Watching your kids have fun doing the same stuff you love is what life’s all about. Keeping your kids safe is also pretty important. Choosing a wetsuit for children can be tough since there are so many on the market. This list of our “top 5 wetsuits for kids” contains durable, comfortable wetsuits your kids can wear for all-day fun in the water.
When it comes to water activities, we want our kids to have fun, but we also want them to be safe. It’s important to do proper research before choosing wetsuits for kids because they are more fragile than adults are!
What makes a good wetsuit for kids? As adults, we know what kinds of wetsuits work for us, but what is the primary concern for kids’ wetsuits? It is important that a wetsuit has good insulation to keep kids warm, stretchy fabric for flexibility, and durable fabric that allows for a snug fit to ensure that water does not get inside of the suit.
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We have compiled a foolproof list of safe and durable wetsuits for kids in 2022. Whether you’re heading out for a relaxing beach day, enrolling your child in surf lessons, or taking a scuba diving trip, you can rest assured that your children will be protected in these kids’ wetsuits so that you can all focus on having fun!
Key Components of Wetsuits for Kids
What makes for the safest wetsuit for kids? How thick should a kids wetsuit be? What material should you look for? All of these are very important questions. It is crucial that your children stay warm when spending extended periods of time in water, and it is equally as important that they wear a durable suit that will not rip or tear from normal use.
Look for these key components in wetsuits for kids:
- Nylon or neoprene material for buoyancy and protection
- Thickness of 2-4mm to ensure there is good insulation
- Long sleeves and legs, unless you will certainly be in warm water and warm weather
- Snug fit
How Do You Determine the Size of Your Kids’ Wetsuit?
Many parents struggle to determine which size wetsuit to purchase for their children. While you may want to size up since kids tend to grow so quickly, we don’t recommend doing so. It’s important that the garment fits your child snugly to ensure that water stays out. If the suit is too loose, water will flush in and out, causing your child to get cold quickly, and also running the risk of water pollution irritating their skin.
Finding a snug size can get tricky, though, because you don’t want the suit to be too tight. If the material is too thick, it will restrict flexibility, making it more difficult for them to move. Same goes for tightness. You want a suit that is snug enough to keep water out, but not so tight that your child can’t swim properly.
Either way, putting wetsuits on your child and taking them off will likely be a hassle, so don’t make your judgment based on that. Ensure that your child has a full range of motion while wearing the suit, and that no water tends to seep in or flush out, and your child should be good to go. For more help, many of the below links feature sizing charts specific to the suit brand.
Kids Wetsuits That Meet All the Criteria
Lemorecn Full Body Wetsuits for Youth
Material: Neoprene
Color: Black
Thickness: 3/2 mm
Price Range: $36.00 – $39.00
This kids wetsuit features long sleeves and legs that increase warmth, making it optimal for snorkeling or diving. Moreover, it features a thickness of 2mm all around for good flexibility, with a 3mm chest panel that adds extra insulation. With a 50+ UV protection, this wetsuit is ideal for the most active children who spend long hours in and out of the water.
This suit also comes with an extra-long leash, a hidden key pocket, a durable zipper, and knee pads, packing tons of value into one suit.
Hevto Kids Neoprene Wetsuit
Material: Neoprene + Nylon
Color: Black and Blue/ Pink / Red
Thickness: 3/2 mm
Price Range: $38.85
Like most wetsuits for kids, this one is good for children who swim for an extended period of time. The long sleeves and legs make for optimal warmth, while the neoprene material allows for buoyancy. With flat-lock stitching, this suit features an extra layer for warmth and protection against rocks or other sea creatures. A fitted neckline and a single back zipper ensure that water will stay out. This suit features bright colors that make your child easy to spot in or out of the water.
Dark Lightning Kids Wetsuit
Material: Neoprene
Color: Navy blue / red
Thickness: 3 mm
Price Range: Under $40
For those who live in warmer climates, this short-sleeved suit is beneficial because it allows for greater flexibility and comfort for your young swimmers. This suit is suggested for waters that are upwards of 60℉. This suit is especially good for toddlers or younger children due to its wide, easy to use zipper and the velcro flap that keeps the zipper in place.
Goldfin Kids Wetsuit
Material: Neoprene
Color: Pink / Blue / Various designs
Thickness: 2mm
Price Range: $30.99 – $35.99
Another flexible short-sleeved suit that makes for flexible use for warm weather and water sports like kayaking, windsurfing, boogie boarding, sailing, or swimming. This one comes in a variety of bright, fun colors that kids will love. The colors also help you identify your child at a crowded beach, pool, or water park. Many parents like this type of suit because it’s a flexible one-piece suit that makes for easy removal for bathroom breaks.
BONVERANO Infant Wetsuit
Material: Nylon / Spandex (chemical free)
Color: Various designs
Price Range: $11.00 – $22.00
While infants may not spend as much time in the water as older children, they still need to be protected. These infant-sized suits are made with protective, chemical-free materials that will allow for flexibility and durability. Moreover, they feature UV protection and a rash-guard. What’s unique and beneficial about these suits is the hood or hat that they come with that allows for even more protection against the sun’s harmful rays.
Kids Wetsuit Add-Ons
- Water booties for activities like snorkeling or diving, or for areas where kids might be prone to scrape their feet. Try these options:
- Neoprene Booties. These booties will keep your child’s feet warm. Pair them with a long-sleeved wetsuit for maximum warmth in colder waters.
- NeoSport Youth Boots. These water boots have extra grip on the bottom, which allows for protection against harsh terrain and extra grip for beginner surfers.
- Floaty vests for young children who are still learning to swim. Here are some varieties:
- Vine Swim Vest. This vest is perfect for new swimmers aged 1 to 3 years. It can fit right over a swimsuit.
- Chriffer Swim Vest with Shoulder Harness and Arm Wings. For extra flotation, this option comes with floaty arm wings. This vest is a bit more bulky, so be sure to consider sizing if you plan to put it over your kid’s wetsuits.
Summing it Up
There are a select few criteria to make sure that your child’s wetsuit has to ensure that they are comfortable, able to swim easily, protected, and warm. Purchasing any of the above items will allow you to have fun with your kids without worrying too much about their safety. Click here for more water sport recommendations, like the best wakesurf boards for beginners, or good wakesurf boards for men over 200 pounds to make sure that you’re using the best products!