Safety of Toddler Swimsuits

While buying your toddler a swimsuit might not be quite as stressful as buying one for yourself, there are still issues to consider when browsing the bathing suit rack for the 3-and-under set. Toddler swimsuits that are too loose can be a safety hazard, and swimsuits with built-in flotation devices could provide a false sense of security about your toddler's safety while in the water.

  1. Materials

    • Wet swimsuits can be uncomfortable if they're not made out of quick-drying fabric. Don't let your toddler swim in street clothing made of materials such as cotton, which absorbs up to 27 times its weight in water, and can weigh him down and make it hard for him to keep his balance, according to the Sewing and Craft Alliance. Wet cotton also keeps your child wet for longer when he comes out of the pool, increasing the risk of hypothermia if it's chilly. Suits made of nylon, stretch fabrics, polyester and/or spandex will dry quickly and be more comfortable to wear.

    Fit

    • Swimsuits that are too loose can get caught on objects, including pool or hot tub drains or play equipment. Clothing loose enough to get caught can pose a drowning risk if it becomes tangled in an improperly maintained pool drain, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns. Buy swimsuits that fit well and avoid suits that have long ribbons or other pieces of material that could catch or become caught. On the other hand, buy new suits when your toddler's old swimsuit becomes too tight; wet, tight clothing can cause rashes or discomfort.

    UV Protection

    • Some swimsuits or shirts have UV protection added that helps protect against sunburn. Normal clothing has a sun protection factor of less than 8 when wet; ultraviolet protective fabrics with an SPF of 50 provide much greater sun protection, according to the American Melanoma Foundation. That doesn't mean you don't have to apply sunscreen to uncovered areas or keep an eye on your toddler to make sure he's not turning pink in the sun, but swimsuits or shirts with a high enough UPF reading can help reduce burns.

    Flotation Suits

    • Flotation suits have foam blocks sewn into the fabric to keep your toddler floating and above water. A flotation suit can give your toddler confidence in the water -- sometimes more confidence than he should have. It's never a good idea to trust your toddler's safety to any flotation device. A Coast Guard-approved flotation device provides the best protection for children who can't swim, but even with an approved flotation device on, your toddler still needs constant supervision in the water, Kids Health from Nemours warns.

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