Hands up if you are the parent of a toddler who is about to start swimming lessons for the first time? Or maybe with the start of the new school year, you’re re-starting again after a bit of a break. If so, you’ll want to make sure your toddler has the best swimwear to help them fall in love with the water and enjoy the experience!
While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and buy swimwear based soley on just how cute it looks, there are some key features you need to look out for so you know your little one is safe and comfortable in the pool.
At Little Fishy Swim we understand how important it is that your baby or toddler feels comfortable when starting to dip their toes in the pool, especially for the first time. With that in mind, here’s our top 10 features you should look for when selecting swimwear for your toddler’s swimming lessons.
1. Choose swimwear that’s comfortable
Above all else, comfort should be the number one priority when selecting swimwear for your toddler’s swimming lessons. Look for swimwear that is made from a lightweight, breathable material that won’t irritate their delicate skin. We love the double lining and hidden seams in our toddler swimwear, they provide additional warmth and to avoid anything rubbing and causing irritation.
2. Choose swimwear with a snug fit
To ensure your toddler is comfortable and safe in the water, make sure their swimwear fits them properly. As tempting as it is to choose something extra large for longevity, or to squeeze into last season’s bathers an extra few months, too–loose or too–tight swimwear can lead to accidents and discomfort. Too loose swimwear takes on additional water, and can sag and catch, whereas tight swimwear can pinch and rub, which won’t make for a comfortable swimming lesson!
3. Choose swimwear designed for durability
Kids are tough on their clothes, and dashing around a swimming pool is no different, so you want to make sure the swimwear you choose for their swimming lessons is built to last. They’ll be crab crawling, clambering in and out and generally wearing out their bathers faster than you think! Look for a premium swimwear fabric that is thick, stretchy, resistant to fading and is designed to hold its shape.
4. Make sure their swimwear gives them flexibility
As toddlers are constantly on the move, look for swimwear that is flexible and will move with them. This will help to keep them comfortable and free to explore the water. Learning to move your body under the water can be nerve-wracking for some of our little ones, so helping them feel completely in control of their body is essential for water confidence.
5. Choose swimwear that’s easy to get on and off
Toddler swimming pools are often warmed up, but the outside are more than often is not. Any mum who has experienced the mad dash from swimming lesson to shower knows how important it is to get baby or toddler out of their wet bathers quickly after a lesson. To make life a little easier, look for swimwear with features such as drawstrings, extended zippers, snap studs and stretchy hems to make changing in and out of the pool a breeze.
6. Choose swimwear with a fun print
Swimming lessons are meant to be fun! Toddlers take an increasing interest in what they wear, and what better way to encourage them than with a swimsuit that features fun, colourful prints that inspire a love of the water! Little Fishy’s bright, ocean-inspired designs were created to do exactly that!
7. Choose swimwear designs for water safety
You’ll have your eyes on your child at all times, right? Right?! Especially when it comes time to take a step back and let your child make a splash on their own, or in a larger class setting, you’ll want to make sure they’re easy to spot in the water. When it comes to safety, look for swimwear that offers features such as bright colours and with contrast elements, so your little one can be easily spotted in the pool.
8. Choose lightweight swim fabrics with some breathability
It sounds counter-intuitive, but especially with all the extra chemicals that accompany pool water, and wet fabric that chafes and clings, it’s important that your toddler’s swimwear allows their skin to breathe. Look for swimwear that is made from a material that is lightweight and breathable, such as nylon or polyester. Natural fibres like cotton are unsuitable for swimming as they take on and hold water, affecting your child’s buoyancy and making it harder to stay afloat.
9. Choose swimwear that’s easy to clean
Did you know your toddler’s swimwear should be rinsed and line dried after every swimming lesson? Especially with all the chlorine they’ll be exposed to in the swimming pool, it’s really important to give those bathers a good rinse! To make life a little easier, look for swimwear that is easy to clean and won’t shrink when washed.
10. Swimming lessons outdoors? Don’t forget the sun protection
In many coastal areas, toddler swimming lessons are increasingly held outdoors, either in a private pool or in an outdoor ocean pool! Sun protection is essential for young ones whenever they take to the water outdoors. Look for swimwear with UPF 50+ rating to ensure your toddler is protected from the sun’s harmful rays.
These are the top 10 features you should look for when buying swimwear for your toddler’s swimming lessons. At Little Fishy Swim, we offer an incredible range of swimwear suitable for toddler swimming lessons, all designed to keep your toddler safe and comfortable in the pool and to help them fall in love with the water. Think double linings, hidden seams, plenty of features for easy changes and fun ocean-inspired designs
