Guide to Baby Wetsuits

Baby wetsuits provide your little one with extra warmth and protection from the sun when swimming.

To get started, choose the main feature you’re looking for from a baby wetsuit for a quick guide:

• Maximum warmth in cooler water
• Sun protection when swimming outdoors
• Protection for sensitive skin
• Integrated swim nappy
• Traditional swimming costume style

If you know what type of wetsuit you’re looking for, then skip to our advice section:

• Baby wetsuit accessories
• Baby wetsuits – FAQs

Best baby wetsuit for maximum warmth in cooler water

Fleece-lined wetsuits

Baby wetsuits provide extra warmth for babies swimming in cooler water, allowing them to stay in the water for longer, whilst keeping them cosy when they leave the pool or sea.

For the maximum warmth choose a fleece-lined thermal wetsuit that covers arms and legs. These are made from TPU (a material similar to neoprene, the fabric adult wetsuits are made from) which features a super soft fleece lining that protects against cooler water and wind chill, making them idea for British beaches.

Suitable for:

• Cooler swimming pools
• Windy days on cooler beaches

Best product	Splash About Warm In One
Features	Cosy fleece lining Full length arms and legs UPF 50+ sun protection Wind and sand resistance
Popular styles	For boys - Vintage Moby Warm In One For girls – Nina’s Ark Warm In One Unisex – Green Gecko Warm In One

Best baby wetsuit for sun protection when swimming outdoors

UV All In One

For swimming in warmer water or for swimming outdoors in hot weather, choose a UV All In One. These are available with material that covers arm and legs or just arms to keep the upper body warm and protected from UV rays.

Suitable for:

• Cooler swimming pools
• Keeping warm in the sea and preventing wind chill on windy British beaches
• Providing UV protection when playing or swimming outdoors

Best products	Splash About UV All In One	Splash About Happy Nappy Wetsuit
Features	High neck, long legs and long sleeves UPF 50+ sun protection Wind and sand resistance	High neck, long legs and long sleeves UPF 50+ sun protection Integrated swim nappy
Popular styles	For boys – Vintage Moby UV Sunsuit For girls – Nina’s Ark UV All In One Unisex –  Green Gecko UV All In One	For boys – Set Sail Happy Nappy Wetsuit For girls – Dragonfly Happy Nappy Wetsuit Unisex – Blue Cobalt Happy Nappy Wetsuit

Best baby wetsuit for protecting sensitive skin

Full coverage wetsuits

Sensitive skin conditions such as eczema can be exacerbated by chlorine or salt water. Certain swimwear can protect delicate skin by preventing barrier or eczema cream from rinsing off in the water.

Look for wetsuits that cover the entire body, including the neck for maximum protection.

Best products	Splash About UV All In One	The Splash About Warm In One
Suitable for	Cooler swimming pools Warm and hot beaches	Cooler swimming pools Windy days on cooler beaches
Features	High neck, full length arms and legs UPF 50+ sun protection Wind and sand resistance	Cosy fleece lining High neck, full length arms and legs UPF 50+ sun protection Wind and sand resistance
Popular styles	For boys – Vintage Moby UV Sunsuit For girls – Garden Birds All In One Unisex - Green Gecko UV All In One	For boys - Vintage Moby Warm In One For girls – Nina’s Ark Warm In One Unisex – Green Gecko Warm In One

Best baby swim nappy wetsuit

Happy Nappy Wetsuit

The Happy Nappy Wetsuit combines the security and convenience of the Happy Nappy swim nappy with the warmth and sun protection of a wetsuit.

The Happy Nappy Wetsuit is swim school approved, which means it can be worn for swimming lessons in cooler pools without needing an extra nappy, as the Happy Nappy is integrated into the wetsuit already.

Suitable for:

• Cooler swimming pools
• Children that require a secure swim nappy

Best product	Splash About Happy Nappy Wetsuit
Features	Upper body sun protection Integrated swim nappy UPF 50+ sun protection 1mm thick Neoprene fabric
Popular styles	For boys – Set Sail Happy Nappy Wetsuit For girls – Dragonfly Happy Nappy Wetsuit Unisex – Blue Cobalt Happy Nappy Wetsuit

Best baby wetsuit that looks like a traditional swimming costume

Baby Wrap

Baby wraps made from neoprene are designed to maintain babies’ core body temperature in water. They combine a traditional swimming costume style with the added warmth of soft neoprene. Baby wraps open completely flat, making them ideal for putting on wriggly babies.

Suitable for:

• Cooler swimming pools

Best product	Splash About Baby Wrap
Features	UPF 50+ sun protection for babies’ torsos Traditional swimming costume style Adjustable Velcro fastening for the perfect fit
Popular styles	For boys – Baby Wrap Noah’s Ark For girls – Baby Wrap Pink Geranium Unisex – Baby Wrap Shark Orange

Wetsuit accessories

What should a baby wear with a wetsuit?

Swim nappies

Any baby who isn’t potty trained will need to wear a swim nappy under their wetsuit.

The Happy Nappy Wetsuit features an integrated reusable swim nappy, but for added peace of mind you may want them to wear a disposable swim nappy or Happy Nappy Wrap and liner underneath.

Happy Nappies can be worn under any swimwear, including wetsuits, either with or without a disposable nappy or Nappy Wrap.

Float vest or jacket

Babies won’t need to wear any other swimwear under their wetsuit. However, if they are learning to swim or if you’re looking for extra support for them in the water, team up their wetsuit with a buoyancy aid such as a swim vest or float jacket.

Sun hat

Protecting your children’s head from the sun is essential if they’re enjoying the water outdoors. Choose a sun hat made from UPF 50+ sun protection fabric for maximum protection.

Swim hat

Specialist swim hats can help keep your little one’s head warm in cooler water and cool and protected from the sun when swimming outside.

The Splash About range of swim hats match our wetsuit designs perfectly for a stylish swimming, head to toe.

Baby wetsuits – FAQs

Do baby wetsuits work?

Yes! Baby wetsuits enable little ones to enjoy being in the water for longer by keeping them warmer than traditional swimwear does.

Baby wetsuits work by trapping a layer of water between your child’s body and the wetsuit’s neoprene material. When this thin layer of water is trapped, your child’s body temperature warms it up and keeps them warm in the water.

How should a baby wetsuit be washed?

Rinse the wetsuit out with cool water and dry away from direct sunlight until it’s completely dry. If the wetsuit is heavily soiled hand wash it in mild detergent, rinse in cool water and then dry out of direct sunlight.

Do babies need to wear wetsuits for swimming?

Although they are not mandatory swimwear, baby wetsuits have three key advantages over traditional swimming costumes:

• They will keep your baby warmer in cooler water for longer, so can prolong swimming sessions.
• Wetsuits made from UPF material will keep children safe in the sun during a day at the beach.
• They can help to protect babies’ sensitive skin by preventing barrier cream from rinsing off your baby’s body.

What age can babies wear wetsuits from?

Baby wetsuits are suitable from birth. Splash About’s range is sized by age which should be used as a guide. To get the most accurate fit, follow the ‘Check Size Before You Buy’ instructions on every wetsuit product page on our website.

Are baby wetsuits available with integrated floats?

No, however, the wetsuits can be worn with float jackets or float vests from Splash About.

View Splash About’s full range of baby wetsuits here.

You can learn more about what to dress your baby in at the pool or beach with our guide Where to Start: Baby Swimwear Essentials

Need help choosing the best swim nappy? Read our guide to swimming nappies to ensure your little one’s time in the pool is accident free.