The British seaside may be beautiful, but let's not kid ourselves - there is one thing we don't have that our neighbours across the channel do, so our little ones need swimwear to keep them warm. Heatwaves and scorchers don't happen all summer long, so it is good to be prepared for the chilly Atlantic ocean.
Up until the age of two, children cannot regulate their temperature, and it's easy for them to get chilly when in the sea or pool. Baby and toddler wetsuits are a fantastic way to keep your baby and toddler insulated and happy while splashing about in the ocean.
If you are planning a trip to the seaside or abroad and want to be sure your baby or toddler stays warm, then we have selected the best wetsuits, and baby swim wraps to ensure your little one stays snug and enjoys their day in the sandand sea.
What to consider when buying a baby and toddler wetsuit
There are different forms of wetsuits, from short ones to full-length ones. If you are more likely to be doing spring and summer swimming, opt for a short wetsuit. It will keep your baby and toddler warm without overheating. For colder months or long days spent on windy beaches or in cold pools, you can also get long wetsuits or one with an added fleece lining for an extra layer of warmth.
Most wetsuits are made from neoprene: a quick-drying, insulating fabric available in different thicknesses. Naturally, the thicker the material is, the warmer it will be. So this means it will have less range of movement too. For outdoor adventures, UPF protection from the sun is a fantastic addition to keep your child safe from strong rays.
Squeezing a wriggly child into a tight wetsuit is never an easy task, so a wetsuit that is easy to get on and off is a good idea. Look for wetsuits with wide openings and long zips at the front or back.
Body wraps are another option that are perfect for smaller babies as they lie out completely flat and wrap around the body. However, you'll need a swimsuit and swim nappy underneath before your baby is ready to go. Some innovative wetsuits have an integrated nappy inside – a smart option that will save money in the long run. You may also want to opt for a pair of baby swim shoes too to protect their feet.
So with that in mind, let's take a look at the best toddler and baby wetsuits with designs that your little one will love.
Best baby and toddler wetsuits
1 of 8Splash About Happy Nappy Wetsuit with Reusable Swim Nappy
This is the ideal wetsuit for children and toddlers to keep them warm in and out of the water. The material is made from neoprene and provides core body warmth whilst the nylon lycra panels add movement and
The Splash About Happy Nappy Wetsuit is a versatile essential for babies to keep them warm in and out of the water. The innovative design combines a snug-fitting swim diaper with a soft neoprene wetsuit, providing leak-proof protection and added warmth for infants. With its ergonomic fit and adorable designs, it ensures a comfortable (and stylish!) experience in the water. The wetsuit's UPF50+ sun protection fabric shields delicate skin from harmful rays, while its easy-to-use zipper and Velcro fastenings make dressing and changing hassle-free.
Sizes available: 0-24 months
Review: "We were really happy with this product, bought 0-4 months for our 3 month old, she is quite small but the suit fit well and should get a bit more use out of it. Quite difficult to put on, needed 2 of us to get it on our baby as it seemed tight when going on like all typical wetsuits but once on it was roomy and kept her warm for her first swim. Made it much easier not needing any other nappies underneath."
2 of 8Osprey Toddlers 3 mm Shorty Summer Kids Wetsuit
This short spring and summer wetsuit will keep your little ones at just the right temperature. Made with 3 mm neoprene on the body and 2 mm under the arms, this wetsuit allows for a full range of motion. The suit has entirely flat-locked seams and ergonomic panelling for maximum comfort. Plus it comes in four different colours suitable for boys and girls.
Sizes available: 1-4 years
Review: "I love this wetsuit. Absolutely perfect for my 20 month old girl - fits snugly enough to keep her cosy during her swimming lesson without being hard to get on or off. Her previous wetsuit (different brand) was very loose around the arms and legs and didn't keep her as warm as this one. My son's wetsuits were of a different brand again, and also weren't as good a fit or as warm."
3 of 8O'Neill Reactor 2mm Spring Wetsuit
If on the hunt for a toddler wetsuit, you can't go far wrong with this O'Neill Reactor 2mm Spring Wetsuit for ages one and up. The design is second to none with a back zip pull-cord, super seal neck to stop water getting in, and great range of movement, stretch and softness. It has many features you will get on an adult level wetsuit to keep little ones happy and shiver-free on a windy beach for hours.
Sizes available: 1-6 years
Review: "Was great our son was struggling with the cold at swimming but now is better than ever great product and fits him nice."
4 of 8O'Neill Wetsuits Toddler Reactor 2mm Spring Wetsuit
If you are looking for a girl's version of the O'Neill wetsuit, this berry pink and light blue suit is a great pick.
Sizes available: 1-6 years
5 of 8Mountain Warehouse Full Wetsuit
This full wetsuit from mountain warehouse is perfect for young water sports enthusiasts. It's designed with 2.5mm neoprene fabric for total flexibility, and the flat seams and close fit provide extra comfort while being in the water. Reviewers say that the wetsuits are on the smaller side, so keep that in mind when selecting the size. Additionally, it is tested up to UPF 50+ and is s suitable for bodyboarding and surfing.
Sizes available: 3-6 years
Review: "Good quality for the price, fitted age range well - bought 4 for different sized children, not thick ones, but I knew that and good for 20 minutes on Suffolk coast in late October."
6 of 8Swim Cosy Baby/Toddler Wetsuit Vest with UPF50
The Swim Cosy baby wrap has a few features that make it a premium product. Produced with 3mm neoprene, it uses anti-snag Velcro and is available in four fun designs. The baby wrap opens up flat, so you don't have to put it over your baby's head, and the snug fit will make them feel comfy and warm. The sizes will fit up to a three-year-old.
Suitable age: Available in four sizes. The XL size is designed for two to three-year-olds.
Mum review: "Lovely product for my little boy to use in his paddling pool and when we go swimming. We ordered the orange dinosaur print, and it's bright and fun, perfect for little boys."
7 of 8Splash About Warm in One Baby Wetsuit
Splash About is a renowned brand in children's swimwear, and this warm in one fleece-lined wetsuit is perfect for keeping your little one warm and snug. Produced from neoprene, it has long arms and legs which keep children warm in cold pools. It has been manufactured to be UPF 50+ and ensures the highest protection from the sun. It also comes in 17 lovely designs.
Sizes available: 0-24 months
Review: "The perfect suit for our baby boy. We used it at the local baths and Center Parcs. Kept him lovely and warm. Got the size 3-6 months. It was fine for him at four months, and he used it recently at Center Parcs at seven months though not likely to last much longer. He is around 60 percentile for weight and 90s for length."
8 of 8Splash About Baby Happy 2 in 1 Wetsuit and Swim Nappy
Nobody wants to deal with a whoopsie of an unwanted nappy leak during a baby's first swimming lesson. That is where the Splash About Happy Nappy Wetsuit comes in. Made from 1mm thick neoprene, this 2-in-1 wetsuit and swim school-approved built-in Happy Nappy has many fun prints plus will stop you from encountering any messy disasters.
Sizes available: 0-24 months
Review: "Love these swimsuits for our little ones. They aren't cheap but will last as they grow as legs just go from being long to short as with arms and plenty of room for growth in the belly. Keep them warm when in the pool and not slippery when holding onto baby. Built in happy nappy excellent as additional protection to a regular swim nappy. Have just bought the next size up as had this one over a year."
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