10 Best Baby & Toddler Swimsuits That Protect Skin for All-Day Water Fun
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Babies and toddlers love fun in the sun, especially when it involves the water. If you have a little one who gets excited to hit the pool or the beach, or even loves splashing around in the yard, it’s time to stock their closet with some new swimwear. The best baby swimsuits protect gentle skin and look cute while doing it. How? Thanks to the latest updates for little swimsuits, most offer UPF protection which shields your skin from harmful rays in addition with ample application of the best sunscreens.
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And if you’re hunting for a new ‘fit for your baby or toddler, keep in mind brighter colors are safer, according to Abbie Hughes, a water rescue specialist. “Blue and green swimsuits are really difficult to see when submerged underwater,” Hughes says. “The easiest color to see is pink, which is why kids’ life jackets are often this color.”
Luckily, you have plenty of baby and toddler swimsuit options to choose from, thanks to our complete guide to what to look for. Keep reading for tips from a pediatrician and water rescue expert to learn how to land on the best baby swimsuits.
Best Swimsuits for Babies, at a Glance
Best Overall: Caden Lane Sun’s Out Double Ruffle One Piece, $38
Best Rash Guard: Old Navy Unisex Long-Sleeve Swim Rash Guard Bodysuit, $16
Best Amazon Find: Younger Tree Toddler Baby Girls Swimsuit, $15
Best Swim Trunks: I Play. by Green Sprouts Boys’ Trunks, $18
Best Splurge: Hanna Andersson Baby Swimsuit & Floppy Sun Hat Set, $42
Best Swimsuits for Toddlers, at a Glance
Best Overall for Toddlers: Cat & Jack Toddler Girls’ Puff Sleeve Bikini Set, $12
Best Rash Guard Set for Toddlers: Carter’s Just One You Baby Boys’ Long Sleeve Striped Rash Guard Set, $19
Best Classic Swimsuit for Toddlers: Mini Boden Kids’ Stripe One-Piece Swimsuit, $28
Best Toddler Boys Swimsuit: Vineyard Vines Boys’ Long-Sleeve Rashguard, $45
Best Gender Neutral Swimsuit for Toddlers: Primary Long Sleeve One-Piece Rash Guard, $33
How to Choose an Infant or Toddler Swimsuit, According to Pediatricians
When it comes to choosing the best swimsuits for infants and toddlers, pediatricians want you to keep a few things in mind. Before we dive into a checklist to consider before adding a new swimwear to your little one’s rotation, it’s important to take note of what materials each piece is crafted with, and if the suits pose any safety hazards.
Take a look at the fabrics
“Swimsuits with rough textures can irritate the delicate skin of infants and toddlers,” says Dr. Supriya Wakchaure, a consulting pediatrician and neonatologist, a practicing doctor at Matoshree Multispeciality Hospital, and a member of the Indian Academy of Pediatrics. Always opt for high-quality polyester and nylon-spandex blends that offer a comfortable fit comfortable and stretchability. Dr. Wakchaure does cautions to stay away from non-breathable materials that can “trap moisture against the skin, leading to discomfort and potential skin irritation.”
Evaluate the safety hazards
Dr. Wakchaure suggests that this is the most important when purchasing a new swimsuit for your baby. Check for loose accessories and “avoid swimsuits with small, detachable parts like buttons or decorative items that could pose a choking hazard.”
It’s also highly essential to make sure the size you select has the proper fit. “A swimsuit that is too tight can restrict movement and breathing, while one that is too loose may lead to accidental exposure
or entanglement in water.” Lastly, purchase a suit that offers substantial UPF protection.
Scroll ahead to shop the best swimsuits for babies and toddlers from Target, Nordstrom, Mini Boden, and more.
Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think you’ll love as much as we do. Caden Lane and Target are SheKnows sponsors, however, all products in this article were independently selected by our editors. Please note that if you purchase something by clicking on a link within this story, we may receive a small commission of the sale.
Best Swimsuits for Babies
BEST OVERALL
Caden Lane, Sun's Out Double Ruffle One-Piece
$38
Hit the beach or the pool with your little one in this adorable ruffle swimsuit. This Caden Lane Sun’s Out one-piece has a sunny print paired with waves and a ruffle detail along the sides. The swimsuit also offers protective features like UPF 50+ sun protection, flat-lay seams to prevent rashes, and quick-drying fabric so your little one is never cold.
Sizes: 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2T, 3T, 4T, 5/6, 7/8, and 9/10
Colorways: 1
Materials: 80% nylon and 20% spandex
Pros:
UPF 50+ sun-protection
Easy diaper access snaps
Cons:
Ruffles can cause irritation
BEST RASH GUARD
Old Navy, Unisex Long-Sleeve Swim Rash Guard Bodysuit
$14.49 $22.99 37% off
Keep Baby safe sun in Old Navy’s long-sleeve swim rash guard bodysuit. The rash guard is made with a textured jacquard jersey and offers plenty of comfortable stretch, which makes getting them ready for fun in the sun a breeze. One parent wrote: “Feels like great quality material, and I love the bright color!”
Sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months
Colorways: 1
Materials: 96% nylon and 4% spandex
Pros:
Built-in UPF 50+ sun protection
Fitted
Cons:
Only one colorway
BEST AMAZON FIND
Younger Tree, Toddler Baby Girls Swimsuit
$14.99-$17.99
Whether you plan to dress your baby in a mermaid print or roaring dinosaurs, consider the Younger Tree swimsuit this season. Aside from over 20 colors and designs to choose from, the one-piece offers quick-drying materials and UPF 50+ sun protection. One five-star reviewer says it “fits perfect with a little room to grow.” They also added, “So cute! My daughter loves dinosaurs, so she was very excited to wear it. It’s a 2t 3t. Easy to put on and off. And she still has some room to grow into more.”
Sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 1-2T, 2-3T, 3-4T, 4-5T, and 5-6 years
Colorways: 21
Materials: 82% polyester and 18% spandex
Pros:
Easy one-piece design
Over 20 colors and prints
Cons:
Not as stretchy as other options
BEST SWIM TRUNKS
I Play. by Green Sprouts, Boys' Trunks
$18.51
Looking for tiny trunks? This affordable pair from Amazon will have you to adding multiple pairs to your cart. The trunks have the cutest design. They’re never bulky and don’t have any extra snaps to weigh your baby down while swinging. Plus, the shorts are made with sustainable and recycled materials.
Sizes: 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, 3T, and 4T
Colorways: 7
Materials: Sustainable recycled polyester
Pros:
Easy one-piece design
Over 20 colors and prints
Cons:
Not as stretchy as other options
BEST SPLURGE
Hanna Andersson, Baby Swimsuit & Floppy Sun Hat Set
$60
Dressing your baby up in outfits that pay homage to your own childhood is a part of parenthood that most look forward to — that’s where this Strawberry Shortcake-like swimsuit comes in handy this summer. The swimsuit from Hanna Andersson is made with soft, sun-blocking swim fabric that is gentle on babies’ skin as they splash around in the water. It comes with a one-piece suit and hat to shield delicate skin from harmful rays.
Sizes: 0-3 months, 3-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months, 2T, and 3T
Colorways: 3
Materials: 82% recycled nylon and 18% spandex
Pros:
Multiple colors
Easy to care for
Cons:
Has bold design
Best Swimsuits for Toddlers
BEST OVERALL FOR TODDLERS
Cat & Jack, Toddler Girls' Puff Sleeve Bikini Set
$12
For the big girls this summer, snag this trendy puff sleeve suit. The bathing suit top looks like an everyday pick, but it’s made for days in the pool. The full bottoms also have a ruffled details equipped with a full elastic waistband to keep them secure.
Sizes: 12 months, 18 months, 2T, 3T, 4T, and 5T
Colorways: 3
Materials: 83% recycled polyester and 17% spandex
Pros:
Stays secure on
True to size
Cons:
Only a few sizing options in stock
BEST TODDLER RASH GUARD SET
Carter's, Just One You Baby Boys' Long Sleeve Striped Rash Guard Set
$19
Most rash guard swimsuits for toddlers come in a one-piece or t-shirt, but this pick at Target includes both a protective top and coordinating bottoms that are cute as a button. Both pieces protect gentle skin against harmful rays. The fabric is soft against the skin and can be easily worn with no special care instructions.
Sizes: 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and 18 months
Colorways: 1
Materials: 83% polyester and 17% elastane
Pros:
Includes coordinating swim bottoms
Machine washable
Cons:
Only 1 color option
BEST CLASSIC SWIMSUIT FOR TODDLERS
Mini Boden, Kids' Stripe One-Piece Swimsuit
$28
Stripes and swimsuits are always welcome in the summer season, and if you’re looking for a classic suit for your little bestie, add this one to your cart before it’s too late. Mini Boden is known for its playful colors and durable pieces that hold up through playtime and washing. The one-piece features criss-cross straps with a relaxed fit.
Sizes: 2-3, 3-4. 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, and 7-8
Colorways: 1
Materials: 80% polyamide and 20% elastane
Pros:
Classic stripe print
Durable materials
Cons:
Can run small
BEST BOYS SWIMSUIT FOR TODDLERS
Vineyard Vines, Boys' Long-Sleeve Rashguard
$45
Preppy styles are in for 2024, and the Vineyard Vines swimsuit shop is bursting with vibrant styles. Pair this logo rash guard with a bright pair of swim trunks to hit the beach this season. The top offers some stretch and plenty of sun protection for hours of fun in the sun.
Sizes: 2T, 3T, 4T, 5, 6, 7, S, M, L, and XL
Colorways: 2
Materials: 80% polyester and 20% spandex
Pros:
Comfortable fit
Protective
Cons:
Does not include bottoms
BEST GENDER NEUTRAL SWIMSUIT FOR TODDLERS
Primary, Long Sleeve One-Piece Rash Guard
$35 $44 20% off
The front zipper on this suit is a hit with parents. The long-sleeve one-piece rash guard offers plenty of seasonal strategies that make it easy to keep an eye on your child. Plus, it’s made with “high quality, thick material,” according to one Primary parent. “The best part is the zipper in the front so my kiddo is completely self-sufficient. Primary swim is the best around.”
Sizes: 2-3, 4-5, 6-7, 8-9, 10 and 12
Colorways: 1
Materials: 80% recycled nylon and 20% spandex
Pros:
Other variations of the swimsuit are available
Easy-to-use front zipper
Cons:
More expensive than other brands
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