The best baby swimwear for infants and toddlers

This super-soft, fleece-lined Splash About Baby Warm-in-One is ideal for babies splashing in the sea or if they're prone to feeling a chill in the pool. With long arm and leg sleeves, as well as UPF protection of 50+, your little one's soft skin will be protected from the sun's harsh rays. It's particularly good for babies with sensitive skin and skin conditions, such as eczema, as the suit blocks in barrier cream for those who require it. Available in sizes from birth to 12 months.

One parent review said: "Perfect suit for our baby boy. Used at local baths and Center Parcs. Kept him lovely and warm. Got the size 3-6 months. It was fine for him at 4 months, and used it recently at Center Parcs at 7 months though not likely to last much longer."

Slipfree are best known for their non-slip shoes, however, they also have a beautiful variety of swimwear available for 2-11 year olds. The swimwear collection includes swimming costumes, swim vests and swim trunks. With a set of beautiful designs such as this pastel ice cream pattern, Slipfree swimwear is machine washable, fast drying and offers the ever-important UPF 50+ protection parents look out for.

Mother&Baby Digital Group Editor Maria Martin says: "Slipfree's swimwear has really impressed me. Their swimming costumes and swim shorts are good quality and include UV-protective materials – a huge plus for me when buying swimwear for my children. The designs are beautiful, I've absolutely fallen in love with this pastel ice cream pattern and Slipfree's dinosaur swim shorts. Pair these up with swim vests for the kiddies and you have the perfect set of fun, functional and protective swimwear for your tots."

Swim nappies and swim pants for babies are children's swimwear essentials. Voted Bronze winner for Best Swim Product in the Mother&Baby 2023 Awards, this brilliant little Splash About Happy Nappy is a must-have in every baby and toddler swim bag. It's cute, reliable and comes in a number of bright designs your little one will love. They dry fast and are comfortable for little ones to wear. Available in sizes from birth up to two to three years.

Our parent tester said: "We have used this both at home for swimming lessons and in the paddling pool, and away on holiday in the hotel swimming pools. It saved us so many disposable swim nappies, especially when we were on holiday and my baby was in and out of the pool a lot. I would have been using 3-4 disposable swimming nappies a day if I hadn't brought this Splash About one with us."

Read the full Splash About Happy Nappy review.

This cute little Splash About Baby Wrap Wetsuit is available in a number of different prints and is great when it comes to keeping your baby warm during their first outing to the beach. As well as being made from 2mm thick neoprene to preserve body heat, it also has UPF 50+ sun protection. We also love how easy it is to get on and off, thanks to its clever design, ideal for when your little one is covered in sand. Available in sizes from 6 to 30 months.

One parent review said: "14-month-old was really cold and therefore not enjoying swimming then bought this, and he is loving swimming at last!! No more tears. Rinses well in cold water after use and dries pretty quickly. I use it with a reusable swim nappy only as doesn't fit with board shorts underneath. The size was accurate to measurements rather than age, as is often the way with baby and toddler items, as they're all different!"

These disposable Huggies Little Swimmers in Size 2-3 give your baby the freedom to enjoy the water without the worry of little accidents happening. The unique absorbent material ensures these nappies don't swell in the water, and they have unique easy-open sides for quick removal when your baby is wet, as well as leak guards to help prevent leaks around the legs. Available in sizes 3-4 and 5-6. 

One parent review said: "These swim nappies are great, they fit nicely, are easy to put on and take off, and so far, no leaks or accidents."

Read the full Huggies Little Swimmers Size 2-3, 12 Pack review.

Another reusable swim nappy our Mother&Baby parent reviewers were big fans of was the Bambino Mio reusable swim nappy. It has a concealed water-resistant layer and leakproof legs to avoid accidents in the pool. The cotton lining is soft against baby's skin, and the clever lightweight fabric means your baby doesn't get weighed down in the water. Available in sizes from birth to two years.

One parent review said: "These swim nappies are so pretty. They are easy to get both on and off, and they work. Granddaughter did test them out on holiday, and the nappy kept everything in. Disposed of solids, washed in a hot wash, and nappy came out clean and unstained. It certainly did what it was supposed to do while looking pretty at the same time. We bought two so she could wear one while the other was washed and dried."

Read the full Bambino Mio Reusable Swim Nappy review.

Our Mother&Baby parent reviewers found another great buy called Splash About Children's Happy Nappy Wetsuit. This two-in-one product is a baby and toddler wetsuit incorporated with a full Happy Nappy. The super-soft 1mm thick neoprene and long sleeves provide warmth in the pool or while playing on the beach, and it's super easy to get on and off, even when wet. Available in sizes from birth up to 24 months.

One parent review said: "Love these swimsuits for our little ones. They aren't cheap but will last as they grow. Keeps them warm when in the pool and not slippery when holding onto the baby. Built-in Happy Nappy is an excellent as it provides additional protection to a regular swim nappy. Have just bought the next size up, as I've had this one over a year."

Read the full Splash About Children's Happy Nappy Wetsuit review.

A great product that does pretty much everything in one, this Splash About Kids Sun Protection Float Suit comes with 16 removable floats whilst providing neck, shoulder and leg coverage for great sun protection. It comes in a number of cute shades and is available in sizes from one to six years.

One parent review said: "Great little suit. Love the fact that the floats in each chamber are made up of two foam pieces, so you can customise it to balance your little one out and reduce them as they get more competent in the water. Our 18-month-old loves how he can be so independent in it, although I would say he becomes too reliant on it and could possibly hinder his learning how to swim properly, so we use it for fun swim sessions and alternate it with another suit without the floats."

Having a pair of baby/toddler swim shoes can be ideal to protect your child's tiny feet from sharp objects at the beach, or to stop them from slipping at the pool. These Swimbubs Kids Water Shoes are made from soft polyester and spandex, so they're easy to pull on, and they fit snugly like a sock. The soles are made from rubber, so your mind can rest easy that your child's soft feet are fully protected from any stones, shells or slip hazards.

One parent review said: "I cannot express how essential this item is when going to the swimming pool or the beach. They keep those little toes safe. They are easy to put on. Easy to wash. Love the price too. Very good quality. All mums out there, I can't recommend those enough! It is a must-have."

A Bambino Mio Swim Rash Top is always handy for pairing with a swim nappy to ensure your child is still protected from the sun on the top half of their body or to provide some extra warmth. This long-sleeve one from Bambino Mio comes in six colourful sea-inspired prints. The fabric has UPF40+ sun protection, and it's safe to go in the washing machine and tumble dryer — result! Available in sizes from birth to 2 years.

One parent review said: "Brilliant! So lightweight and dries very fast. Perfect for the beach or playing in water in the garden. Such lovely patterns, and they wash well too."

Read more Bambino Mio Swim Rash Top review.

A baby or toddler swim vest will give your little one that extra bit of support by helping them stay afloat in the water, putting your mind at ease. This lightweight yet durable Splash About Go Splash Float Jacket is perfect for playing in the pool or a trip to the beach. It's made from a quick-drying fabric and is designed to be hardwearing but comfortable for your little one. Available in sizes from 1 to 6 years.

Our parent reviewer, Julie, said: "This product gave me the confidence to take my really hyper, fearless 2-year-old to the swimming pool for the first time. It's so simple putting the vest on your child, it's reassuring knowing you can't put it on wrong. It definitely made the whole experience much more relaxed than it would have been without the vest or with other kinds of buoyancy aids."

Read our full Splash About Go Splash Float Jacket review.

These MaaMgic Little Boys Beach Trunk are an incredibly funky design, and the bright colour also makes it safer for little ones in the water as it's easier to spot. They have a soft mesh liner and an elastic drawstring waist. The beach shorts also have two side pockets and Velcro back pocket.

One parent review said: "Great pair of boys swimming shorts with elasticated waist & adjustable cord tie. They have an inner mesh section & fit well. The fabric is very comfortable to wear & it is UPF50+ to give sun protection. The shorts will dry very quickly whenever they get wet from going in the swimming pool or in the sea. The 2 side pockets & velcro-closing back pocket are very useful as many swim shorts have no pockets which is not very convenient"