How to Shop for the Best Kids’ Wetsuits

If you are heading out on a family or group outing, such as a diving trip, a kayaking trip, or swimming on the beach, it’s important to get kids’ wetsuits that fit them properly. They need to be snug — not too tight but also not too loose. You need to get quality wetsuits for your kid if water activities are on your list of activities to be done.

If you are taking your kids diving or snorkeling, they should wear a wetsuit. Wetsuits can protect against hypothermia and also help your kids regulate their body temperature. Preserving body temperature is especially important when you are in cold water. There are specific types of wetsuits for kids depending on the activity.

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What are Kids’ Wetsuits Made Of?

Old-school wetsuits are made of neoprene, which is a synthetic rubber. This material, which used to be what all wetsuits were made of (including kids’ wetsuits), is very tough and almost impossible to rip. It also allows the water to be pushed away as you move through it, keeping your body buoyant and helping you stay afloat.

But these days, most wetsuits—and kids’ wetsuits, of course—are made of a stretchy fabric made from a material known as spandex. Because the fabric is stretchy, it fits snuggly to your body, allowing you to move easily and comfortably in the water. There are a couple of considerations to keep in mind when shopping for kids’ wetsuits and they include:

Thickness

The thickness is determined by a number of factors, such as the purpose, how active your kids will be in the wetsuit, and the overall fit. Softer wetsuits are better for less active kids because they are warmer and offer more flexibility. However, these suits tend to get torn more easily and don’t last as long as stiffer ones. Kids’ wetsuits are made of different thicknesses, but the most important thing to keep in mind is that they are not made to keep kids warm in frigid waters.

The thicker the wetsuit, the warmer it’ll be and the more likely it is to retain air bubbles that keep your child afloat. Most experts recommend you choose a thickness of at least 3 millimeters for kids ages 5-12 who will be playing in water where the temperature is between 50 and 66 degrees. For water colder than 50 degrees, you’ll want to go with a 5-millimeter wetsuit. If your child will be spending a lot of time in colder water, you’ll need to get a 7+ millimeter suit.

Material

Most kids’ wetsuits are made of neoprene, which has the best thermal qualities, but some are also made of nylon or rubber. Neoprene is the best choice because it provides the most warmth and flexibility while still being lightweight and easy for children to slip into.

Personalization

Some companies offer custom wetsuits that have a design printed on the front. These are helpful if you want your child to feel like they’re wearing a superhero cape, but they’re not necessarily the best bet if you’re concerned about safety. The designs may distract your kid from staying oriented with the body in the water, which could affect swimming ability. Therefore, if your child wants a custom suit, make sure it’s black and white or very simple in design.

Color Options

If you want to make sure your child can be identified when out on the water, some wetsuits come in a variety of bright colors. Which will be better for your child? Some parents feel this is a good way to help children stay safe and stay oriented in the water, but some worry kids will get confused or disoriented by the colors.​ The best thing to do is let your child have the biggest say when it comes to color selection.

Price

You can find kids’ wetsuits at a variety of price points, but you’ll typically find you get what you pay for. The best way to find a suit that will be comfortable and easy for your child to use is to shop around and see what various companies have to offer. Don’t sacrifice quality for a lower price.

The elements can change from day to day: the temperature may get a little colder, or a windy storm may cause waves to hit too hard and tear your suits. You’ll need to purchase wetsuits that are made with quality materials and that are durable enough to survive unpredictable conditions. Don’t just look at the price.