Infant Suit Essentials: Keeping Babies Comfortable in the Pool

Swimming with your little one is one of life’s small joys. As they splash about, those squeals of delight make every chilly UK pool trip worthwhile. Even the warmest leisure centre pool can feel a bit bracing for a baby’s delicate skin. 

The right infant suit is the secret to keeping your bub happy and cosy in the water. A swimming wetsuit designed for tiny swimmers can transform a potentially shivery dip into a proper adventure. So, let’s dive into the essentials..

Why an Infant Suit Is a Must for UK Babies

Babies aren’t built like us grown-ups—they lose heat at a startling rate, especially in water. In the UK, where pool temperatures typically sit between 30–32°C (warm enough for newborns but still a tad cool for tiny toes), a standard swimsuit just doesn’t cut the mustard. A proper infant suit, particularly a swimming wetsuit, works by trapping a thin layer of water next to their skin, which their little bodies then warm up. It’s like wrapping them in a toasty blanket, but one that lets them kick and splash to their heart’s content.

Whether it’s a weekly swim class or a holiday dip, an infant suit keeps the shivers at bay. So, what should you look for? Let’s break it down.

Must-Have Features of a Swimming Wetsuit

Not every infant suit is up to scratch. Here’s what separates the brilliant from the bog-standard, based on years of watching parents and tots in the pool.

Warmth Without the Weight

• Neoprene Magic: Neoprene keeps surfers warm, and it does the same for babies, insulating them without making them feel like they’re lugging a wet blanket. Our Happy Nappy™ Wetsuit uses 1mm neoprene—enough to warm the core while leaving legs free for splashing.
• Fleece Lining: Some suits have a soft liner, like fleece, for extra cosiness. That’s gold for cooler pools or sensitive skin. Our Warm-in-One does just that.

Easy On, Easy Off

• Flat-Opening Designs: Babies aren’t fans of being wriggled into tight gear. A suit that opens flat, like Splash About’s Baby Wrap, is a godsend. Lay your little one down, wrap it around, secure it with Velcro, and you’re done. No faff, no tantrums.
• Wide Openings: Look for generous necklines or zippers—anything that will spare you a wrestling match at the changing table.

Leak Protection Built-in

• Nappy Layer: UK swim schools are sticklers for containment—and rightly so. A swimming wetsuit with a built-in Happy Nappy™ (Splash About’s brainchild) means no extra swim nappy is needed. It’s snug, leak-proof, and meets those strict hygiene rules without adding bulk.
• Secure Fit: Elasticated cuffs and waists keep everything where it should be—no surprises mid-splash.

Sun Safety Sorted

• UV Protection: UV rays can sneak through windows even in a gloomy British indoor pool. Outdoors, it’s a must. A suit with UPF 50+, like our Happy Nappy™ Sunsuit, blocks over 98% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Full Coverage: Longer sleeves or legs add an extra shield, especially if you’re braving the unpredictable UK summer.

Top Splash About Picks for UK Pools

1. Happy Nappy™ Wetsuit

• Why It’s Brilliant: Part wetsuit, part swim nappy. It keeps the torso warm while letting the legs move freely. The built-in Happy Nappy™ means one less layer to faff with.
• Best For: Babies under two hitting the local pool. It’s a no-brainer for swim classes.

2. Baby Wrap

• Why It’s Brilliant: Designed for newborns and babies up to 18 months, this opens flat with adjustable Velcro—perfect for tiny ones who hate being dressed. It warms the core without restricting those early kicks and is a doddle to get on and off.
• Best For: Fussy bubs and tired parents who want a quick change post swim.

3. Warm In One

• Why It’s Brilliant: This fleece-lined beauty is the cosiest of the lot—full arms and legs for maximum warmth. It’s gentle on eczema-prone skin and ideal for the chilliest UK pools or outdoor dips.
• Best For: Younger babies or cooler venues.

When to Choose a Swimming Wetsuit: Scenarios for UK Parents

Every baby’s unique and UK pools vary wildly—from toasty hydrotherapy setups to brisk outdoor pools. Here’s how to match the right infant suit to your situation:

Newborns (0–3 Months)

• Why They Need It: Tiny babies lose heat fast, and swim sessions are short—15–20 minutes max. A wetsuit keeps them snug without overwhelming their fragile frames.
• Top Pick: Baby Wrap or Warm In One. Both prioritise warmth and ease, letting you focus on bonding, not shivering.

Older Babies (3–12 Months)

• Why They Need It: They’re splashing more now, but still need insulation. Freedom to move matters as they get cheekier in the water.
• Top Pick: Happy Nappy™ Wetsuit. It balances warmth and mobility—perfect for a lively tot at a swim school.

Outdoor Swims

• Why They Need It: British weather’s a wild card—wind chill and UV rays can catch you out, even on cloudy days. A wetsuit adds protection beyond a basic costume.
• Top Pick: Any UPF 50+ option from Splash About’s range.

Sensitive Skin or Cold Pools

• Why They Need It: Eczema or extra-chilly water (below 30°C) calls for something gentler and warmer than standard gear.
• Top Pick: Warm In One. That fleece lining is a hug in suit form.

Caring for Your Infant Suit: Make It Last

• Rinse After Every Swim: Lingering chlorine will fade and weaken neoprene. A quick rinse in cold water post-dip does wonders.
• Air Dry Properly: Hang it away from direct sun—UV rays can weaken the material over time. A shady spot indoors works a treat.
• Handle Nappy Mishaps: Accidents happen. A gentle hand wash with mild soap (no harsh detergents) cleans it up without ruining the fabric.
• Store Flat: Don’t scrunch it into a ball—fold it neatly or lay it flat in a drawer to avoid creases that weaken the seams.

Treat it right, and it’ll see your baby through months of splashes—or even hand down to a sibling.

Extra Tips for UK Pool Days

Beyond the infant suit, a few tricks can make swimming smoother:

• Pre-Warm the Suit: Pop it near a radiator (not on it!) before you head out. A toasty wetsuit feels nicer slipping on.
• Layer Up Post-Swim: A fluffy towel or robe over the suit keeps the warmth in while you wrestle with socks in the changing room.
• Check Pool Temps: Call ahead—some UK pools dip below 30°C, which is fine for older kids but nippy for babies. Adjust your suit choice accordingly.
• Start Small: First swim? Keep it to 10–15 minutes. Watch for blue lips or shivers—signs to wrap up and cuddle.

Choosing the perfect infant suit isn’t about overthinking—it’s about matching your baby’s needs to the pool you’re in. Did you get a cold-sensitive newborn? Warm In One’s your pal. Dealing with a wriggly six-month-old? The Baby Wrap’s a breeze. Whatever you pick, a swimming wetsuit from Splash About ensures every swim is simple and fun.