Toddler - what's the best kind of costume for pool swimming?

[daisychainmail]

We're going to start taking our 2 year old to the pool, but which kind of cossie would be best? A normal strappy leotard-type one (like I would wear) or a knee-length mini-wetsuit type costume (of the sort we had to block the sun on the beach?)

Thanks.

It depends on the temperature of the pool. DS, 2.5yrs, still needs a wetsuit at one local pool because the little pool is freezing, he wears a shorts and T-shirt style swimsuit for his swimming lessons because that pool is a bit warmer and just a swim nappy at the nice hot fun pool.

It also depends if you are planning on a sunny holiday.. If you are I'd go for the larger suit to protect from the sun.

My son had a full suit, shorts and tshirt in one with a zip up the back. Good for hiding the swim nappy and giving it another layer of protection just in case!

K

Is your 2 year old toilet trained? If not then she'll need a neoprene swim nappy to catch any poo accidents. Those are shorts style rather than pants style, so I'd pick a costume that works with that. A leotard/adult style one won't work as the legs of the swim nappy will poke out and look weird (IMO), so I'd go for a mini wetsuit style. Or just the swim nappy on its own if the pool is warm enough.

DD wears a swim nappy on its own for warm indoor pools; swim nappy plus UV suit for hot sunny outdoor pools; and swim nappy plus mini wetsuit for cold pools. Yes she has a ridiculous amount of swimming gear!! But she doesn't own any leotard style or bikini style costumes as I don't think they'll work till she's toilet trained.

My dd just wears some swim shorts. Its just so much easier to get her in and out of then a full swimming costume when she is tired, cold and hungry after a swim.

I loved my DS's neoprene wetsuit, kept him lovely and warm in the pool and teat for the beach. Size 0 fitted him from about age 2.5 to 3.5