Level Six Puffer Infant Review

Fit

The Level Six Infant Puffer has a decidedly different fit from a traditional life jacket. Designed for babies weighing 9–20 pounds, this flotation aid is foam-free in the back, with all the foam concentrated across the chest and behind the head. This helps keep your baby floating on their back in the water, gives them great freedom of movement on land (or a boat)/and is comfortable to lie down in.

The integrated three-point webbing system lets you adjust several points around the shoulders, waist, and lower body, delivering a secure fit even as your baby grows.

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It takes more effort to adjust than a conventional zip-front jacket. Tighten the straps evenly, and check that the jacket sits securely around the torso without riding up toward the baby's face.

Once properly adjusted, however, the Puffer feels considerably less restrictive than many traditional infant jackets. Because the weight range is narrow and babies outgrow this stage quickly, most families should expect to use it for roughly one season.

Comfort and Mobility

The Puffer uses soft neoprene to wrap around the body, with large foam panels attached. This neoprene helps prevent stiffness and is supple enough to conform to a baby's body, depending on their position. The sections behind the head and below the chin have an extra soft finish, making them much more comfortable against bare skin than the rougher nylon interiors found on some infant jackets.

Mobility is where this design most clearly separates itself from the competition. With little flotation across the back, babies can move their arms freely, sit upright, and shift between sitting and reclining without fighting against a thick layer of foam.

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The jacket does not force the infant into one rigid position, making it easier for them to interact, reach for a toy, or explore the water with their hands.

The large collar provides reassuring head support, but it is also the part of the jacket most likely to feel bulky. Some babies may notice the extra material behind their head, particularly when sitting against a high-backed seat or carrier.

Quality of Construction

The Infant Puffer is made from 80% neoprene with a 20% polyester shell. That combination gives the jacket a soft, flexible feel while providing enough structure to hold the flotation panels securely against the infant's body. Compared with a traditional nylon infant jacket, it feels less utilitarian and more comfortable against delicate skin.

The webbing and buckles are central to the jacket's design, not secondary details. The shoulder and waist adjustments let you refine the fit as your baby grows, while the lower quick-release buckle is a practical touch that makes diaper changes much easier. Instead of removing the entire jacket, caregivers can open the lower section and attend to a diaper without fully undressing the infant.

Neoprene also takes longer to dry than nylon, so rinse thoroughly and dry well to keep the material fresh and prevent the jacket from staying damp between outings.

Features and Versatility

The Puffer's best features are closely tied to the realities of caring for an infant. The lower quick-release buckle simplifies diaper changes, the adjustable webbing accommodates some growth, and the three-piece collar supports the head when the baby is floating on their back. A grab loop also gives an adult a convenient point to hold when quickly lifting or repositioning the child.

The open-back design makes the Puffer useful for more than brief dips. Infants can sit in it, recline against a caregiver, or move their arms while being held at the shoreline or in a boat. Because the jacket doesn't cover the back with thick flotation, it is less awkward than many infant life jackets when a baby is carried or positioned against a relatively flat surface.

Its versatility is still limited by the narrow weight range; you will be disappointed with how soon it's time to find a new owner for this infant jacket.

Flotation

Flotation is concentrated across the chest and behind the head, where it is designed to roll an infant onto their back and help keep their face above the water. The three-piece collar supports the head without filling the entire back of the jacket with foam. This arrangement gives the Puffer a more natural feel when an infant is sitting or moving, while still prioritizing a face-up position in the water.

The Puffer is not Coast Guard certified because no certification standard currently exists for flotation devices in this weight range. It should therefore be considered an additional layer of support rather than a guarantee of safety, and it requires close, hands-on adult supervision at all times. Families who specifically need a certified PFD should choose a different model once their child fits within an approved size range.

Should You Buy the Level Six Infant Puffer?

The Infant Puffer is one of the more thoughtfully designed options for very small babies who are not yet a good fit for a conventional infant life jacket. For babies under 21 pounds, we have not found a more comfortable design. Its open-back construction, soft neoprene, adjustable webbing, and face-up flotation prioritize safety while giving infants more freedom to move, sit/or lie down comfortably. The diaper-access buckle is especially useful for families spending several hours around the water. If you hope to get your baby on the water as early as possible, this is the jacket for you.

What Other Life Jackets Should You Consider?

The Stohlquist Child is a strong alternative for families seeking a jacket that fits a wider weight range. Its zip-front construction is easier to put on and take off, and its simple adjustment system makes it less fussy than the Puffer. It may be a more practical choice for babies who are already approaching 20 pounds.