William P. Hilger started what would become Stearns, Inc. among the lakes and plains of central Minnesota. His first successful product was an electrically powered windshield heater that was a big hit in the colder climates of central Minnesota in the late 1920's and eventually became a must-have product for cars across the country. After World War II, the company changed hands and became Stearns Manufacturing Company. With advancements in car heating systems, the need for a Frost shield diminished, and Stearns shifted its focus towards plastics. Over the years, Stearns manufactured high-quality outdoor products such as life jackets, water ski belts, and plastic boat interiors.

In 1971, federal law changes allowed companies to design better looking, type III PFDs that didn't have to be bulky and orange. This sparked a race towards owning the designed PFD market, a race that Stearns easily won. In 2008, Coleman acquired Stearns, adding their distinct quality to the Coleman family of brands. It was a natural fit, as Stearns was the most recognized player in the life jacket business. Stearns continues to invest in America, producing top-notch outdoor products.

The STEARNS PFD Heads-Up Type II Life Vest is designed for infants weighing less than 30 pounds. It is made using the highest quality materials and has been tested for durability. This life vest provides reliable and comfortable protection for your little one during water activities.

Now, let's address some frequently asked questions:

I can't tell what size I am buying...nothing in descriptions says: I ordered the one that ends in 7976 and it's 50-90lbs. From what I could find, 6976 is 30-50lb (my reorder should arrive today) and 5976 is infant-30lb. I did trial and error ordering because sizes weren't listed. Annoying.

What is the weight range for this jacket? 30-50lbs. My son was just barely 30 and we got it to fit, just had to take it in a lot.

Is this device Coast Guard approved? Yes.

Just so everyone knows, size 1 is smaller than size child. Think of size 1 as infant/toddler and size child as toddler-young child(6-7): Child size 30 to 50 pounds fits my 3 yr. & 5 yr. old grandchildren perfectly.