What swimwear do babies need? An age-by-age guide from newborn to 18-months

There are lots of options for baby swimwear, so it can be hard to know which outfit to choose for your little ones. This guide goes back to basics, to help you decide which swimwear option is best for your baby or toddler.

In this guide we will:

• show what options are available by different age groups
• guide you through the most important things to look for in swimwear, by different ages
• take a look at swim diapers and give advice on which ones are best for your child
• explain the options available for children’s outdoor swimwear

We cover Baby Boy Swimwear Styles here

We cover Baby Girls Swimwear styles here

(We cover unisex styles in both of the guides above as well!)

If you’re not sure what size of swimwear is best for your baby, use our baby and toddler swimwear size guide as a reference. Click on the links below to find advice and suggestions for the best baby boy and girl swimwear for your baby’s age group:

0–3 months

3–6 months

6–9 months and 9–12 months

12–18 months

All children from 0-18 months need a reusable or disposable swim diaper

Swim diapers are an essential piece of swimwear and any child who isn’t potty-trained will need to wear one in a swimming pool. They are enforced as part of the double-layer diaper system requirement by most organized baby swimming lessons. 

There are two types of swim diapers available:

• Disposable swim diapers
• Reusable swim diapers

The Happy Nappy™ Swim Diaper from Splash About is a reusable swim diaper with thick, soft cuffs that create a seal around your baby’s thighs and tummy to prevent any feces from escaping. The unique design features a gusset to allow for a full range of movement, without the risk of leaks. 

The Happy Nappy Duo™ offers the same reliable leak protection as the Happy Nappy™ Swim Diaper, with the added benefit of a silver lined layer that acts as a second diaper, insisted upon by swim schools. This silver lining kills germs before they leave the diaper, protecting your baby and other swimmers from pathogens leaking
into the pool. Both the Happy Nappy™ and the Happy Nappy Duo™ are accepted and endorsed by Swim Schools worldwide.

You can view the Happy Nappy™ range  here.

The most important factors to consider for taking babies aged 0–3 months swimming are:

• Warmth—tiny babies can feel the cold easily, so you’ll want to prioritize swimwear that helps keep them warm. Check the temperature of your local pool
  before you go. For a baby aged 0–3 months, the pool should be heated to
  above 86°F.
• Skin sensitivity—newborn babies often have sensitive skin, which can be irritated by chlorine. If your baby has a skin condition such as eczema, choose baby swimwear that will help keep their barrier cream in place.

Newborn Baby Swimming Top Tip:

Check the temperature of your local pool before you go. For a baby aged 0–3 months, the pool should be heated to above 87°F.

Babies aged 0–3 months tire very quickly so it’s unlikely you’ll be spending more than 10–15 minutes in the pool. Even though they won’t be in the pool for long, it’s important they wear the right swimwear so they’re as comfortable as possible.

What swimwear do you need for a baby aged 0–3 months?

Babies aged 0–3 months will need the following before they go swimming:

The most important factors to consider when taking babies aged 3–6 months swimming are as follows:

• Freedom of movement—babies this age love to wriggle and it’s the perfect time to get them used to feeling the water on their arms and legs. Look for baby swimwear that allows for a full range of movement.
• Warmth—younger babies in this age group will benefit from swimwear that keeps them warm so they can enjoy longer periods in the water.
  Babies will be able to spend a little more time in the pool at this age, so expect swimming sessions to last around 20–40 minutes. For this reason, it’s a good idea to invest in the right swimwear so they can fully enjoy their time in the water.

What swimwear do you need for a baby aged 3–6 months?

Babies aged 3–6 months will need the following before they go swimming:

The most important factors to consider for babies this age are as follows:

• Preventing leaks—your baby will be in the pool for longer periods now they’re older, so choose swimwear with an integrated swim diaper to avoid any accidents.
• Grip—your baby will be more active at this age, so swimwear made from neoprene is the ideal choice. This will help you hold your baby more securely and stop them slipping out of your hands.
• Warmth—younger babies will still need extra warmth, especially in cooler pools, so choose baby swimwear which is made from neoprene, or has a thermal lining.
  Babies aged 6–9 months and 9–12 months have very similar needs when it comes to swimming.

At this age, your baby might start baby swimming classes and can stay in the water for longer. Standard swimsuits are fine, but must be worn with a swim diaper to avoid accidents in the pool.

For peace of mind, choose baby swimwear with an integrated swim diaper, as these are designed to prevent feces leaking into the pool. Alternatively, use a reusable swim diaper with your child’s usual swimsuit.

For more information on disposable and reusable swim diapers, read our guide to swimming diapers here.

What swimwear do you need for babies aged 6–9 months and 9–12 months?

Babies aged 6–9 months and 9–12 months will need the following before they go swimming:

A Swim diaper or Swimwear with integrated swim diaper—this means you don’t have to worry about buying or packing a separate swim diaper in your baby’s swim bag

or

Neoprene swimwear—this will give your little one extra warmth and let you grip them more securely when in the water.

Best baby swimwear with integrated swim diapers—babies aged 6–9 months and 9–12 months

Swimwear with integrated swim diaper
This swimwear features an integrated swim diaper with thick, soft ribs that create a seal around your baby’s thighs and tummy to prevent any feces from escaping. The unique design features a gusset to allow for a full range of movement, without the risk of leaks.

Neoprene baby swimwear
Neoprene swimwear has many benefits, including providing insulation to help babies feel warmer in the water.

Find out more about why neoprene is the best material for baby swimwear here.

The Happy Nappy™ range combines an integrated reusable swim diaper with a neoprene wetsuit, making it the perfect choice for warm, leak-free swimming.

The most important factors to consider for taking babies aged 12–18 months swimming are as follows:

• Buoyancy—swimwear with integrated floats supports babies in the water and keeps them in a more natural horizontal swimming position.
• UV protection—swimwear with UV protection keeps kids safe when swimming outdoors.
• Preventing leaks—some reusable swim diapers, such as the Happy Nappy™ and the Happy Nappy Duo™ provide comfort to babies and give you peace of mind that they can enjoy a leak-free swim. From one year old, babies can start to wear float suits, jackets or vests in the pool. Although water wings are the first choice for many parents, swimwear with built-in buoyancy aids can help babies feel more confident in the pool and encourage them to maintain the natural horizontal position for swimming.

If you’re unsure of the difference between float vests and jackets, you can find out more here or read our guide to float suits here.

At this age, your baby will be old enough to enjoy swimming outdoors in summer. Make sure you protect them from the sun’s harsh rays with UV swimwear, as well as a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

What swimwear do you need for a baby aged 12–18 months?

Babies aged 12–18 months will need the following before they go swimming:

A Swim Diaper

+ Swimwear with built-in removable floats—these will help your baby stay above the water when they’re in the pool.

or Buoyancy jacket or vest— babies can wear a swim vest or float jacket on top of their regular swimwear to help them maintain the correct position in the water when learning to swim. They can wear this instead of swimwear with integrated floats.

or UV swimwear—if you plan to take your baby to the beach or an outdoor pool now they’re older, make sure they’re wearing special UV swimwear to protect them
from the sun.

Baby swimwear with built-in removable floats

You can remove the floats once your baby becomes more confident in the water. All of our Floatsuits have a 16-piece adjustable buoyancy system, where the floats can be removed in pairs as the child gains confidence in the water.

Being properly prepared for a beach vacation can guarantee your children have a fantastic time while staying safe in the sun and water. Below is a guide to the essentials they will need for safe fun in the sun:

• UV swimwear - Choose swimwear made from UPF 50+ fabric to protect your children’s delicate skin from the sun. For sun protection with the added benefit of integrated floats, choose our Sleeved Floatsuits.
  
• Wetsuits for cooler water - Toddlers and older children can enjoy splashing about in cooler water for longer by wearing a wetsuit. Made from neoprene, wetsuits protect skin from the sun and provide added warmth for children while they explore the beach.Read our complete baby wetsuit guide here or view the collection here.
  
• Rash vests for extra sun protection - These lightweight t-shirts protect children’s shoulders, arms and torsos from the sun. Rash vests are suitable for babies aged six months and above and can be worn with a Happy Nappy™ or board shorts or over any other type of swimwear. You can view our full range of rash vests here.
  

To find out more about the benefits of Float Jacket and Swim Vests, read our guide here.