Now that your kid has grown out of his or her swim diapers, its time to move them onto the next swimsuit phase. (Yes, we have personal experience.) As many parents can attest, Crocs are remarkably durable: The six pairs of favorite shoes weve gone through since my kid was about 18 months old (shes now 6) have each withstood a season of pounding pavement and being ground into sand, gravel, and rocks, and they look none the worse for wear. The Slowtide Joaquin Kids Poncho has worked well for us; the fabric is thick and substantial enough to keep her warm after a dip, it slips on and off easily, its well constructed, and its sewn down the sides so it can pull double-duty as an actual garment in a pinch. The material is thick and soft, and the colors are exactly as the pictures show. The suits Ive owned for more than a year have held up great overall (the patterns are still as vibrant as when I bought them), though I did notice my daughters suit got a little pilly on the bottom after a summer of sitting on rocks and rough sand. The rash guards also feature super fun patterns thatll make you want to heavily document your childs first beach day extensively on social media. Our most popular products based on sales. For a sturdier water shoe, weve recently turned to Keen Stingray sandals. Designed by a mom of five living in Sydney, Cheekys limited-edition prints are cartoony, bright, and incredibly detailed: The Great Barrier Reef pattern depicts an entire underwater scene, complete with sharks, seahorses, and scuba diving koalas! AppleCheeks Washable Swim Diaper ($15 at the time of publication). My grade-school-age kids have worn these shoes both to the beach and around town over the past couple of summers. Primary Rash Guard (from about $20 at the time of publication). It fits my daughter as I thought it would, and it will probably continue to fit for a while as I bought with a little room to grow. (Note that measurements for girls and boys sizes are slightly different, so consult the size charts if you are pairing a boys top with girls bottoms, or vice versa). This rashguard has a UPF 50+ protection, so your little one can surf, swim and play all day in the sun without causing you any worry. Persuading my kids to put on a sun hat has often been a battle. I love these swim diapers because they dont get waterlogged like disposable swim diapers, yet they hold in solid waste very well. ), USER REVIEW: "This is a great set! We found the best toddler rash guards for boys and girls. If youve got a toddler in that thrilling "I do it myself" phase, finding a suit that they can actually put on themselves is key. Washable swim diapers cut down on the bulk of disposable versions, and I like that they are more environmentally friendlybut they do require a little more thought and care. USER REVIEW: "Chose the bathing suit and rash guard top for our 3 year old granddaughter. Ive used both for more than four years on two kids, and I prefer the flap kind when they are younger and in the stroller more often. Weve always found all the zippered sweatshirts from Hanna Andersson to be high-quality and long-lasting. Each season there are new styles to choose from. I try to cover every inch of my fair-skinned children when we hit the beach or pool, and tugging on a long-sleeved rash guard is easier than slathering sunscreen on their wiggly arms and torsos. Some styles have a half-zip at the front, which could appeal to kids who dislike pulling tight things over their heads. SheKnows is a part of Penske Media Corporation. As soon as it gets warm enough outside to go sockless, my daughter lives in her Crocs clogs, which she calls favorite shoes. She loves how comfortable they are, how simple they are to get on and off by herself, and how their grippiness makes it easy to climb rocks and playground equipment. Hanna Andersson Recycled Swim Trunks (from about $30 at the time of publication). This rashguard is unisex, so its meant for any toddler. Although Roshambo doesnt offer a loss guarantee, they do provide polarized replacement lenses for free, and $5 off mirrored lenses (you pay shipping). Cheeky Chickadee Unisex Long Sleeve Swimmer (from about $30 at the time of publication). All of the sunglasses provide 100% UVA and UVB protection, according to the company, and they also make polarized options, so kiddos will look cute and see clearly. Your toddler should wear a rash guard, which is a long-sleeve shirt made out of polyester swim fabric. Toobydoos rash guards are available in classic solid colors (aqua, blue, and pink) as well as a couple of surfer-esque colorblock styles. USER REVIEW: "LOVE these rash guards. ), Hanna Andersson Sunsoft Terry Character Hoodie (from about $35 at the time of publication). ), which stayed wedgie-free during hours of swimming and water slides; my 7-year-old opted for a skirt with just the right amount of swish. The suit is also great for quick-changesdiapers and otherwise. (Primarys swimwear is also generally a bit less expensive than Hanna Anderssons.) Although many Amazon reviewers have noted that the brim flops down into their childs face when it gets wet, we didnt have this problem. A tab at the back allows you to adjust the hat like a baseball cap, the breakaway chin strap is less itchy than most, and a back flap provides all-important neck protection. Both styles have two long ties for securing the hat under the chin and a drawstring at the crown. by Christina Williams and Wirecutter Staff. I got her the navy top with popsicles on it and the pink polka-dotted bottoms. They come in an array of blocky solids, stripes, and patterns, have a notably soft mesh lining, pockets, and a functional drawstringweirdly, many drawstrings on kids shorts are just for showand are available in sizes 2 to 12. BEST FOR: The simple design makes this classic option for any kid and summer activity. Weve spent several summers observing how long it takes various rash guards to stay looking and feeling new, and weve concluded that rash guards from Hanna Andersson stand out. Their delicate skin still isnt ready for big boy or girl swimsuits, despite how cute they would look in them. It lasted a couple of seasons of wear because, best of all, the stretchy material and design give the hat a flexible fit. Theyre cut so that the bottom of the shirt doesnt ride up and let the sun get through, and the quality of the material and stitching are noticeably better than that of cheaper rash guards Ive bought at Target, which lose their elasticity after a few wash cycles (something that other Wirecutter parents have observed as well). In our case, it was comfortable enough that my toddler didnt even notice the hat when it was on. Great kid swimwear can reduce some of the hassles of family beach days, leaving you with memories of fun in the sun instead of sunburn and sand rash. I didnt put this swim diaper in the dryer, for instance, but it hang-dries fast. A good alternative available in bigger sizes is this $20 HowJoJo Rash Guard Sunsuit available on Amazon. The trunks have a mesh lining with covered elastic and a draw cord, so you can tighten it for your growing boy. She still asks for new ones as she grows because theyre soft and comfy. This swim shirt is fortified with Ultraviolet Protection Factor 50 to keep those harmful rays from hurting your babes sensitive skin. Crucially for us, the neck opening is large enough to easily pull over my sons 80th-percentile noggin. Designed in a unisex shorts style or in a traditional swimsuit cut with ruffle accent at the leg, these suits are among the softest Ive ever felt, especially for a fabric that protects with UPF 50. Wed love to hear your own favorites in the comments below. She can throw this cover-up on when shes still pretty damp, and it keeps her warm enough to hang out for a while before she needs dry clothes. I unearthed it for a trip to Florida a couple of months ago, and it looked practically new and still had its stretch. There are plenty of cute designs your boy will love. The Junior should fit ages 6 months to 2 years, the Classic ages 3 to 5, and the Blue Series ages 6 and up, but refer to the Babiators size chart for guidance and corresponding measurements. This makes it easier for little ones to move in the water and wont interfere with learning to swim, as bulkier disposable options can. These 100 useful things were the most-purchased Wirecutter picks in June 2022. I even went ahead and got some for my nieces, and they love it too. After spending 30 hours testing 11 snorkel sets in South Carolina and Florida, we think the Cressi Palau Short Fin Set is the best snorkel set for most people. She found it easy to slip on and off (no ties to contend with) and appreciated the full ear and neck coverage. All Rights Reserved. Next up, check out our 10 Best Kids Sneakers. My daughter is 10 now, and weve bought five or six of these dresses since she was a toddler. Learn more. The Stingray has a lighter, simpler, less adjustable design than Keens older Newport, which is likely a better choice for a water shoe that can also go on rougher treks, such as a weeklong canoe camping trip along the Allagash Wilderness Waterway near Maines border with Quebec. (Ive found these rashguard suits for about $11!). I bought three of these suits over several summers, and though theyre not as well made as ones from Hanna, they held up to be handed down, even with frequent wear. The only con: Hanna Andersson makes these suits only to fit kids up to about 3 years old (though my average-size kid was able to wear Hanna Anderssons largest one-piece suit until he was 6). Our mission at SheKnows is to empower and inspire women, and we only feature products we think youll love as much as we do. From adorable matching sets to fabrics that resist pilling, chlorine, and even 98% of UVA and UVB rays, keep scrolling to discover the Top 10 kids rash guards you can buy and grab one (or a few) for your little ones. Crocs come in dozens of colors, patterns, character themes, and styles, including the Crocband version, pictured above. We purchased two of these in size 2 when my child was 7 months old, and he still was able to use them at age 4, thanks to the broad series of snaps and the generous elastic stretch. (The Native Jefferson, another house favorite, shares many of the Crocss virtues but is harder to get on wet feet.) (Note that at press time time the only style available was pink and teal. The swimsuit is UPF 50+, which means your little ones skin will be safe. Although the lenses can scratch (my then-2-year-old accomplished this by scraping the lenses along a cement wall), they dont shatter, and the frames are virtually unbreakable. Bonus points for the price point and having a matching set. (And Im going to get myself the adult version this year. Our Method For Finding The Best Kids Rash Guards. Weve also added further test notes on some of our long-time recommendations. My 8-year-old chose a short-sleeved rash guard and shorts (with pockets! This article was edited by Kalee Thompson. Top subscription boxes right to your door, 1996-2022, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. WHY IT MADE OUR LIST: Made from a recycled material, this printed rash guard provides both protective and softness. Both cover-ups come in sizes 23 up to 1314 and Boden has several similar options for babies, too. While rash guards bought at Target, for example, were stretched out and pilly by the end of a single season, one bright-orange, long-sleeved Hanna Andersson rash guard I bought more than four years ago is now on its second kid and still looking close to pristine, with very little pilling or fabric stretching. We determined the following using our unique algorithm that factors in best-selling buzz, editorial mentions, and reviews from moms just togather and rank the best products on the internet. RuffleButts is also known for featuring three fun ruffles across the butt of the suit. I bought both of my daughters SwimZip sunsuits for a trip to Mexico and highly recommend them. These swim hats come in two stylesone with a full brim and another with a protective flap covering the ears and the back of the neck. Not bad for under $20. ), SwimZip Long-Sleeve Sunsuit Romper (starting at $40 at the time of publication)SwimZip Long-Sleeve Rash Guard Swimsuit Shorts Set (starting at $35 for a three-piece set at the time of publication). It is the cutest swimsuit she's ever had. Babiators Aviator Sunglasses (from about $20 at the time of publication)Roshambo Eyeware Sunglasses ($25 at the time of publication). There are eight different colors to browse. Boden Towelling Beach Dress (from about $50 at the time of publication)Boden Towelling Throw On (from about $50 at the time of publication). But this lightweight nylon model from Sunday Afternoons fits far better than most and is easy for kids to forget about, once its on. Cheekys shipping is free for orders over roughly $140, and is $15 otherwise. I appreciate how well they protect her toes through all that climbing or at a rocky beach, how easy they are to hose down, and also how she can get them on and off herself. It takes a shot glass worth of sunscreen to adequately cover a swimsuit-clad body. WHY YOU NEED IT: A swimsuit and protective rash guard all in one, this precious one-piece is as simple as it gets. The Flap Happy UPF 50+ Swim Flap Hat worked well for us, though: Its swimsuit-like polyester-spandex material is lightweight, cool, and breathable, and the elastic band helps it stay put. Sunday Afternoons Kids Play Hat ($30 at the time of publication)Lullaby Kids Adjustable Safari Sun Hat ($18 at the time of publication). The sleeves are nice and long, the skirt design is my daughters favorite, and the quality and fit are both fantastic. Summer-camp packing lists can be longand sometimes intimidating. We had one in a smaller size last year, and I liked it so much that I bought it again in a different pattern for this year. Beau & Belle Littles Premium Reusable Swim Diaper ($17 at the time of publication). Just make sure to reapply sunscreen on areas of skin that are visible. Getting my toddler to keep her hat on was a struggleshe hated chin straps, stiff fabrics, fitted crowns, anything that reminded her she was wearing something on her head. Toobydoo Rash Guard (from about $45 at the time of publication). Top 10 Lists serve as unbiased shopping guides to the most trusted product recommendations on the internet. LOVED FOR: This raglan t-shirt comes in an array of solid color options that are sure to match any pair of swim trunks in your little one's collection. Weve added half a dozen new picks to this guide, most of which come in sizes for older kids, up to about age 12. WHY YOU NEED IT: Designed with buttery-soft fabric, vibrant colors that won't fade, and shape-retaining technology, these long-sleeve rash guards will be a staple in your kiddos' swimwear collection for seasons to come. Babiators makes lots of styles in addition to the Aviator (including the Navigator, pictured above), with frames in punchy brights as well as neutral black and white. USER REVIEW: "My five-year-old daughter looks so adorable in her rash-guard swimsuit. To help you find the perfect one, we've rounded up the Top 10 mom-approved rash guards for kidsall ranked by our data-driven algorithm, of course. Lands End Girls Stretch Woven Comfort Waist Swim Shorts (about $30 at the time of publication)Lands End Girls Short Sleeve Crew Neck UPF 50 Swim Rash Guard ($25 at the time of publication). LOVED FOR: This UPF 50 rash guard comes in so many bright and fun color options, which makes it ideal for mixing and matching with your kiddos' favorite swimsuits. They come in sizes 2 to 12. But my own rainbow-obsessed kid liked his rainbow-striped shirt, and I love that Primary, whose patterns are not separated by gender as many little-kid lines are, has an entire page devoted to rainbow swimwear. Keen Stingray (from $60 at the time of publication)Keen Little Kids Newport H2 (from $65 at the time of publication)Keen Big Kids Newport H2 (from $65 at the time of publication). The rash guard can also be made into a one-piece suit, too. Great quality, great fit, and great sun protection.". With spring and summer fast approaching and lots of pool parties and beach trips on the horizon, it's safe to say "those days" are officially upon us. And we now know that the hat is durable enough to last through multiple kids, as my second-born later enjoyed the same hats that my oldest child wore. They make both short- and long-sleeved rash guards in fabrics that are generally a bit thicker than those made by other companies (and also notably cutefrom strawberries to suns to sharks). Though a towel-like cover-up that falls close to the knees is a more practical substitute for an actual towel, weve also liked these terry-cloth sweatshirts for covering up at the beach, or on the way home when little bodies are wet or chilly. As with all Hanna Andersson clothing, its smart to wait for sales if you cantheyre frequent. For a wider variety of styles and colors, Roshambo Eyeware is another brand we recently turned to after my 6-year-old began insisting that everything he owns must be red. There was no fading at all, and the elastic around the waist and legs held up without a single stray thread, despite weekly wear. I let them pick out suits from Lands End because Ive had a great experience with their inclusive, well-made swimsuit separates for adults. UPF also measures UVA and UVB rays, which goes a step beyond your sunscreens SPF. A bright, more unusual color is also a good way to help you spot your kid quickly at a crowded beach or pool. The stories you care about, delivered daily. The foam-filled brim and flap provided ample sun protection while staying out of her face, and the hat air-dried quickly and packed down easily. They hold up so well. All of our picks below have a UPF 50+ rating. The Boden Towelling Throw On is the same thing but in styles that dont include the color pink (some have side pockets instead of the front pocket that the Beach Dress has). It has nickel-free snaps at the bottom and a zipper that begins at the back of the neck. Bonus: some selections even come with a matching tankini top. Five stars!". Look for broad spectrum, SPF 30 or more, and a scent and feel you like. Of this summers designs I chose some with 80s-ish piping and colorblock patterns for my own kids. The rash guards come in sizes 23 to 12 and with long or short sleeves. AppleCheeks swim diapers come in several bright solids as well as fun patterns. Products are scored and ranked using an .css-6y72dq{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:rgba(26, 119, 180, 0.4);}.css-6y72dq:hover{text-decoration-color:inherit;}.css-ek7sy5{margin:0;color:#1a77b4;-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-color:rgba(26, 119, 180, 0.4);}.css-ek7sy5:hover{text-decoration-color:inherit;}algorithm backed by data consumers find most valuable when making a purchase. Plus, its secure: We never had a blowout. The Best Swim Goggles for Adults and Kids, The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More, The Best Beach and Pool Toys for Kids and Adults, SwimZip Long-Sleeve Rash Guard Swimsuit Shorts Set, long-sleeved rash guard, shorts, and tankini set, Lands End Girls Stretch Woven Comfort Waist Swim Shorts, Lands End Girls Short Sleeve Crew Neck UPF 50 Swim Rash Guard, Cheeky Chickadee Unisex Long Sleeve Swimmer, a couple of surfer-esque colorblock styles, i Play by Green Sprouts Brim Sun Protection Hat, i Play by Green Sprouts Flap Sun Protection Hat, Hanna Andersson Sunsoft Terry Character Hoodie, Beau & Belle Littles Premium Reusable Swim Diaper, 25 Wirecutter Picks for a Summer Beach Day, The 27 Best Stocking Stuffer Ideas for Kids, Wirecutters 100 Most Popular Picks in June 2022.