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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Little girls should not wear bikinis

270 replies

SpiritedLondon · 01/08/2017 22:06

On Saturday I'm heading off on holiday with my DH and DD5. I have bought DD a new swimsuit and a bikini which I obviously think is cute. I happened to mention this to FIL who was visiting and who immediately announced in front of DD that little girls should not wear bikinis.( he didn't like it and didn't think it was appropriate) I was slightly Hmm about it. Later on that evening I raised the subject with DH and it became apparent that he doesn't really like the idea either....he kept making comments like " it does have a long top doesn't it?" Er no not really. Is this a thing? I don't really think it's a problem and I don't actually think I'm being unreasonable but if you think I am do you think you could tell me what you think the problem is so I can understand it.

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OP posts:
MagicMojito · 01/08/2017 22:17

I'm not a fan of seeing little girls in triangle style bikinis, I think it's the fact that it's purely there to cover their "rude bits" boys nips are non offensive ofcourse Its the road of sexualiseing girls nipples at such a young age I'm Hmm about.
But the one you you have doesn't seem too bad/grown up although no, I personally wouldn't put my dd's in it but i wouldnt judge you for it either.

lozzylizzy · 01/08/2017 22:17

Its a crop top and pants not nipple covering triangles. Its cute and I like it. YANBU

ZanyMobster · 01/08/2017 22:18

I don't think little girls really need tops, just bottoms are fine at 5 or a swimsuit for swimming lessons but if you really want a 2 piece then the one you have chosen is more like a vest so it's not too awful.

I hate seeing proper bikinis on little girls, everywhere I have been abroad the girls wear just bottoms, it only seems to be in the UK they don't so much.

RiverTam · 01/08/2017 22:18

No, I wouldn't buy a bikini for DD and she's 7. Why would you? Either have just bottoms or a costume. She doesn't have breasts and it's more skin to have to slap sun cream on.

Borntorunfast · 01/08/2017 22:18

My DD has similar, she's 6. She mostly wears the shorts, no top, and wears a rash vest when it's super hot. Same as her brother. I personally much prefer shorts style bikinis to swimsuits, much easier to get on and off. Nothing wrong with them for little girls at all, though agree with other posters that topless is the way to go - I would if I could Smile

heateallthebuns · 01/08/2017 22:19

I was a bit Hmmat anyone on our holidays who hadn't got the kids in a rash vest with short sleeves. I'd be too worried about burning. I even saw kids who were a bit red which seems very irresponsible.

QuentinSummers · 01/08/2017 22:19

YANBU and your FIL is BU. It's a child, it's not an adult style bikini, she will love it. Hate this kind of thing turning into sexualisation. She will be comfortable, that's the most important thing

MissAlligned · 01/08/2017 22:19

The issue with a child in bikini is the implicit suggestion that there is something which needs covering up. It says "yes, there's something to see here but I'm not going to let you see it". It is far worse than a little girl wearing just shorts imo.

That and the fact it looks chavvy.

sofato5miles · 01/08/2017 22:19

My Dads weather bikini bottoms and rash vests, for spf.

SoyUnPerdedor2 · 01/08/2017 22:19

My 4 year old wears a similar one for swimming.
Indoor pool, evening lessons so no burning!
Many in her size had a "top" that was about 2 inches deep! Rejected those as they didn't look nice or comfortable.

She is in a bikini as her body is very long. She would need a 9-10 in a one piece, which is far too baggy.

Bikini doesn't cut in to he shoulders, armpits or underneath.

Graceflorrick · 01/08/2017 22:19

It's lovely! I mostly buy full body cover, but because it's easier with sun protection. I certainly would feel judgemental about seeing a little girl in that.

Valentine2 · 01/08/2017 22:19

I don't feel easy with them either. I think it is just another form of the blue for boys and pink for girls thing. I can't explain it further than that.

heateallthebuns · 01/08/2017 22:20

I'm meaning girls and boys for the rash vests.

SoyUnPerdedor2 · 01/08/2017 22:20

And yours is cute.
Mine would love the shiny bits!

haba · 01/08/2017 22:20

Is it for pool or out-of-doors? I've never put DD in a bikini due to need for sun protection. This year, she's got a two-piece due to practicalities of wetsuits/loo visits. She's 11.
Lockedout- not being funny, but maybe it's different in Spain, but loads of DD's classmates have begun puberty, over last two years, lots have plenty to fill their bras... bottoms only wouldn't do for many UK girls from 9 upwards.

SchnitzelVonKrumm · 01/08/2017 22:22

I hate bikinis on little girls - if they don't have breasts they only need the pants and IMO what they really need is proper sun protection, so rash vests or all in ones.

Frenchmom · 01/08/2017 22:22

Fine for a 5 year old. A crop top and bikini bottoms. No problem!

AmysTiara · 01/08/2017 22:23

I think yours is fine. I don't like adult looking ones e.g. triangle tops

isadorable · 01/08/2017 22:25

I always put my dd in tankinis (a bit like that one but a bit longer) until suddenly at six they're all dancing around provocatively and singing "Ooh sexy lady!" from Gangnam Style. She's tall and skinny so they fitted better but since I saw them all prancing around on a to day, I bought her a swimming costume.

bimbobaggins · 01/08/2017 22:25

I have just returned from holiday and a lot of young children were in bikinis or bikini bottoms only. Didn't have any thoughts either way but I was a bit shocked to see a couple of young teens wearing thong bikinis which I most certainly wouldn't have let my dc wear

isadorable · 01/08/2017 22:26

hot day!

phoolani · 01/08/2017 22:26

He ate: don't come to France this year then. After a couple of years where the locals seemed to be getting the swim vest, this year my kids are the only ones in them (a totally French resort, virtually no foreigners).

Luckymummy22 · 01/08/2017 22:26

Seriously only bottoms! I wouldn't put my son in only bottoms. Especially if abroad.
Maybe because my kids are very fair but I always make sure they are properly protected.
My inlaws have had a few scares with their skin because of their love of sunbathing.
We take no chances.

dementedpixie · 01/08/2017 22:27

Looks fine to me. Much easier to have a 2 piece than a full costume. Mine has never worn a rash vest either

rockcake · 01/08/2017 22:27

It's a nice looking age appropriate bikini OP, better by far than a tee shirt dress that covers from neck to knee but has some vile slogan emblazoned across the chest (e.g. "Yeah, whatever" or "wag wannabe")

Fil BU not you

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