Swimwear for Kids Tips

Read these 10 Swimwear for Kids Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Swim tips and hundreds of other topics.

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What brand of swimsuit should I buy for my child?

Speedos For Kids

Speedo has an extensive line of reliable, durable swimwear for children. This line includes footwear for the poolside and beach, “fastskins” for a hydrodynamic full-body swimsuit, and regular racerback one-pieces. Young men also have a selection between swim briefs, trunks, and swim jammers. Speedo's styles are cutting edge, with hip colors and cuts to satisfy the children's need for originality and comfort. Also, a line of baby Speedos are available with a cheeky saying printed on them: “My First Speedo”.

   
What kind of goggles should my child wear in the pool?

Swedish Goggles

Swedish goggles are probably the most comfortable style for children to wear. A Swedish goggle is one that has no gasket and instead fits only around the eyes. They are flexible, easily adjustable, and better designed for little faces. Also, since your child is probably only using them for recreational purposes, the Swedish goggles are inexpensive.

   
How can I protect my child from the UV rays in addition to sunscreen?

Sun Protective Swimwear

It is estimated that one severe sunburn during childhood can double one's chance for developing skin cancer later in life. With that in mind, coupled with the knowledge that children have very sensitive skin, it is best to dress them in sun protective swimwear.

Sun protective shirts and suits are available in short and long sleeves. They are formfitting so it won't be difficult for your child to move through the water. Specially designed shirts and bathing suits that block out UV rays are over three times as efficient as a regular t-shirt. Also, it is best to use sun protective clothing rather than sunscreen on babies, as sunscreen contains a lot of chemicals and is easily smeared into the eyes.

   
How can I teach my child to swim?

Floating Swimsuits

Floating swimsuits help to train a young, inexperienced swimmer. Note that some cheaper brands of floating suits merely rise up around the child's face, rather than helping them with buoyancy. So, don't skimp on the price. A properly fitting suit should keep the wearer's chin above water. When entering the pool with your little swimmer, do so slowly with a “hug hold”. Don't rush anything, as the child may become very nervous. Also, don't mistake the floating swimsuit for a replacement for you- you still need to always be by the child's side.

   
How can I aid my child in learning to swim?

Floaties

Floaties are an endearing term for inflatable flotation devices used by children. Arm floaties are a great idea as part of kids swimwear, even if they have received swimming lessons. They will add even more insurance to the child's safety and ability to stay buoyant. Arm floaties are blown up tightly around the biceps and can cause rashes. A swim shirt called a “rash guard” can help to prevent irritation from arm floaties.

   
How can I protect my child's face and neck from sunburn?

Protect Baby's Head

As doctors recommend you not use harsh sunscreen on babies' faces, it is best that you dress baby in sun protective clothing. The most susceptible part of the head to burn is the head and face. Sun hats are highly recommended for babies and children. A bucket-style hat is optimum, covering the face and back of the neck as well as the head. As an alternative to a bucket hat, try one with a regular baseball cap bill and a long flap in the back to cover the neck. Babies are very sensitive to sunburn and while swimming, it is even worse, as the sun reflects off the water. Even with a sun hat on, don't allow baby to get too much sun exposure while swimming.

   
How can I keep my baby warm in the pool?

Keeping Little Ones Warm

Neoprene wetsuits are available in many styles for babies and children. The purpose of the wetsuit is to protect their skin and keep them warm. This is especially important for junior swimwear, as children can easily be chilled when taking a dip. Also available are neoprene swimming socks in children's sizes. The feet are very vulnerable to broken glass and shells on the beach, as well as getting chilled by the cool temperatures of the water. The head is also an area in which heat escapes. If necessary, you can also put a small swimming cap on the child's head. This can also help to prevent swimmer's ear.

   
What kind of lifejacket should a child wear?

Junior Lifejackets

Lifejackets for juniors are essential and in some cases, such as in a boat, are legally required. However, not many people realize that there are different types of lifejackets. When playing in the pool, a Type III lifejacket is appropriate. These are the type commonly sold in stores with popular characters on them. They are light enough for active play, but help keep the child buoyant, When riding in a boat, however, make sure your child is wearing a Type III or Type IV lifejacket. These types are more dependable in an emergency situation, as they are heavier and designed to withstand currents in the open water. The Type IV is ideal, although the heaviest kind. It will keep the child face up until help arrives.

   
Do they make sunglasses for babies?

Baby Sunglasses

Baby Banz are sunglasses that protect babies' eyes from powerful UV rays. They are specially designed with neoprene to fit comfortably on a fidgety baby. With a band that wraps around baby's head, this is a brilliant design. Not only does it keep baby from being poked in the eye by the glasses, it helps adjust children to the wearing of sunglasses, which is healthiest for outdoor activities.

   
Can I take my baby into the pool if he isn't potty trained?

Little Swimmers: A Giant Lifesaver

The invention of Little Swimmers may be up there with the wheel if you ask mothers. One of the main problems with taking babies and toddlers swimming has always been the risk of the child using the pool as a giant potty. Diapers, of course, will swell and deteriorate in the water. With Little Swimmers, a parent can take their little one swimming with confidence, even if they haven't been potty trained. If the child goes to the restroom in the Swimmer, just throw it away and put on a new one.

If your toddler has been potty trained, but still has accidents from time to time, simply put on a Little Swimmer underneath their swimsuit- that way, they won't be embarrassed by your insistence of added security. Little Swimmers come in three different sizes, ranging from 6 to 48 months. They can be found with disposable diapers at all major retailers and have a price comparable to a name-brand package of diaper.

   
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Lynda Moultry