.. To ask about child's wetsuit

[Sassypants82]

Aibu to ask if this wetsuit fits DS sufficiently to keep him warm in a pool? We inherited it & it's for 5-6 years, he's 4.5yrs. Seems to fit well except its not tight to his arms & legs. Does this defeat the purpose?

Thanks!

It will help a bit so probably ok for a pool (assuming the pool is not outside and unheated). To properly get the benefit you need a tight fit so that the water is trapped and warms up - but in a heated pool that might lead to overheating!

In a normal indoor pool? Does he usually have problems staying warm?

It looks more like an outdoor wetsuit?

It really needs to be tighter, not only for the warmth benefits (which is the point of them) but also to reduce drag, if he's only 4.5 he may find it really hard going to swim with it on.

Speaking as a massive wuss in cold water, why does he need a wetsuit in a pool?!

Is he going to be splashing about/swimming a lot whilst wearing this? because in an indoor pool he will overheat if he is being active and has no major issues with feeling cold. Do those thinner lycra type sun protection suits go up to his size? That might be better for indoor pool use if he wants more than just swimming trunks - save the wetsuit for the sea and lakes/watersports.

In an indoor pool I'd use a rash guard suit like the ones in Gap or Next. In the sea/outdoor pool I'd say it needs to fit more closely.

My child wears a (not great fitting) wet suit for swimming lessons in a rather chilly indoor pool. It keeps them warmer than a traditional consume would, but probably wouldn't be enough for sea-surfing in Cornwall in January

In order for wetsuits to work they have to be tight to the body to trap the water and let it heat up. If it’s not tight, like really tight, it won’t make a difference and will just be uncomfortable.

very normal here (NW London). for kids and tutors to wear wetsuits in the pool for swimming lessons. Ds says its much warmer in winter.

Thanks for the responses. It's for an outdoor (unheated) kids pool in Lanzarote next week. It'll be about 20° and I believe the pool can be quite cold. That's why I considered taking it. Would also do for the sea while we're there. Although if its not tight on him perhaps there's no point.

When we went to Portugal last year, despite it being 27°, he would start shivering in the pool after a little while. I just hoped that the wetsuit would enable him to use it at all or make him more comfortable.