Like any parent, you’re probably wondering how you could make your child’s pool experience both safe and comfortable. We’re going to list a few essential baby & toddler swimwear items and others you might want to consider if they meet your child’s needs.

1. A Hat

Being under the sun for long periods of time makes a hat a must. A hat will protect their head, eyes, and face. Wearing a hat helps prevent painful facial sunburns but can also prevent your child from experiencing heat sickness. Look for a wide-brimmed hat so that it gives your baby’s neck protection too! There are a lot of cute options, your baby will be comfortable in style. Just look at this hat from Amazon!

2. Sunglasses

Sunglasses are a great fashion accessory, but their most important job is to protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Some of the sun’s effects on the eyes include Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens that can blur vision. An estimated 20% of cases are caused by extended UV exposure. When purchasing sunglasses, look for ones that block out 99 to 100% of both UVA and UVB radiation, so you can keep your baby’s vision sharp and eyes healthy.

3. Goggles

While we’re on the topic of eye protection we can’t forget to mention goggles. Getting chlorinated water in your eyes hurts! A pair of high-quality swimming goggles offers a tight, waterproof seal that minimizes the intrusion of water into your eyes. Look for goggles that have padding around the eye area and adjust the tightness to be comfortable. Goggles are helpful but don’t let your child get dependent on them. Dependency will cause issues down the road, for example, they may not want to get into the water without goggles on. This results in confidence issues while impeding their swimming abilities.

4. Swimsuit

It’s ultimately up to you, but we recommend some UV protection if you and your baby will be swimming out in the sun. These UV protective suits from UV Skinz are soft and stretchy, but most importantly, this type of suit will protect your baby’s sensitive skin from harsh UV rays during their swimming session. Alternately, you can opt for a regular bathing suit like this one-piece bathing suit from Old Navy, this very berry two-piece or full coverage floral rash guard.

5. Swim Diaper

Once you’ve decided on a swimsuit consider getting swim diapers if your baby isn’t potty trained yet. Regular diapers won’t work well in the water because of their absorbent materials. Once it hits the water the diaper becomes unusable, saggy,  heavy for the baby and a total mess! Swim diapers are the perfect piece for your baby to have a fun time in the water! Swim diapers are designed to be water resistant, non-absorbent, and keep solids in. So it’ll keep number 2’s out of the pool. The process of searching and buying swim diapers can get a bit overwhelming and confusing. Look no further, read up on some must-know info about swim diapers.

6. Life Jacket

You’re almost ready, there is one more thing your baby needs to ensure a fun and safe time swimming! Educate yourself on the dangers of water wings and opt for a swimming vest like this one from Body Glove, designed to keep infants buoyant in the water. It’s important to pick the right lifejacket for your child.

7. Water Shoes (Or At the Very Least Flip Flops)

Is your baby walking? Keep your little explorer’s feet safe, you never know what they’ll step in or on – even if it’s in your own backyard. While water shoes aren’t exactly an essential baby swim gear item – unless you’re going to the beach or a public pool – they do provide good grip both in and out of the water. Water shoes can protect your child’s feet from the pool deck and surrounding areas.

8. Sunscreen

We’re talking about all this sun protection you get from clothing but don’t forget sunscreen is an essential item for protecting your baby’s sensitive skin! Get a sunscreen with 50+ SPF, apply all over before and after getting in the pool. It’s good to know when to apply sunscreen before getting into the pool to get the most out of the sunscreen.

9. Towels

Last, but not least, have a big towel or two so you can wrap them up when they get out of the pool. No one likes the feeling of getting out of a warm pool, you can’t help but feel cold – even on a sweltering hot day. Babies cannot regulate their body temperature like adults can. In addition to having towels on-hand ensure the pool is a warm and comfortable temperature (about 90-92 ºF). Young children are also more sensitive to the cold than adults are. Overall, it’s best to avoid the discomfort by making sure you have towels. If you’re in a public pool setting bring extra in case they get splashed on!