Posted 07/08/24
Must-Have Swimming Accessories for Kids
Swimming is an exciting activity for most children; from their very first timid toe-dip to a confident dive into the deep end. However, ensuring swimming remains a safe and enjoyable adventure means choosing the best swimming accessories.
In this article, we'll guide you through the must-have swimming accessories every child needs. Whether it's a trusty pair of goggles that offer clear underwater vision or reliable swim aids that build confidence and support their learning, we cover all the essentials.
Let's dive in and make sure your little one is well-equipped for every splash!
Practical Accessories
Whether your child’s a learner or a seasoned swimmer, you want to make sure they’re safe in the water. The following accessories promote safety and facilitate skill development, turning nervous first-time swimmers into water babies.
Swim Caps
If your child goes for swimming lessons, most instructors will ask them to wear a swim cap. They have multiple functions, including promoting swimming pool hygiene as well as keeping your child’s hair out of their face.
Swim caps reduce water drag, meaning more speed and enhanced mobility, making them ideal for learners. However, getting a child to wear a swim cap isn’t easy, but choosing something with different patterns, colours, and styles can sweeten the deal.
Goggles
OK, swimming goggles aren’t the most stylish of swimming accessories, but they are essential in helping your children develop their skills and confidence in the water. Goggles protect the eyes from chlorine and improve underwater visibility.
When choosing goggles for your child, make sure they have anti-glare lenses for clarity and select options with adjustable straps. Most swimming goggles for children come in vibrant colours and patterns, making it easy to find suitable designs for your little ones.
Kickboards
Kickboards are perfect for older children who are more confident in the water but still require additional support. They help your child maintain balance and provide stability while swimming.
Most pools have kickboards available, but getting one for your child means they always have extra support when they need it.
Floats
Floats are another key essential for children learning to swim; they provide buoyancy support and help children learn to swim. There are so many floatation devices available, from traditional armbands to pool noodles.
While both options are popular, newer options - such as Floatsuits - are easier to implement and offer superior buoyancy support. With adjustable floats, the suit supports your child from when they first get into the water to when they’re ready to swim on their own.
Swimming Towels
Taking your kids to the pool should be a fun experience, but if you’ve ever wrangled a small person out of their swimming costume into their clothes, you’ll know what a dampener changing after swimming can be. A good towel should offer warmth and make it easier to change everyone.
Choosing a quick dry towel means getting the kids ready quickly and packing everything up. Whether you’re going to the beach or need something handy after swimming lessons, these towels offer convenience.
Fun Accessories
Swimming pools aren’t just about learning skills; they’re also great places for children to burn extra energy, make new friends, and have fun. We’ve selected some top accessories that will make any trip to the pool an exciting experience.
Dive Toys
As your child gains experience in the water, it’s natural to push their boundaries and encourage them to try swimming underwater. Dive toys can be beneficial here because they add an element of fun to the experience.
Instead of using traditional brick-style dive toys, opt for weighted neoprene sticks, which come in bright colours and are easy to spot.
Or encourage younger divers with cute diving toys such as the Sardine Snippets which swim down to the bottom of the pool head first, just as a fish would.
Swimming teachers recommend dive toys, as they encourage underwater swimming and build spatial awareness.
Pool Toys
There are plenty of toys that inject some fun into any pool or beach trip, including water soakers, which young kids love. Inflatables and beach balls can also provide hours of fun, but they’re not always practical—especially when inflating them.
Instead, Splash Balls are more compact and allow instant fun and pool games.
Baby Accessories
The earlier a baby gets used to the water, the more likely they will develop skills and confidence. Choosing the right accessories for your baby is integral to their safety. From special seats to sensory toys, these products will give your little one a fantastic experience.
Swim Seats
Baby swim seats are ideal for keeping your baby safe and letting them enjoy the thrill of being in the water. Instead of having to hold your child, they can sit in the seat and receive support, helping them get used to swimming pools.
Swim Nappies
Using a regular nappy in a swimming pool is never a good idea because it can leak, causing hygiene issues for other pool users and fills with water, causing it to become heavy and fall off or even worse, drag the baby under the water
Nappies designed to hold solid waste while swimming offer a more comfortable experience for your child and ensure no leaks.
While disposable swim nappies are convenient, reusable nappies, such as the Happy Nappy™ are more eco-friendly and will save money in the long run.
Sensory Toys
Sensory swimming toys engage your baby in the water and teach vital skills, including hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and spatial awareness. Encouraging your baby to play with the toys also ensures that they engage in physical activity.
Socialisation is important for younger children, and the toys can help them interact with other babies, enhancing their cognitive development.
Pufferfish Flip and Float toys are a perfect example of sensory toys that are safe to chew, engage babies and develop hand eye coordination.
Swim Hats
Swim hats serve a range of purposes and can also be beneficial for babies. Your baby won’t be worried about water drag or their hair causing visual obstructions, but a swim cap can create a barrier that prevents chlorine from irritating your baby’s head.
The Bottom Line
All the swimming accessories on this list have unique benefits, including promoting safety, ensuring comfort and adding fun to the experience. Now, all you need to do is choose the best ones for your child.
If you need any help, please feel free to contact our friendly customer service team. We’re always available to offer advice and answer any questions.
Tel 01472 236465