To think kids shouldn't wear bikinis?

Tankinis or bottoms and a rash vest fine, but yes, adult-style bikinis seem wrong on little girls - like they’re drawing attention to the non-existent breasts and yes, sexualising children’s bodies. DD always had a one piece or a rash vest and bottoms - I’m not even sure now that she’s getting breasts that I’d like her to wear a bikini until she’s more of a grown adult. I really don’t like the trend of very young teen girls wearing clothing that makes them look like mini adult women.

DD 8yo wears 2 piece swimsuits like this, either shorts or briefs bottoms.

They're easier to go to the loo, easier for changing in to/out of, and she has quite a long torso so I can buy ones that fit her rather than buying one that's long enough but gaping everywhere as it's too wide.

When DDs were small they often just wore bikini-bottoms type swimwear. I remember being 😱 at a friend of a dd (they were no more than about 7) insisting on wearing a bikini top because she ‘couldn’t’ show her (non-existent!) boobs!

I am not keen on string/triangle bikinis on kids, they are designed for boobs and for sunbathing and not very practical for vigorous swimming or playing.

However the shorts and crop top style is fine IMO and very practical, more so than a swimsuit - easier to go to the loo, easier to change the top for a UV top if the sun is strong, or change the bottom half for normal shorts if going for lunch. Easier to get changed on the beach as they can cover up one half then the other rather than having to get completely naked.

YABU to not say what you would put them in instead so we can judge your motive properly. For all we know you might believe that it's sinful to show their belly buttons.

I do find it a bit odd. One piece swimsuits are not the most practical for days at the beach. So then I think, why can't she just wear shorts/bottoms like boys to feel some sun on her tummy (UV permitting!)...

BUT having said that it is the case that we live in a world of gender norms...

So I just go for rash top and jammers. Will also note that lots of girls rash sets come with briefs but boys always get shorts! (Women's too)

Is it because you think they only need bottoms because they have no boobs to cover? If so yes fair point.

If not, sorry that's sexualising girls- I assume you're not bothered what boys are wearing?

At school, the boys all wear their swim trunks to school on swim days so ease. The girls can't do that, because they're not allowed to wear bikini's and it too hard to get their whole swimsuit off to wee. Unfair if you ask me.

When you think about it any swimwear that cover little girls nipples, unless it's for sun protection is odd. You couldn't tell a boys chest from a girls under about 9 in most cases, yet we're giving the message that there is something there that shouldn't be seen.

I don’t mind a tankini, or even a cropped top style, but I think triangle shaped bikini tops on kids just look a bit odd because they don’t fit their bodies.

Because little girls don't have boobs to hold the top in place. They come up and move around and aren't very comfortable. It is a piece of clothing designed for an adult body that does not fit a prepubescent one.

When my DD was younger (4/5) she always wanted to wear a bikini. They were crop top and knicker rather than looking like an adults. Now she’s older (7/8) she always wants to wear long sleeved two pieces.
I do believe though if you see anything sexual in it that’s on you.

Mostly due to sun exposure we have full costumes or wetsuit styles. I don’t mind the fuller bottoms and tank top styles on kids but the bra styles always give me the ick

I didn't want mine exposed to the sun at that age.

We had rash vests and swimming shirts (boy and girl)

I do not think a child should wear an adult style bikinis as it is sexualising. Its making out they have boobs and drawing attention to them. A vest or tank top two piece is fine. Two flimsy triangles covering the boob area is not.

Not quite the same but my DD likes wearing a tankini because it's easier to use the loo

Agree that for swimming lessons a swimsuit is better. Also agree with the stance about sun. However i don’t think it’s about sexualisation on parents part , the average parent is all about money and practicality. If on holiday, 2 piece is much more convenient for going to the toilet plus dry out quicker so it’s probably that. And yes, I know you can get 2 piece with a top ( DD has one) but they are more expensive, less widespread and slower to dry.

That is fine obviously - I guess I was imagining really little kids who might as well just wear the bottoms.

I do think it’s odd tbh. There’s nothing for the top to cover! I know you could said the same re a costume but it seems a bit silly to have that top just to cover nothing.

When my dd was very little (like a toddler) she just wore the swim nappy (like a reusable one not single use) or that with a sunsafe type top if we were outdoors. But once she was old enough to have friends etc she’d want a costume the same as them.

Totally agree.

My dd wears a two piece because it's easier for her going to the toilet, nothing wrong with it.

Neither should adult women, really. Nobody should be parading around in underwear, arse half on show, adjusting the gusset.

Men and boys get to move around freely and comfortably with their whole bums covered.

I wore a bikini from age 6 but it was definitely a child’s bikini, the bottom had a little skirt and the top was not bra shaped, more like a short vest.

Little girls like to copy their mum's. Bikinis or two pieces are far easier to get changed out of on the beach. Far easier to go to the toilet in. Can be worn under rash vests or wetsuits to protect from the sun

Why - because she has nipples like boys who NEVER have a range of bikinis in their swimwear.