Must-Have Swimming Gear for Kids

Written by
Sabrina Grotewold
Whether you need to outfit your infant for his first swim lesson or want to find a quick-drying towel that won't create a puddle in your trunk on the way home from the beach, check out the following recommendations for top-rated swimming gear for kids.
Stearns Kids Puddle Jumper Life Jacket
Cost: $15-20
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This coast guard-approved life jacket allows kids that weigh between 30 and 50 pounds move and swim freely in water without a jacket riding up their backs and necks. Perfect for toddlers not only to get acclimated to the water but also to develop the confidence to practice swim technique. Quick and easy to slip on and off.
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Konfidence Float Suit
Cost: $40
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Part swimsuit, part flotation device, the Konfidence Float Suit provides buoyancy and freedom of movement for kids as young as 12 months. The floats can be removed as confidence increases and swimming unaided is possible. Made of UV protective fabric, all designs are step-in except for the clownfish pattern, which has a back zipper.
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Speedo Kids Hug Board
Cost: $25
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With its unique shape, contoured to fit a child's body, multiple hand-holds for different orientations and a chin cut-out for a neutral head position, kids can practice proper swim technique with confidence. The grip side handles are ideal for front, back and overhead kicking drills.
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Sporti Floating Swim Fins
Cost: $35
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Featuring a long blade, little swimmers can concentrate on good kicking form and natural cadence. With flexible foot pockets, closed ankles for extra support and easy on-off capability, the Sporti fins float to the surface if removed in the water.
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TYR Kids/Junior Swim Cap
Cost: $10-13
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Keep hair out of your child's face and protect it from chlorine in pools with the super cute, ocean-inspired designs of the TYR kids swim cap. Great for kids with allergies, this hypoallergenic, 100 percent silicone cap is lightweight and anti-slip. If your child has long hair, you might want to size up because the cap fits snugly.
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Aqua Sphere Kayenne Junior
Cost: $22
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These anti-fog lens provide 100 percent UV protection and 180 degrees of visibility. An adjustable silicon strap and stabilizing nose bridge provide a secure, comfortable fit, and a quick-fit buckle allows for quick adjustments.
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Hello Kitty AquaEars
Cost: $6
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Make ear protection fun with Hello Kitty AquaEars, soft, silicone ear plugs designed to keep water out of ears during swimming and to block noise during concerts, sleep or study time. Each pack comes with three pairs of ear plugs.
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Clear Ears
Cost: $7
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Release water lodged in the ears after swimming with these soft ear plugs, which contain an FDA-approved polymer that draws water from the ears. Roll plugs in your hands to make a cylindrical shape then insert into ears like ear plugs; in 5 to 10 minutes, the plugs absorb trapped water.
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Hooded Towels
Cost: $26
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Wrap your toddler in total body warmth as soon as he steps out of the pool or shield your little one from the sun's intense rays with a Stephen Jospeh hooded towel. Made of 100 percent cotton, these hooded towels come in vibrant colors and fun seaside characters such as a pirate, octopus, fish, mermaid and more.
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iPlay Rashgaurd Swimwear
Cost: varies
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UPF 50+ Rashguard clothes provide stylish sun protection both in and out of the water. Made of stretchy, quick dry nylon/lycra, the girls' mix 'n match short sleeve bow rashguard (pictured) has a unique curved hemline for additional coverage and adorable bows at the waist on each side.
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Konfidence Swim Diapers
Cost: $16
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These swim diapers feature a soft, washable, reusable cotton/polyester shell and diaper interior. Elastic legs and waistband ensure a secure fit and the combination of Velcro and snap closures accommodate a wide range of sizes, from 3 to 30 months.
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O'Neill Wetsuits
Cost: $50+
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If your kid shivers and his lips turn blue during swim lessons, a wet suit—for babies, one with Velcro closures that covers the torso and for kids, a spring suit for pools—can make all of the difference. O'Neill's high-quality suits made of neoprene feature a back zipper with zipper pull, fluid flex in the shoulders and sleeves and an adjustable super seal neck.
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Kanu Surf Swim Trunks
Cost: $23
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Your son will look as cool as surfers on Oahu's North Shore in Kanu Surf swim trunks. Made of 100 percent polyester and UPF 50+, quick-dry fabric, this swimsuit provides side cargo pockets and an elastic waist with drawstring for an adjustable fit in the waist.
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Roxy Sundown Tri One Piece
Cost: $30-44
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Cute and functional, this halter monokini features side cut-outs, hip ties and an additional back tie for a perfect fit. Made of a resilient spandex-nylon blend, this handwash-only suit is soft to the touch and protects the skin against rashes.
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ecoDEPT Microfiber Journey Towel
Cost: $36
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This super absorbent, fast drying (less than half the time of a regular towel, the manufacturer says) antibacterial microfiber towel's lightweight suede material feels luxuriously soft on the skin. Features include a carry bag, hanging loop for drying and a corner zip pocket for storing valuables.
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