5 Best Baby Swimsuits, From Infant to Toddler
When it comes time to get your little one dressed for the beach or pool, one of the first items on your list is to put him/her in a swimsuit. Baby swimsuits are not just adorable, they also protect your child from the sun and keep their sensitive skin safe.
Whether you’re planning a tropical vacation or looking for a bathing suit for swimming lessons, there are a lot of swimsuit options available. To help you out, we compiled a list of everything you need to know about baby swimsuits as well as our favorites here at UV Skinz.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Baby Swimsuit
When it comes time to choose a baby bathing suit for your child, there are some factors to keep in mind. Here's what we recommend here at UV Skinz:
Fit
You need to determine what activities your baby or toddler will be doing in their swimsuit to find the perfect fit. If your baby loves swim time, you may want to opt for a tighter, more active fit. If your baby's idea of a good time is to roll around on a beach towel, a looser, more comfortable fit is more fitting.
Hot tip: If you are unsure of a swimsuit's fit, check out reviews online. Also, look for a company that allows you to process returns in a 30-90 day window.
Material
Babies and toddlers have sensitive skin, so you want to find a swimsuit made out of material that's chemical free. You also want to make sure that they like the feel of their bathing suit to make your beach or pool day a breeze. No one, including your little one, likes an itchy, uncomfortable bathing suit that will cause chafing or rashes.
UPF Rating
Finding a baby swimsuit with a UPF rating of 50+ is the best way to keep your little one safe from over 98% of the sun's UVA and UVB rays.
According to Board Certified Dermatologist Alexandra Zeitany MD, FAAD, "babies under the age of 6 months old should wear UPF clothing and swimwear. For babies older than 6 months old, "have them wear UPF swimwear/clothing and use a zinc sunscreen stick before heading off to the beach. Also, a wide-brimmed sun hat is a must-have too."
Style
There are plenty of different swimsuit styles for babies from long-sleeve one-piece swimsuits to swim shirts and leggings, so how do you find the best one for your little one? Considering the Skin Cancer Foundation has found strong evidence that prolonged sun exposure and sunburns could multiple a child's chance of getting skin cancer later on in life, opt for a style with a UPF rating of 50+ with more coverage.
1. Best Overall Baby Boy's and Toddler's Swimsuit
Why we love this swimsuit: With comprehensive UV protection, a full frontal zipper for easy diaper changes or outfit changes, and buttery-soft, 4-way stretch UPF 50+ fabric, this is THE bathing suit for your little guy.
Sizing: Available in sizes 3/6m to 3T. Fits true to size.
Pairing suggestion: Baby boy's/toddler's bucket hat
2. Best Casual Baby Boy's and Toddler's Swimsuit
Why we love this swimsuit: Certified UPF 50+ with lightweight, breathable saltwater and chlorine-resistant fabric, this swimsuit was made for long play days on the beach. As the fabric is super lightweight and comfortable, it's perfect for the extra active baby or toddler who just wants to play and spend all day in the water.
Sizing: Available in sizes 3/6m to 2T/3T. Fits true to size.
Pairing suggestion: Baby boy's/toddler's swim hat
3. Best Overall Baby Girl's and Toddler's Swimsuit
Why we love this swimsuit: Who knew sun protective swimwear for baby girls and toddlers could look this cute?
We love the adorable patterns and colors this bathing suit comes in as well as its UPF 50+ rating for best-in-class sun protection. With buttery soft fabric that's saltwater and chlorine resistant this is one high-quality, stylish, UV protective swimsuit!
Sizing: Available in sizes 3/6m to 3T. Fits true to size.
Pairing suggestion: Baby girl's/toddler's bucket hat
4. Best Casual Baby Girl's and Toddler's Swimsuit
Why we love this swimsuit: Available in adorable prints with a UPF 50+ rating and high-quality breathable fabric, this swimsuit was made for the active little one.
She can wear this to the beach, during swim class, or out on the lake and feel comfortable all day long - no matter how much time she spends playing.
Sizing: Available in sizes 3/6m to 2T/3T. Fits true to size.
Pairing suggestion: Baby girl's/toddler's swim hat
5. Best Baby/Toddler Swim Leggings
Why we love these swim leggings: Rated UPF 50+ with an active fit and an adjustable waist, these swim leggings were built to last. Plus, these swim bottoms for babies and toddlers are stylish, super comfortable, and feature chlorine and saltwater resistant fabric.
Sizing: Available in sizes 3/6m to 3T. Fits true to size.
Pairing suggestion: Baby/toddler rash guard
Bonus: Best Baby Rash Guard
Why we love this baby rash guard: Easy to get on and off, this sun protective baby rash guard is rated UPF 50+. With an active fit and a UV detecting zipper, this is the perfect rash guard for the baby who loves water time.
Sizing: Available in sizes 3/6m to 3T. Fits true to size.
Pairing suggestion: Baby/toddler swim leggings
Bonus: Best Toddler Swim Shirt
Why we love this toddler's swim shirt: With 4-way stretch, and lightweight and breathable UPF 50+ fabric, this is a best seller! Available in neon colors so you can't ever lose your kid at the beach, these swim shirts are a UV Skinz favorite.
Put this on your toddler while boogie boarding at the beach or playing in the pool.
Sizing: 2T to 4T (and up to size 14)
Pairing suggestion: Boys magic beach shorts or Girls magic beach shorts
FAQs About Baby and Toddler Swimsuits
How Do You Care for Baby/Toddler Swimwear?
If you are cleaning an article of clothing/swimwear from UV Skinz, care for your toddler/baby swimsuit by machine washing the item in cold water on gentle cycle and then line dry it.
Do Babies Need to Wear Swim Diapers?
Yes, if your baby is not yet potty trained, he/she will need to wear a swim diaper, which is different than an everyday diaper.
Do Babies Need Swimsuits with Long-Sleeves?
Longer sleeves provide more sun protection for a baby, but only if the fabric is UPF rated. It is a good idea to put your baby in a swimsuit with long-sleeves to protect him/her from the sun's harsh UV rays and prevent sunburns.
Where Can You Buy Affordable Baby/Toddler Swimsuits?
Check out the sale section of various baby/toddler swimsuit brands. Also, be sure to subscribe to their email list for updates on site wide sales.
UV Skinz also offers a girls three-piece swimsuit set and a boys three-piece swimsuit outfit as well, so you get three items for the price of one.
Be sure to browse our entire collection of swimwear for babies and toddlers online at UV Skinz for more inspiration.
