness actually made it easier to support him in the water, so I didn’t feel like I was struggling to keep him in place.

It’s super light, which is great for carrying around, especially if you’re taking it on holiday. It also dries quickly, which is another bonus if you’re at the pool often or using it during back-to-back swimming sessions.

The vest does a decent job of keeping my son afloat, although it doesn’t do all the work for him, which I like. It’s designed to keep him buoyant enough to stay in a natural swimming position but still requires him to move his arms and legs. This balance seems to work well for his swimming lessons and practice.

While the swim vest isn’t a full flotation device like arm bands, I felt confident that my son was safe wearing it in the pool. It doesn't completely keep him above water, so I still had to support him at times, but that seems to be the point. The vest encourages him to actually engage his arms and legs, which is great for helping him learn how to swim. When he’s in a swimming position, the vest supports him well, allowing him to move freely without feeling restricted. It’s great for helping him stay afloat without making him too dependent on it. It’s more of a learning aid than a flotation device, and for that purpose, I’m happy with it.

Here’s where we ran into a small issue. My son is a bit tall for his age but slim, and the vest felt tight on him with all the flotation inserts in place. The vest is supposed to be suitable for ages 3-6, but I imagine it could feel snug on some kids, especially as they grow. However, as your child gains more confidence and you start removing the inserts, there’s some flexibility in how the vest fits.

My son had no complaints about wearing the vest, even after being in the pool for up to two hours. It didn’t rub or irritate his skin, and he seemed happy to put it on every time. He actually loved wearing it, which is a win for me, as getting him excited about swim gear is half the battle.

Another plus is how easy it is to clean. It dries quickly, which is super convenient if you’re using it at the beach or pool regularly, and it didn’t absorb water in a way that made it feel heavy or soggy afterward.

The quality of the vest is impressive. It feels sturdy, the stitching is secure, and the material is strong. It seems like it’ll hold up well, even with regular trips to the pool. After several uses, I haven't noticed any signs of wear or tear, so I’m confident it will last us a good few years.

The only small flaw in the design is that it tended to ride up a bit when my son was in the pool. A small toggle or strap at the bottom might help keep it in place better. But overall, the vest feels comfortable and well-designed, with solid attention to detail in both its aesthetics and durability.

In terms of value, I’d say this vest is worth the money. It feels well-made, and I can see us getting a lot of use out of it over time, especially as my son gets more confident in the water. Given how it’s designed to grow with your child as you remove the flotation inserts, it offers a bit of longevity, too.

Final verdict

Overall, I’m really happy with the Jojo Maman Bébé swim vest. It’s durable, effective, and does exactly what I wanted: it helps my son feel confident in the water without relying too much on artificial flotation. The fit could be a little looser, but that’s something we can adjust as he grows. For any parent looking for a swim aid that helps with learning rather than just floating, I’d recommend giving this one a try!

FAQs

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