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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To let my 4yo wear a bikini?

54 replies

savedbyanalien · 30/03/2022 17:26

I'm not sure where my DD (4) has got the idea in her head that she wants to wear a "pink or yellow bikini" to the beach when we go on holiday soon. She currently doesn't own one, but has a couple of normal swimsuits.

Part of me thinks she can wear what she likes, and I'd like to buy her something she's specifically asked for. But the other part of me is wondering if I'm "sexualising" my child?

FWIW there are plenty of bikinis being sold in the 3-4yrs size range so I can't be the only one buying them?!

So AIBU to let my 4yo wear a bikini on the beach?

OP posts:
randomsabreuse · 30/03/2022 17:29

Separates are way more convenient for that age group but mine wear separate UV protective stuff with shoulders covered for any outdoor stuff - especially anywhere hot...

Skinterior · 30/03/2022 17:30

There are bikinis and bikinis. I'm presuming you're not going for a thing so I really wouldn't worry about it.

Gowithme · 30/03/2022 17:30

Separates are easier but I'd get something more like a tankini than a bikini.

MargaretThursday · 30/03/2022 17:36

Mine liked bikinis at that age simply because it was far easier to go to the toilet!

Only thing with a bikini on the beach is cream them up once they're in the bikini rather than while they're still wearing a t-shirt. I was told using the lobster word in front of my sister was unfair. Grin

mycatisannoying · 30/03/2022 17:40

It doesn't have to be 'triangle over the nipples' bikinis Confused
Lots of them are very sensible 2-piece costumes.

RoyKentsChestHair · 30/03/2022 17:40

There’s a big difference between a little cropped vest top and pants combo and the “two triangles over the nips” & and a thong type bikinis. One is wholly suitable for young children and the other isn’t.

stripeyflowers · 30/03/2022 17:42

I think it's fine as long as it's a cute kiddy type one rather than a mini adult one, as in the triangles aforementioned.

Original poster
savedbyanalien · 30/03/2022 17:48

Never even thought of the toilet issue! That makes a lot of sense.

Yes I've seen lots of sweet bikinis that have frills and kiddy patterns (unicorns and rainbows for example) and some even with the shoulders covered Smile

OP posts:
YouHaveYourFathersBreasts · 30/03/2022 17:53

I found 2 pieces far more practical and in no way felt that my then young daughter was sexualised in any way when she wore them. It’s a shame that some people do feel that way about totally normal, child friendly clothing.

SlashBeef · 30/03/2022 18:01

2 pieces much more practical for going to the loo and they're not 'sexy' at all for kids. My 6 year old has a few from Next that are sort of crop top and little shorts style with rainbows and stuff on. Don't worry about it.

Nanalisa60 · 30/03/2022 18:02

You can get some really nice sporty bikinis, but really I don’t see any problem wearing any pretty bikinis.

Minniem2020 · 30/03/2022 18:13

DD always wore 2 piece sets when she was small. But like pps have said they were very age appropriate and not a bikini as such. Far more practical for what others have said in going to the toilet and also getting on and off when soaked and covered in sand/ suncream

liveforsummer · 30/03/2022 18:17

Bikinis are fine, my dc never wore swimsuits however a UV top is far handier for the hottest part of the day, can pop over the top then take off when it starts to cool. Next do 3 piece ones with bikini top, bottoms and sun top all in one

Europilgrim · 30/03/2022 18:17

I don't see any problem with wearing a bikini. They are much more comfortable than a one-piece when it is hot and I hate the feeling of a wet one-piece swimsuit too. Decathlon has some great bikinis for kids. At that age she could also just wear the bottoms if she felt comfortable too.

junglejane66 · 30/03/2022 18:27

Ah I remember the good old days, dont have any swimwear with you on the beach? Dont worry get down to your pants and get on with it, although in the 70's we never had sun cream so usually ended up with sun burn, but we were happy

Fedupsotired · 30/03/2022 18:28

Mine never wore bikinis because they had sun protection T-shirts on with bottoms. No toilet issues and helped to protect them

Norgie · 30/03/2022 18:33

Mine were running round the beach bare arsed naked at that age, so I can't see a problem with a bikini.

Swayingpalmtrees · 30/03/2022 18:35

My children used to just wear bottoms and sun hats, it is much more free and comfortable, sometimes nothing at all depending on where we were. I am wondering if you would have the same reservations about a child that was a boy? I don't see this an issue at all.

Crimesean · 30/03/2022 18:36

I hadn't even thought about a 2 piece being easier! DS wears an all-in-one UV suit, but I've just ordered him a 2-piece rash vest + shorts combo, far simpler for going to the loo.

OP, I'd go for a 2-piece UV suit rather than a bikini if you're going somewhere hot, if your DD is little she won't know the difference and it'll be better for her skin.

Aroundtheworldin80moves · 30/03/2022 18:36

DDs used to have ones with zip up rash tops over the top, just took the tops off to go in the sea.

The reason kids like bikinis isn't secure. Its because they want to copy Mummy/other women. Especially at four...
(I have more concerns about my preteens with them now than when they were little. One has one but only for the garden pool)

MrsSkylerWhite · 30/03/2022 18:37

I’d always choose a UV protection one piece, just because ours hated having cream reapplied every half hour so the less exposed skin, the better.

museumum · 30/03/2022 18:39

A two piece is fine. But the ones with little triangles over the nipples look a bit odd to me. I’d go for tankini or crop top style and tbh I usually encourage my dcs to wear a spf tshirt on top when not in the water.

pradavilla · 30/03/2022 18:39

I only have 2 pieces for my kids. Actually they do have normal swim suits for when we go swimming bn. However for when we got on holiday it's 2 pieces all the way. I decided this after having to constantly take a wet swimsuit off my 2yr old to do the toilet!

The ones for my 4yr old and tankini tops with pant bottoms. For the 2yr old it's pants and a long sleeved top that are uv protected.

I'm sure u cld find something suitable. We got this one from Joules and it's gorgeous on. There's no gap at her tummy when she wears it actually looks like a swimsuit.

To let my 4yo wear a bikini?
Emmelina · 30/03/2022 18:42

A cropped tankini would be no issue.

HPandTheNeverEndingBedtime · 30/03/2022 18:43

We live by the beach, Dd often had a two piece on as easier to put on in the car for impromptu visits However her two piece was always a rash vest/UV top and bottoms. Sunburn is no joke with little ones.

I would also ask your Dd what she thinks a bikini is, LO often have different ideas of what they think things are compared to our adult view.