What to Look for When Buying Swimwear for Your Baby

Summer is here and it’s time to make a splash! Whether you are planning a seaside vacation or just planning on spending time by the local pool, choosing the right swimwear for your baby is essential to their comfort and protection. In this blog post, we’ll go over some key factors to consider while buying swimwear for your baby, to ensure you are well informed and able to make the best choice for both their safety and enjoyment. 

1. Sun protection: shielding your baby’s delicate skin from the harsh sun

Probably the most important aspect to consider while buying baby swimwear is sun protection. Your baby has extremely delicate and sensitive skin which is prone to sunburn and can be susceptible to long-term sun damage. Make sure to look for swimwear that has an UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of at least 50+ in order to make sure they are well protected while outside in the harsh summer sun.

Tip: Fabric with a UPF of 50+ indicates that it blocks at least 98% of harmful UV rays.

In addition, many parents opt for swimwear with long sleeves and higher necklines in order to provide their baby with even more skin coverage. Every little bit of extra fabric can help protect areas sensitive to the sun such as the shoulders, back and chest. Don’t forget that even on a cloudy day, around 90% of UV rays can still penetrate through the clouds! Make sure to check the UV index before going out. A general guideline is to use sun protection if the UV index is a 3 or above. 

2. Proper fit: balancing comfort and safety

It is important to select swimwear that fits your baby properly for their comfort and safety. Make sure to avoid swimwear that is too tight as it can restrict movement and be uncomfortable for your little one. On the other hand though, make sure the swimwear is not too loose as it could make it easier for your baby to get entangled or slip out accidentally. 

It’s always a good idea to consider the size guides for the baby swimwear you are considering to buy. Different brands may have different sizing, so always refer to the specific measurements for each brand. 

3. Easy nappy changes: convenience for both baby and parent. 

Even at the beach or poolside, nappy changes are unavoidable. Try and opt for swimwear that allows you to easily change your baby’s nappies. Swimwear with snaps, poppers, velcro, or zippers can make the changing process go much faster and smoother. This way you and your baby can spend more time enjoying the water and less time having to deal with dirty nappies. 

Practicality is important to us at Zipster, which is why all of our baby swimwear is designed with a unique zip design. The zipper on our Zipster Swimsters is full length, stretching from the neckline to the bottom of the pant leg. This is perfect for making life with wriggly toddlers easy, especially when you're on a beach or by the pool.

4. Quick-drying and breathable: keep your baby comfy

If your little one is constantly in and out of the water, choosing swimwear made from materials that are both quick-drying and breathable can help keep your baby comfortable during water activities.

Quick-drying materials make sure that your baby isn’t wet for too long, which can prevent potential discomfort and chills. In addition, breathable fabrics allow for air to circulate and therefore reduces the chances of skin irritation caused by extended exposure to moisture. 

5. Swimwear colour: brighter is better

Considering the underwater visibility of your child’s swimsuit is extremely important for water safety. Alive Solutions ran tests on different swimsuit colours and found that specific colours are more visible underwater than others. 

Bight, neon colours like orange, yellow, and lime green were more easily spotted in open water as compared to blues and greens. Contrasting colours and patterns also aided in easier identification.  

As drowning remains the leading cause of accidental deaths among children, think about opting for bright and contrasting swimsuit colours as an additional safety measure for your little one.

We’ve designed several of our Swimsters in bright fun prints specifically with underwater visibility in mind. Not only will the patterns keep your little one extra safe, but they will also keep them looking stylish! 😎

6. Safety first

These helpful features should never take the place of proper supervision. Always pay close attention to your baby if they are in or near water regardless of the type of swimwear they are wearing. 

When going on a holiday with your little one, it is essential to keep a watchful eye when your baby is near any body of water, be it the beach or a pool. Water can provide endless joy and delightful memories for your family, but it also holds potential risks. By staying attentive and present, we can ensure the safety and well-being of our little adventurers. In addition, using a suitable flotation device for your child’s age is always a safe idea. 

It’s also important to note that newborn babies have a much harder time regulating their body temperature in water as compared to adults. It’s important to always check the water temperature and opt for baby swimwear that will keep you little one warm. 

Buy the best, buy Zipster!

Choosing the right swimwear for your baby might seem like a hard task, but hopefully the factors discussed in this blog can help you make informed choices on what to look for in baby swimwear that not only keeps your baby comfy but also safe. 

At Zipster, we are committed to providing high-quality baby swimwear with unique patterns and optimal practicality. Keep your baby stylish, comfy and safe by adding a Zipster Swimster to their wardrobe today. Also check out our family matching, for matching swimwear for both mum and dad!

Splash into summer - Shop Zipster’s Swimsters today!