3 Tips For Choosing Swimwear for Littles
Spring is (almost) in the air. With the weather warming up, and spring break vacation plans, it’s time to get your littles ready to make a splash! At the beach, cottage or poolside, prep your little ones for all the fun coming their way. Whether you’re choosing baby swimwear or toddler swimwear, there’s a few key features to help you choose the right swimwear for your little one. Here’s our top 3 tips for picking the perfect suit this season.
Selecting Baby and Toddler Swimwear
Get your littles excited about water play and help them stay cool on scorching days with the right baby swimwear and accessories. Whether you have an infant or a full-blown toddler (all of a sudden!), choosing the right swimwear will prepare you to introduce baby to swimming at the pool, in the lake or on an oceanside vacation.
Here’s the top 3 things to consider when you’re choosing baby swimwear and toddler swimwear:
- Sun protection. Shielding your little’s delicate skin from the sun is always most important. Practice sun safety for littles by packing cover-ups, extra towels, and SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen for babies six months and older. Choose a UV protective rash guard or opt for long-sleeve swimwear to keep them covered and safe from sunburns. Add light layers, sunglasses and bucket hats for extra protection and to keep cool on hot days. Whether you’re poolside, at the beach or the splash pad, pack up your essentials in travel accessories along with swim diapers, wipes and regular diapers, breezy organic cotton clothing and UPF 50+ swimwear. Make sun protection your top priority when selecting baby and toddler swimwear this season.
- Comfort, fit and style. Choose adorable swimwear that your little ones will love! It will get them excited about the water and may very well wash away any nerves. Selecting cute suits in patterns like seashell, saltwater or bold stripes can be all the encouragement a reluctant new swimmer needs! Whether you’re planning a spring break beach getaway or enjoying some wanderlust before your summer vacay - remember to bring back-up swimwear for your family escape (so you always have clean, dry swimwear ready to go!). Give your little one a comfy swimsuit that fits them properly to help ensure a positive swimming experience. Make sure there are no itchy seams, tags or straps and that baby swimwear fits them snugly. Since babies are all different sizes, it can be hard to know which size to choose for your little one. Look for soft toddler swimwear (separates like a rash guard and swim bottoms or a two-piece help ensure a better fit). Swimwear with zippers makes the transition to the change room easier on everyone, too. Littles are usually swimming in heated indoor pools or enjoying fun in the sun, so it’s important to get them changed quickly so they stay warm post-swim.
- Lifespan and durability. Opt for high-quality baby swimwear that lasts longer and isn’t broken down quickly by chlorine, salt and UV rays. Swimwear made from soft fabrics will keep your littles comfy at every age. Baby swimwear for infants in their first year may not get lots of use before they grow out of it (unless you’re playing poolside all summer or doing parent-and-tot classes). Toddler swimwear needs to be durable since littles on the go can be tough on their clothing. Look for premium fabric that’s lightweight, stretchy and holds its shape like polyester. A hooded poncho towel is a useful accessory (pack a couple in case one gets soaked) and pair it with waterproof sandals for poolside play.
Takeaways
We hope these tips inspire you to choose thoughtfully when it comes to selecting baby and toddler swimwear for the warm weather ahead! If you find a swimsuit, two-piece, rashguard and bottoms your little one really loves, pick up a couple sizes for them to grow into. Now that you know how to pick the best baby swimwear, it’s time for your little ones to bask in the joys of sun, sand and swim!
Frequently Asked Questions
If your baby’s swimwear is too small, it will be tight and uncomfortable. A too-small suit can also get stretched out and may ride up and expose more skin to the sun. Baby swimwear should fit snugly without being restrictive. It shouldn’t be so loose that it gets in the way of their movement, either. While age-range sizing can be accurate for some babies, it’s best to try on baby swimwear to ensure it fits properly.
Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UV radiation a fabric allows to reach your skin. Both UVB and UVA radiation can penetrate clothing. A UPF 50 fabric blocks 98% of the sun’s rays and drastically reduces the risk of sun exposure.
Babies and kids under age 4 are usually required to wear a swim diaper at public pools and splash pads. Until your kids are fully potty trained, it’s a good idea to use swim diapers under their swimsuits to avoid accidents.
