Baby and toddler wetsuits are beneficial for several reasons: Young children can quickly lose body heat in water, and wetsuits help maintain their body temperature, allowing them to enjoy the water longer without getting cold (definitely a big help with our chilly UK seas and unpredictable British summer!)
When we do get some sun, many wetsuits offer UV protection, shielding sensitive young skin from harmful sun rays, reducing the risk of sunburn. Wetsuits also provide some buoyancy, which can help young children stay afloat and feel more confident in the water. This can be particularly helpful when they are learning to swim. A snug-fitting wetsuit can give toddlers a sense of security and comfort, making them more willing to explore and enjoy the water.
Best at a glance:
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Best baby and toddler wetsuit for its neoprene material, Kids Wetsuit, £10.95
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Best baby and toddler wetsuit for comfortability, NALU Childrens Shortie Shorty Beach Surf Wetsuit, £9.95
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Best baby and toddler wetsuit for its reversible design, Aquajoy Warmsy - Premium Reversible Baby Wetsuit, £12.98
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Best baby and toddler wetsuit fr its swim nappy, Splash about baby happy Nappy Wetsuit with Swim Nappy, £22.99
So with that in mind, let's take a look at the best toddler and baby wetsuits with designs that your little one will love.
1.
Kids Wetsuit
Best toddler and baby wetsuit for its neoprene material
This toddler wetsuit, no underarm seams for comfort, will have you child having fun while splashing around. A total must-have, this wetsuit is beneficial because its provide thermal protection, sun protection, buoyancy, and comfort, making water activities safer and more enjoyable for young children, while encouraging them to develop a love for swimming and other aquatic activities. One mum who was totally pleased with her order said: ‘I bought this wetsuit for my daughter when she was two. She has outgrown it, so I bought the same one and the quality is just as good. She has ASD, so is very particular with materials but this short wetsuit is comfortable, hard wearing (we go to the beach all of the time, and she always wears it) and looks really cute as a bonus. Plus, the short legs make it easy to get on with no fuss.”
Pros
- UPF 50+ Maximum UV Protection
- Zip With Plastic Slider & Velcro Zip Lock
Cons
- Sizes available are for 2-10 year olds
Best toddler and baby wetsuit for comfortability
This wetsuit, made of 70% neoprene and 30% rubber, will have your little one feeling comfortable ansd safe. great for providing an additional layer of protection, which can be particularly useful in public swimming areas, to keep your child clean and minimize exposure to potentially harmful microorganisms. One buyer who purchased this for her granddaughter said: "Fits my 8 year old granddaughter beautifully. Very comfortable and warm."
Pros
- Nalu child's unisex shorty wetsuit
- Zipper Closing
Cons
- Not suitable for babies under 12 months old
Best baby and toddler wetsuit for swimming lessons
Getting your litttle one ready for their swimming lesson? Make your life easy with this amazing blue wetsuit. Changing time is easy and quick, and with its sturdy front zipper, your child will feel assured and comfortable, with one buyer saying: “Bought this for our 15mth old. Great quality and fit and the material gives him extra buoyancy too. Only issue is the zip can scratch under his chin, but it is on the roomy side at the moment. Very pleased with this.”
Pros
- Made from a soft 2mm neoprene material
- Sturdy front zipper
Cons
- The measurements provided are taken of the garment laid flat, therefore please allow for an additional 2 inch stretch on top of the figures shown
Best baby and toddler wetsuit for its fleece-lined feel
This warm wetsuit is made to be UPF 50+ and ensures the highest protection from the sun. It fully covers your little one, which means it also protects from those windy and chilly days, especially when your baby is out of the water. Made to be comfortable enough to be worn all day, this fleece liner will help baby feel shielded. Also, it is perfect for babies with sensitive skin and/or eczema, durable and soft. One mum happy with her order said: "I recently got the Splash About Warm In One Wetsuit for my little one, and it’s been amazing! This wetsuit is fantastic for keeping my baby warm during swim sessions. The material is super soft and comfortable, and it fits snugly without being too tight. The wetsuit is easy to put on and take off, which is a big win, especially with a wiggly baby. It covers the arms and legs nicely, providing full-body warmth, so I don’t have to worry about my baby getting cold in the pool.
Pros
- Long sleeve
- Flower Meadow design
- Polyurethane material
Cons
- Only sizes available are for 0 - 24 months old babies
Best baby and toddler wetsuit for freedom of movement for arms & legs
A high grade 3mm neoprene vest wetsuit, with its easy-going Lycra covering which has been particularly chosen to help keep your baby/toddler warm and cosy in calmer weather swimming environments. And, with its anti-snag Velcro which makes for a easier and safer for when undressing experience, your baby will be left feeling calm. One mum said: "Excellent quality & colour, the fit is good for my 7 month old with some growing room. I like the fact that the shoulders are Velcro to so that it’s easy to get on and off her. As babies can be a bit slippery in water, this helps me keep a firm grip on my Daughter."
Pros
- Open flat design for quick and easy dressing
- With a UPF rating of 50+
Cons
- Not ideal if you prefer a long-sleeved arm wetsuit
Best baby and toddler wetsuit for its swim nappy
This stunning swim nappy wetsuit is great for preventing leaks when your little one is taking a swim in the pool. With many colours and ranges to choose from, this nappy suit is made from super soft 1 mm thick neoprene, giving your little one that extra feel of care of comfort. This can be worn alone or with the nappy wrap and liners for simple cleaning or changing.
Pros
- A full happy nappy incorporated
- Made from super soft 1 mm thick neoprene for warmth and comfort
Cons
- Not ideal if you prefer long sleeve legs
What to consider when buying a baby and toddler wetsuit
There are different forms of wetsuits, from short ones to full-length ones. If you are more likely to be doing spring and summer swimming, opt for a short wetsuit. It will keep your baby and toddler warm without overheating. For colder months or long days spent on windy beaches or in cold pools, you can also get long wetsuits or one with an added fleece lining for an extra layer of warmth.
Most wetsuits are made from neoprene: a quick-drying, insulating fabric available in different thicknesses. Naturally, the thicker the material is, the warmer it will be. So this means it will have less range of movement too. For outdoor adventures, UPF protection from the sun is a fantastic addition to keep your child safe from strong rays.
Squeezing a wriggly child into a tight wetsuit is never an easy task, so a wetsuit that is easy to get on and off is a good idea. Look for wetsuits with wide openings and long zips at the front or back. Body wraps are another option that are perfect for smaller babies as they lie out completely flat and wrap around the body. However, you'll need a swimsuit and swim nappy underneath before your baby is ready to go. Some innovative wetsuits have an integrated nappy inside – a smart option that will save money in the long run. You may also want to opt for a pair of baby swim shoes too to protect their feet.
Are toddler wetsuits worth it?
Toddlers are more susceptible to cold temperatures. Wetsuits help maintain body heat, allowing them to enjoy the water longer without discomfort. In cooler water, a wetsuit can help toddlers stay in the water for longer periods, making swimming and water play more enjoyable.
Should your child wear a happy nappy under a wetsuit?
Yes, young children often wear a swim nappy (also known as a swim diaper) under a wetsuit.
Should kids wear something under a wetsuit?
Whether children should wear anything under a wetsuit depends on factors like personal comfort, water temperature, and the specific activity.
Mummy to a little girl, Adejumoke Ilori is Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby. With a BA hon in Creative Writing, she has worked for digital platforms, where she has empowered women from the inside and out, by sharing real life stories based on relationships, loving yourself and mummyhood.