Many parents wonder if a wetsuits for kids are really necessary. The answer is, yes! When your child is snorkeling, surfing or standup paddle-boarding a wetsuit will help prevent against harmful UV rays (it’s best to look for a wetsuit with UPV 50+ protection; though it’s by no means a replacement for sunscreen). A wetsuit will also help keep your child warm as it insulates him or her from water temperature (remember children can go from normal to hypothermia alarmingly fast as their bodies aren’t yet developed in the way adult bodies are to keep them warm).
The thickness of a wetsuit is important to consider too. Thickness can offer young children additional buoyancy in the water – though wetsuits are in no way a replacement for life jackets. You will find a variety of options when it comes to this. The thicker the wetsuit. the more buoyancy. But you’ll also want factor in the outside temperature and the water temperature when deciding on which option to opt for. In the same vein you’ll want to consider the outside/water temperature when deciding between a full-body wetsuit vs a short wetsuit.
With the general housekeeping out of the way, read on to see some of the best wetsuits for kids!
More Summer Safety:
- What You Need To Know About Dry Drowning
- Secondary Drowning: How To Recognize The Signs
- 10 Beach Safety Rules all Moms Should Follow
Best Wetsuits for Kids
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Mountain Warehouse Kids Full Wetsuit
Designed in 2.5mm neoprene fabric, this UPF 50+ suit comes in a long list of color options.
$59.99 at Mountain Warehouse
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Layatone Neoprene 3mm Long Wetsuit For Kids
Available in pink or blue, this option is soft and comfortable. Besides UV protection it's also designed to be quick-drying and wear-resistant.
$39.77 - $44.99 at Amazon
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O'Neill Youth Reactor
O'Neill is a leader in the wetsuit category. This option has a back-zip for easy entry, is wind-proof, has an adjustable collar and breathable seams.
$79.95 at O'Neill
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Hevto Shorty Wetsuits Kids
Design-wise it's hard to beat this Spiderman-inspired option!
$18 at Hevto
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Seavenger Scout
Made of 3mm neoprene for comfy warmth and UV protection, the material of this wetsuit is also flexible and has rubberized knee panels and anti-chafing stitching.
$59.95 at Seavenger