Kids wetsuits are a simple tool to use when going to the pool, lake or beach to keep your child warm and cozy even in cool water. The right size and features will ensure the wetsuit works the way that it is intended to. These tips will help you find the right style and size wetsuit for your youngest swimmers.
Styles
There are many styles of kids wetsuits available. The most popular option for summer time swimming is a short sleeved variety with legs that come to the knees. This style is just right for toddlers and babies because it keeps the torso warm while allowing a full range of motion. This style is also simpler to get onto a squirming baby than full sleeves and ankle length leggings. A longer, full-coverage wetsuit is a good option when the water will be cooler than usual, however. Each style of wetsuit has advantages in specific types of water.
The temperature of the water is the most important consideration when choosing kids wetsuits. This can actually be more difficult to judge when you aren’t sure of the water temperate. You may want to opt for a style that covers more of the body, rather than less, when you want to be sure your child is comfortable in the water. A pool may be one area where you are comfortable choosing less coverage but you will still want knee length shorts on the wetsuit for the best seal. Sleeveless wetsuits are an option to consider when swimming in a pool with temperature controls.
Temperature Guide
With all kids wetsuits you will want to know what the temperature of the water is to choose the right wetsuit for the environment. You may want to go ahead and invest in several different styles if your family spends a lot of time on the beach or around other bodies of water. Some of the most common styles and temperatures include the following:
- Shorty wetsuits are made with sleeves that stop at the elbows and shorts that stop at the knees. This type of wetsuit is best for water that is about 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. The wetsuit should also be about 2 to 4 millimeters thick and a rash guard should be used.
- For cooler water that is 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit you will want to opt for a kids wetsuit that stops at the ankles and wrists. You should make sure that the wetsuit is also a little thicker, with five millimeters being ideal for water that is this chilly. A rash guard should also be used with this option.
- For water over 75 degrees Fahrenheit you can choose a sleeveless wetsuit that stops at the knees. With all wetsuits you will also want to use a rash guard to keep the skin healthy while being exposed to water.
Each type of wetsuit is best in a certain environment but your child will be more comfortable wearing a wetsuit that provides more coverage than needed than they will if they don’t have enough coverage. Make sure you avoid swimming in water that is less than fifty-five degrees Fahrenheit to ensure your child doesn’t suffer from hypothermia.
Sizing
The sizing of your kids wetsuit is very important to consider. Since children do grow quickly you may think it is best to get a wetsuit that is slightly larger to allow the suit to be worn longer. With other clothing this is fine but a wetsuit needs to fit snugly in order to work properly. A wetsuit works by trapping a very thin layer of water in between the kids skin and the wetsuit. This layer of water is warmed by the skin and works as an insulator to maintain body temperature. A wetsuit that is too loose won’t work to hold this layer of water next to the skin but will let new, cold water inside the suit.
You will want to use your child’s current clothing size as well as their height and weight to find the kids wetsuit that fits properly when shopping online. Many stores that sell wetsuits have a chart that you can refer to if you need help with sizing. If you are still unsure make sure you check the return policy for the store so that you can return any unused wetsuits that don’t fit your child right. If your child is on the verge of moving into a larger size, such as two or three pounds short of the next size, then you may find it best to choose the next larger size.
Use
Using a kids wetsuit is simple. The suit can be a little harder to get on if you have chosen a full coverage suit but using a rash guard does make the suit a little simpler to put on. A rash guard is also advisable with small children who may not be able to tell the water is irritating their skin until they already have a rash. You can buy a rash guard when you choose the wetsuit that is right for your child.
There are also some things that you can do to keep your kids wetsuit in good working order. For instance, you may want to purchase a wetsuit hanger to cut the drying time and rinse the suit out after swimming in salt water. After the suit is totally dry then you can put it away as usual. You should avoid putting your suit away when it is wet since it may become molded in long term storage. Most experts recommended hanging the wetsuit when storing it, as well.
A kids wetsuit is a great investment that allows you to enjoy the beach as a family. By choosing the right sizing and caring for the wetsuit properly your little swimmers can have fun at the beach all summer long. Your wetsuit is also affordable and simple to care for.
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