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

Choosing swimwear for your baby can feel overwhelming, with so many options available, each offering different benefits. It's hard to know where to begin. This guide simplifies things to help you choose the best swimwear for your baby or toddler.

In this guide, we will:

  • Discuss swim nappies and offer advice on the best choices for your child
  • Show you the swimwear options available for different age groups
  • Walk you through the key features to look for in swimwear
  • Explain the available options for outdoor swimwear for kids

Swim Nappies

It's important to remember that all babies must wear a swim nappy when swimming, whether it's disposable or reusable. All baby swim classes require this, and some may still insist on it even if your toddler is toilet trained.

Swim nappies are an essential piece of swimwear and there are two types available: disposable and reusable.

Disposable Swim Nappies:

  • Are single-use and thrown away after wearing
  • Look like regular nappies, but don't swell in the water
  • May be less effective at preventing faecal leaks in the pool than a reusable nappy

Reusable Swim Nappies:

  • Can be worn and washed multiple times
  • Are available in cute designs and colours so they can be worn as swimmers
  • Provide more effective faecal leak protection as they are made from more robust fabrics

Most Australian swim schools require a double layer nappy system for their baby classes. This can be made up of a disposable swim nappy with a reusable one on top, or a reusable swim nappy with a reusable nappy wrap underneath.

At Splash About, we recommend using reusable swim nappies instead of disposables, not just for their clear environmental benefits. You can learn more about the advantages of reusable swim nappies in our guide to Swimming Nappies.

The Happy Nappy™

The Happy Nappy™ is a globally trusted reusable swim nappy. Its unique, patented design makes it the most effective neoprene swim nappy on the market. With specialised waist and thigh ribs that create a secure seal to
contain solids, it also features an ergonomic shape that allows full freedom of movement without the risk of leaks.

If you need a double nappy system without the hassle of using two separate nappies, the Happy Nappy Duo™ is the perfect solution. It offers the same reliable leak protection as the Happy Nappy™, with the added benefit of a built-in second layer. This not only meets the double-layer nappy requirement but also helps protect your baby from germs, thanks to the active silver lining.

Best baby swimwear for babies aged 0–3 months

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

  • Warmth: Tiny babies can easily feel the cold, so it's essential to prioritise swimwear that helps keep them warm. Check the temperature of your local pool before you go; for babies in this age group, the pool should be heated to above 32°C
  • Skin Sensitivity: Newborns often have sensitive skin that can be irritated by chlorine. If your baby has a skin condition, such as eczema, choose swimwear designed to help retain their barrier cream

  • Newborn Baby Swimming Top Tip:

    Check the temperature of your local pool before you go. For babies aged 0–3 months, the pool should be heated to above 32°C. At this age, they struggle to regulate their own temperature, so warmer water and a suitable swimsuit are essential. Ensure that the water temperature does not exceed 35°C.

    Babies in this age group tire very quickly, so it’s unlikely you’ll spend more than 10–15 minutes in the pool. Even though their time in the water will be short, it's important to ensure they wear the right swimwear to keep them as comfortable as possible.

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

A Swim Nappy + Thermal all-in-one swimwear for babies who feel the cold (or for use in cooler pools) and have sensitive skin.

OR

A Swim Nappy + Baby Wrap Wetsuit which opens flat for easy changing and keep babies’ core warm.

OR

A Happy Nappy™ Wetsuit - Can be worn alone as the Happy Nappy™ is inbuilt within the wetsuit

Thermal All-In ONe

Warm-In-One

Keep your baby as warm as possible by dressing them in fleece lined swimwear that covers their arms and legs. This will provide extra warmth and allow them to enjoy longer sessions in the pool. Newborns often have sensitive skin, so all-in-one swimwear helps protect their delicate skin by keeping barrier creams in place, which guard against the irritation of chlorine.

 If your baby uses cream for a skin condition like eczema, apply it before putting on their Warm in One. This will help ensure the cream doesn’t wash off, providing your baby’s skin with an extra layer of protection.

adjustable wetsuit

Baby Wrap Wetsuit

If you’re looking for swimwear that will keep your baby warm and is super easy to put on and take off, consider a Baby Wrap. Made from neoprene—the same material used for adult wetsuits—they provide extra warmth to your baby's core.

Baby Wraps open flat, making changes a breeze! Simply open the Baby Wrap, lay your baby on top, and wrap the suit over their shoulders and across their body. Secure it with the adjustable Velcro style fastening, which can grow with your baby.

2-in-1 solution - wetsuit with swim nappy

Happy Nappy Wetsuit™

Wetsuits with an integrated swim nappy are another great option for babies aged 0–3 months. Look for baby wetsuits made from neoprene, as this material provides extra warmth and helps keep your baby comfortable for longer.

The Splash About Happy Nappy™ Wetsuit is the only baby wetsuit with an integrated Happy Nappy™, meaning you don’t need to wear another nappy underneath. This makes it excellent value for parents.

The Happy Nappy™ Wetsuit is perfect for both beaches and pools, as it is made from UPF50+ fabric, which protects your baby from the sun while also sheltering them from wind and sand.

Best baby swimwear for babies aged 3–6 months

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

  • Freedom of Movement: Babies at this age love to wriggle, making it the perfect time for them to get accustomed 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, enabling them to enjoy longer periods in the water.

  • Babies will be able to spend a little more time in the pool at this age and can go in pools heated to 30°C and above, 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.

Babies aged 3-6 months will need the following:

Swim Nappy + Warm swimwear that allows freedom of movement—choose styles that allow your baby to have a full range of movement while keeping them warm.

OR

A Happy Nappy™ Wetsuit - Can be worn alone as the Happy Nappy™ is inbuilt within the wetsuit

Best baby swimwear for warmth and freedom—babies 3–6 months

Baby Wrap Wetsuit

Swim nappies remain essential at this age. You may choose to pair them with a regular swimsuit if you feel your baby can handle the cooler water. However, if they still need extra warmth, consider a style that is easy to put on, as babies at this age may not always cooperate!

Wrap-around swimwear, like the Baby Wrap, is ideal for wriggly babies, as it opens completely flat for quick and easy dressing. Made from thick neoprene, it helps maintain core temperature while leaving arms and legs free to splash and play, allowing them to feel unrestricted.

Best baby swimwear for warmth and freedom—babies 3–6 months

Happy Nappy Wetsuit™

This neoprene wetsuit is perfect for this age group as it ticks all the boxes. It features an integrated Happy Nappy™, functions like an adult wetsuit to keep the core of the body warm, and is unrestrictive, especially around the legs.

Best baby swimwear for babies aged 6–9 months and 9–12months

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

  • Preventing Leaks: Since your baby will be in the pool for longer periods now that they’re older, choose swimwear with an integrated swim nappy to prevent any accidents
  • Grip: Your baby will be more active at this age, so swimwear made from neoprene is ideal. This material will help you hold your baby more securely and prevent them from slipping out of your hands
  • Warmth: Babies will still need extra warmth, especially in cooler pools. Opt for baby swimwear made from neoprene or one with 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 may start attending swimming classes, which can last up to half an hour. Standard bathers are suitable if your baby doesn’t feel the cold, but they must be worn with a swim nappy to prevent accidents in the pool.

  • For peace of mind, opt for baby swimwear with an integrated swim nappy, as these are specifically designed to prevent faeces from leaking into the pool. Alternatively, you can use a reusable swim nappy with your child’s regular swimmers.

Babies aged 6-12 months will need the following :

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

+

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 nappies - Babies 6-12 months

The Happy Nappy™ Range

Happy Nappy™ products are specifically designed to meet the needs of baby swimming. The range featuring an integrated swim nappy offers a variety of benefits. For babies aged 6-12 months, the Happy Nappy™ Swimsuit or Happy Nappy™ Wetsuit are ideal options. Both include the Happy Nappy™ built in, providing protection against leaks that can be embarrassing for you and may even lead to pool closures. All products in the Happy Nappy™ range are approved for use in baby swim classes across Australia. (Be sure to check the double nappy policy with your local swim class.)

Best baby swimwear with sun protection- babies 6-12 months

Happy Nappy™ Sunsuit

If you’re looking for a swimsuit suitable for outdoor adventures and are more concerned about sun protection than cool waters, the Happy Nappy™ Sunsuit is the perfect solution. It features the full neoprene Happy Nappy™ along with a ¾ sleeve, high-neck rash top that offers UPF50+ sun protection. This design will keep your baby cool at the beach while effectively containing solids.

Best baby swimwear for babies aged 12–18 months

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

  • Preventing Leaks: Babies at this age still need swim nappy support but may no longer rely on the warmth of a baby wetsuit. In this case, the Happy Nappy™ or Happy Nappy Duo™ are ideal, as they can be paired with their favourite swimmers or worn on their own.
  • Buoyancy: From one year old, babies can begin to use learn-to swim aids such as Swim Vests or Floatsuits. These products are designed to promote water confidence, supporting children in a natural swimming position with their shoulders tilted forward into the water. They can help introduce independence to young swimmers as they learn to find their balance in the water
  • UV Protection: For outdoor adventures, it is essential that babies in the sun wear UPF50+ swimwear along with sunscreen to ensure maximum safety. All Splash About buoyancy and baby swimming ranges offer this UPF rating

Babies aged 12-18 months will need the following :

A Swim Nappy + Swimwear with built-in removable floats—these will help your baby find their balance in water and encourage early swimming skills

              OR         

A Swim Nappy + Swim Vest- babies can wear a swim vest on top of their regular swimwear to help them maintain the correct position in the water when learning to swim

              OR          

A Swim Nappy + UV swimwear—Essential for any length of time playing on the beach or by the pool. Always remember sunscreen and a sun hat too.

Best swimwear for buoyancy—Babies aged 12–18 months

Baby swimwear with built-in removable floats

Our Sleeved Floatsuits are comfortable and flexible, providing buoyancy support through a 16 piece float system. Toddlers love to feel independent, and this suit allows them to master early swimming strokes while the floats support them in the water. As they grow and become more capable, the floats can be gradually removed until they are swimming without any assistance! The Sleeved Floatsuit also offers the added reassurance of UPF50+ coverage across the neck, back, shoulders, and thighs.

Best swimwear for buoyancy—Babies aged 12–18 months

Swim Vest with non-removable floats

These are a great choice for children who want to easily take their swim aid on and off when going in and out of the water. With a zip and quick-drying fabric, they can be worn all day. The non removable floats make the Swim Vest compact and lightweight, allowing it to be easily packed into swim bags. It offers the same buoyancy support as the Sleeved Floatsuit.

UPF50+ Swimwear for babies and toddlers

Swimwear with UPF50+ is essential for children of all ages and must always be paired with sunblock and a sun hat. All items in the baby swimming range are made from UPF50+ fabrics. For hot days at the beach with babies aged 0–24 months, the go-to choice should be the Happy Nappy™ Sunsuit. As previously mentioned, the integrated Happy Nappy™ protects against faecal leaks; however, it’s important to note that it will not contain urine. If your baby is sitting on the sand rather than in the water, you may want to use a regular nappy instead. The rashie top will help keep them cool while protecting them from the sun's harmful rays.

For toddlers who want to run around in the sand, the best choice is the UV Sun & Sea Suit. This suit combines a neoprene wetsuit to keep children warm in the water with a polyester sunsuit that protects them from the sun and allows for flexibility to play without the restrictions of a traditional wetsuit. It can be worn in the water and on the beach, offering protection from the sun, sand, and wind.

For all children aged one to six years, we recommend the Splash About Legionnaire Hat. Designed with an elasticated fit to prevent
slipping off in the water, it is made from lightweight, flexible UPF50+ fabric that protects the eyes, face, head, and neck from the sun.