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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
Top tip: To keep your little one warm, check that the temperature in the pool you’re swimming in is at least 32° for newborns and at least 30° for older babies.
If you know what type of wetsuit you’re looking for, then skip to our advice section:
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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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.