Best Baby Swimsuits for Infants and Toddlers
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Whether it’s a day at the beach or an afternoon at the pool, finding the best baby swimsuit is essential for a fun, safe, splish-splashy day.
As you’re probably aware, your baby’s skin is incredibly sensitive to the sun. That’s why the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends wearing sun-protective clothing and hats, especially for babies 6 months and younger. When shopping for swimsuits, look for options that cover a lot of your baby’s skin, such as rash guards with long sleeves and even long pants. Even with a full coverage suit or rash guard, sunscreen is still important. You can apply baby sunscreen to small, uncovered areas on infants under 6 months, like the face. After that age, it’s generally fine to apply sunscreen everywhere.
Of course, there are lots of great baby swimwear options to choose from to make sure your child is both comfortable and protected from the sun. In order to help you narrow down your selection, we’ve covered important qualities to look for in baby swimsuits, plus our top picks for your little one.
How we chose the best baby swimsuits
With so many choices, we narrowed down our picks for the best baby swimsuits based on the following criteria:
We consulted Robin Schaffran, M.D., a dermatologist with Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, California who practices both pediatric and adult dermatology, for advice on finding a bathing suit that protects baby’s skin. We referred to guidelines from the AAP and the Skin Cancer Foundation for recommendations on the type of sun-protective fabric to look for in a swimsuit, as well as best practices for protecting your child’s skin in the sun by wearing long sleeves and accessories like hats and sunglasses.
Per guidance from the Skin Cancer Foundation, AAP, and Dr. Schaffran, all swimsuits has a UPF rating of 50 or higher, which blocks up to 98 percent of UV rays.
We spoke to five moms on the What to Expect editorial team who have seven children between them and have tested many of the bathing suits on this list.
We selected swimsuits that had overwhelmingly positive reviews from community members and What to Expect editors on the fit and comfort. We also made sure to include different types of baby swimsuits so you can find one that will suit your baby’s needs, whether it’s a rash guard, one-piece or swim trunks.
Other factors to look for in baby swimsuits
When it comes to swimwear for babies, form and function are key. While we already outlined that baby swimsuits should have a UPF rating of 50 or higher to ensure that they’re blocking the most amount of UV rays, there are a few other factors you may want to consider when shopping for a bathing suit.
Material: While fabric with a tight weave typically offers more sun protection, the material matters, too. For example, unbleached cotton contains natural material that can absorb the sun’s rays, while some fabrics that have a sheen, like polyester, can reflect radiation. And, keep in mind that UPF fabric typically lasts about 30 to 40 washes or approximately one year with regular use, notes Schaffran.
Fit: Deciding the best fit for your baby’s swimsuit depends on their activity levels. If your baby will be swimming, tighter-fitting swimwear is better; if your baby’s suit isn't snug while swimming, Dr. Schaffran says it’s likely to move around and expose more skin. Also, don’t assume that swimwear will fit the same as regular kids’ clothing. Oftentimes baby and toddler swimwear runs small, so it’s useful to read reviews or try on rather than guess on sizes. (Or, order multiple sizes and plan on sending ones that don’t fit back.)
Style: Not only are there plenty of colors and patterns to choose from, but there are also many different types of baby swimsuits. For instance, full-coverage suits will shield the most amount of skin from the sun, while two-piece suits are often better for easy diaper changes. You can also pair a rash guard with a bikini bottom or swim trunks, or placing it over a one-piece for added coverage.
Types of baby bathing suits
While the selection of baby swimwear is similar to adult bathing suit choices, there are a few kid-specific choices when it comes to their swimsuit options.
Full-coverage swimsuits: Offering the greatest sun protection, full-coverage swimsuits leave only the face, hands and feet exposed. (Some even come with hoods!) These sorts of swimsuits generally offer the most sun protection for your baby.
Rash guards: Rash guards function similarly to T-shirts and are worn with swim trunks or over one- and two-piece swimsuits for extra coverage against the sun. Rash guards can be sleeveless, short sleeve, long sleeve or full body.
One-piece swimsuits: One-piece swimsuits differ from full-coverage bathing suits in that they generally don’t cover baby’s legs. They can be styled on the top as tanks, cap sleeve or long sleeve.
Two-piece swimsuits: Two-piece swimsuits come in many styles, including tanks, boyshorts, long sleeves, briefs, standard bikinis or any combination of the above. Some What to Expect community parents say this style makes for easier diaper changes.
Swim trunks: Swim trunks, often made with toddlers and older kids in mind, can be short or long. Some brands also carry board shorts that work for water play or simply hanging pool-side.
And here’s a pro tip: If you're going on vacation, stocking up on at least two baby swimsuits is a good idea, since your little one’s risk of diaper rash can increase if she's sitting in a wet bathing suit for too long.
Do babies need to wear swim diapers under bathing suits?
Public pools and beaches often require babies and toddlers to wear swim diapers under their swimsuits. Rather than absorbing liquids like a regular diaper (which would be soggy and poorly fitting in about two seconds), swim diapers are non-absorbent and act like a barrier to keep solids contained.
Swim diapers only work for babies who are producing solid poops and aren't suffering from tummy issues that can cause diarrhea. These diapers are also only intended for use while your baby is actually in the water; as soon as you and baby get out of the water, you'll want to change her into a clean, dry diaper to prevent diaper rash — or messy accidents when she pees.
Ready to hit the pool or beach? Check out the best baby swimsuits below:
Why Trust Us?
What to Expect is the world’s most trusted pregnancy and parenting brand for a reason. Our product recommendations are based on expert parent insight, advice from medical professionals and feedback from the millions of parents and parents-to-be in our community. Our editors adhere to the highest research and reporting standards and our team of vetted OB/GYNs, pediatricians and other health professionals ensure our recommended products are safe and effective for you and your baby.
Best One-Piece Baby Swimsuit
Primary Baby One-Piece Rash Guard
- Made of recycled material
- bottom snap closures
- soft material
- Some parents say it runs large
This one-piece keeps your baby’s sensitive skin well-covered, thanks to long sleeves and a material made of tightly-woven nylon that will keep pesky rays from sneaking through. Plus, spandex offers a stretch so you can get a snug fit while keeping baby comfortable.
What to Expect editors and community members alike adore Primary clothing for the charming patterns and high-quality — and this swimsuit is no exception! While parents love that it keeps baby safe from sunburns due to the UPF 50+ fabric, they especially love how easy it is to change a diaper, which is usually challenging for a full-body suit. Each pair is equipped with snap closures at the bottom so you can quickly change a dirty diaper without needing to completely undress her.
Robin Hilmantel, Senior Director of Editorial Strategy & Growth at What to Expect, attests to being a Primary swimsuit family. “I love that they have snaps for easy diaper changes, that they have UPF 50 protection, and that they're made from mostly recycled nylon,” she says.
Material: 80 percent nylon, 20 percent spandex
Size range: 3M to 3T
Best Two-Piece Swimsuit
RuffleButts Baby/Toddler Girls Rash Guard 2-Piece Swimsuit Set
- Many styles to choose from
- wide range of sizes
- Sizes run small
The RuffleButts Rash Guard 2-Piece Swimsuit is an adorable set that is as stylish as it is protective. RuffleButts is a hit among parents in the What to Expect as well as editors on staff — not to mention the thousands of five-star reviews their suits have on Amazon. What makes it a great two-piece option is that the top and bottoms easily slide on to simplify changing. Plus, the long-sleeve style will keep baby protected from the sun on sensitive areas like her shoulders and chest.
Several staff members raved about using RuffleButts swimsuits. Christine Mattheis, Group VP of Content & Brand Solutions at What to Expect, has purchased two of their suits every year for her 3-year-old daughter, Rose. “The two-piece makes bathroom trips (or diaper changes) so much easier than a one-piece,” she says. “And I like the long sleeve UPF fabric because it means I don't need to use as much sunscreen.” What’s more, Christine says the suits still looked like new after being used almost daily in the summer. “Not only are they durable, but they are extremely cute,” she adds.
Material: 80 percent nylon, 20 percent spandex
Size range: 3M to 5T
Best Baby Rash Guard
i play. by Green Sprouts Rashguard
- Dries quickly
- protects neck
- easy pull-on
- Some said it was short
Although many baby swimsuits are designed with a rash guard, you can also opt to buy a rash guard separately for more versatility. The i play. by Green Sprouts Long Sleeve Rash Guard is made with lightweight, quick-drying fabric for comfort and convenience. This means your child won’t chafe from sitting in a wet swimsuit for long. Plus, buying a separate rash guard allows you the versatility of buying a range of swimsuits and tossing this on for extra coverage. It has no zippers or buttons so it’ll be quick to pull on over your child’s head.
Leah Rocketto, Associate Commerce Director at What to Expect, felt the rashguard checked all the boxes when it came to keeping her daughter safe in the sun. “It provided plenty of protection for my 10-month-old, but it wasn't super tight so she was still comfortable,” she says. “It also dried quickly, which was nice because we used it on vacation and I was trying to pack light. Well, as light as you can when packing with a baby.”
Material: 82 percent nylon, 18 percent elastane
Size range: 6M to 24M
Best Full-Coverage Baby Swimsuit
Coolibar Baby Finn Hooded One-Piece Swimsuit UPF 50+
- Includes hood
- bottom snap closures
- Some say sizing is inconsistent
- not moisture-wicking
Cooliber is the first clothing company to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation, and it’s easy to see why. Many parents in the What to Expect community like that their full-coverage hooded swimsuit provides head to toe sun protection for your baby. The zippered front makes it easy to take on and off, and the snap-close bottom helps simplify diaper changes. Keep in mind, however, that the full coverage and non moisture-wicking fabric means your baby could overheat. When not in the water, your baby should stay in the shade.
Material: 84 percent polyester, 16 percent spandex
Size range: 6M to 24M
Best Baby Swim Trunks
i play. Trunks with Built-in Reusable Swim Diaper
- Includes swim diaper
- lightweight
- Some say the legs were long
If you’re on the hunt for baby swim trunks, this pick from Green Sprouts is a favorite of many caregivers. Parents love that this suit is not only lightweight and comfortable, but it also includes a built-in swim diaper for convenience. Featuring a special triple-layer design for added security against any accidents, this suit will be comfortable and functional at the pool or beach. Pair it with a rash guard for more sun protection.
Material: 100 percent polyester
Size range: Newborn to 3T
Best Hooded Rash Guard
Simple Joys by Carter's Rashguard Set
- Comes in pack of two
- quick-drying fabric
- no itchy tags
- Some say neck hole is small
For an added layer of protection, look to this hooded Carter’s rash guard. Baby will have the same shoulder and arm protection that she gets from a regular rash guard, plus a way to shield her head and entire back of her neck from the sun. With a pull-on design, you can easily toss it on over her swimsuit.
Shelley Gingrich, What to Expect's Executive Director of Brand Solutions, has used these rash guards with her daughter. “I paired these rash guards with reusable swim diapers and it was a super easy suit,” she says. “If my daughter threw off her sun hat, I could put the hood on instead.” However, she echoed claims from reviewers that it does run small, so you may want to size up.
Material: 100 percent polyester
Size range: 3M to 5T
Best Splurge Swimsuit
Minnow Rashguard One Piece
- Tons of stylish designs
- bottom snap closures
- soft fabric
- Many sizes for younger babies are sold out
- hand-wash only
Keep baby safe from the sun without sacrificing any adorable style with this Minnow Rashguard One Piece. They have tons of sweet designs to choose from, including gingham, stripes and floral, in sizes ranging all the way up to 12 years. Unlike some other rash guards and long-sleeve one-piece suits, this one only has lining in the body but not the arms to allow for greater mobility and comfort.
Olivia DeLong, a senior health editor at What to Expect, loves using Minnow swimsuits for her daughter. “My daughter has very pale, easy-to-burn skin and so a long-sleeve SPF bathing suit is a must,” she says. “I love that the bathing suits snap at the bottom so you can easily get them on and off (wiggly toddlers are impatient!) and I never have to worry about her getting burned.” And, because these swimsuits can be expensive, Olivia notes that she likes to buy them at the end of the season for a good sale.
Material: 84 percent polyester, 16 percent spandex
Size range: Newborn to 12 years
Best Swimsuit Set
Simple Joys by Carter's 3-Piece Swimsuit Set
- Three-in-one swimsuit
- included rash guard
- no itchy tags
- Bottoms may run large
Why settle for a two-piece swimsuit when Carter's three-piece mix-and-match option exists? Parents loved the versatility of the two top options, depending on what activity baby is doing. Use the tank top when sitting in the shade or playing, then put the rash guard on when she needs some extra protection on her shoulders and arms. Made with a material that’ll dry fast, the pretty watermelon design also features UPF 50+ sun protection.
Material: 83 percent polye ster, 17 percent elastane
Size range: 3M to 5T
- American Academy of Pediatrics, Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburn & Sunscreen, July 2021.
- Robin Schaffran, M.D., Dermatologist, Cedar-Sinai Medical Center and Member of the What to Expect Medical Review Board, Beverly Hills, California.
- The Skin Cancer Foundation, Sun-Protective Clothing, June 2019.
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