What to Wear for Swim Lessons

Choosing the best swimsuit for your child's swim lessons involves considering several factors to ensure comfort, safety, and ease of movement.  Here's how to pick the best one:

Fit

The swimsuit should fit snugly but not be too tight. It should allow your child to move freely, especially when performing strokes or kicking.  Avoid overly loose swimsuits as they can hinder movement. Look for a suit that stays in place during activity, such as one-piece swimsuits for girls or swim trunks with a drawstring for boys. 

Material

Choose a swimsuit made from chlorine-resistant fabric (like polyester or a blend of spandex and polyester). This will ensure the suit lasts longer and doesn't fade or lose its shape quickly due to frequent exposure to pool chemicals. Some swimsuits are also designed to be quick-drying, which is ideal for swim lessons and regular use.

Design

For young children, simpler designs with fewer straps or embellishments are best, as they are more comfortable and less likely to cause irritation during lessons. For girls, one-piece swimsuits are often recommended as they stay in place better and offer more comfort for active swimming. For boys, swim trunks or briefs are fine, but make sure they're not too long or loose, as they can fall off or slow them down in the water.

Safety

Make sure that there are no decorative pieces on your child's swimsuit that could lead to unsafe situations if it were to wrap around them.  If your child is very young or still learning to swim, consider the fact that a life jacket or floatation device needs to fit comfortably around the swimsuit.  Color can also play an important role in safety, especially when swimming in crowded areas.  Consider brighter colors that are easily noticed from far away.  This helps you keep an eye on your child and will give a lifeguard the ability to spot them more easily.  Avoid darker colors and blues as they may blend in with the pool.

Ease of Wearing

Make sure the swimsuit is easy to get on and off. Suits with a zipper or adjustable straps can make it easier for children to change themselves.

Sun Protection

For outdoor swimming, you may want to choose a swimsuit with more coverage, such as long sleeve sun shirts to protect your child from the harmful UV rays.