to be confused by bikini-style outfits for the under-twos

[terryble]

I wandered into a well-known department store today while I was waiting for the bus, and I could swear I saw a two-piece bikini set on the rack. It was labelled 12-18 months, and obviously, it was pink. I had to stalk out hurry out to catch the bus, so I couldn't examine it closely.

I can't find anything like it on their website, and a bikini set for a one-year-old is absurd. So, what did I see? Tell me I was being unreasonable to even mistake it for a bikini, and explain what it actually was to me patronisingly, please!

I know some people find the two pieces more convenient for potty/toilet/nappy changing.

I have to say I do think some baby bikinis are really cute (had a pukka one with hawaiian girls myself back in the day... when my chubby thighs were still cool) But they aren't practical for sun protection are they. Is it health thing or a tacky thing for you OP?

You probably did see it - more and more parents seem to be tarting up their baby girls these days.
It IS possible to do a two piece that is sensible/appropriate for a baby or toddler with a long veststyle top but I have seen inappropriate stuff and personally I wouldn't have dressed my daughter like that when she was little - I didn't even like her wearing a bikini when she was 18!

Well, a big part of it was actually sun protection, particularly the sunscreen. A tiny bra-shaped top and knickers means more sunscreen, I would think, than a one-piece would, while helpfully making it far more difficult to apply than if the toddler just wore a nappy/shorts.

The other part was butoneyearoldgirlsdon'thavebreastssowhycoverthemupasiftheydoinacoyfashion?

That said, paisleyleaf made a light bulb flash up above my head. I think that if I ever have a girl, I'm going to do what I do with the boys, and use a nice t-shirt, rather than a tiny pink thing.

I wore bikini bottoms as a tiddler and no top, tonnes of sun block and a big smile...where is the harm?! (i was prob naked more often than in those bottoms too) My parents were sensible enough to get me to the beach from 8am -10 and/ or after 5pm so the sun was not at its strongest, and the temperature outside a lot more bearable than the midday sun a lot of brits on tour seem to favour.
I dislike the idea of a baby needing to wear a bikini top, there is nothing to hide! As for swimsuits, I used to look after a kiddy who couldnt wear one when it was damp due to exczema problems so we popped her in pants and changed those each time they got wet - dryng out the previous pair in the sun!

LOL, this old chestnut :o

my tuppenceworth - I dislike actual bikinis for littluns, as what's the point in a bra-like top when there's no boobs?! (Have to say I actually don't like bikinis on adults either really - it's just like wearing underwear!)

but now that DD is finally potty trained I have bought her a tankini, so from far off it looks like a normal swimming costume but as the knickers bit is separate it's much easier to use the loo.