Swimwear that covers all the bases

SUN-SAFE

Swimming in sunshine, either in the pool or at the beach, is a wonderful way to top up on vitamin D. But whether yours swim like otters or just like to paddle in the shallows, you gotta protect their skin. Regular smothering with good quality, high protection sun cream is key - but the right swimwear will help keep them sun-safe too. The KIDLY Label Eco Swimwear range gives the highest UPF50+ protection, plus it's made from a premium recycled fabric that's woven from fabric scraps, disused fishing nets and ocean plastic. So it's not just skin-friendly, it's ocean-friendly too.

DOESN'T FADE IN CHLORINE

You know they'll be in and out of the holiday pool like yo-yos, but you don't want their nice new swimmers falling prey to chlorine fade, making them look past their prime in no time at all. We love Liewood’s first range of swimwear because, not only does it come in super-cool styles and colour-ways, but it's passed rigorous testing for not losing colour or shape in chlorinated water. They're the ideal swim tees, pants and jumpsuits for the trendy poolside.

FOR WRIGGLY BABIES

Wriggly babies become as slippery as eels in the water and it can be quite a hard task to keep a good grip on them… not what you want at all! For peace of mind for you - and extra comfort for them - we recommend a neoprene swim wrap, which creates a natural non-slip grip for your hands. This one by Splash About comes in fun prints that kids will love, plus velcro along the front and shoulders that you'll love, as you won’t need ninja moves to get it on them.

GARDEN-TO-PARK-TO-BEACHWEAR

If, like us, you have kids who spend most of the summer between their sandpit and the water sprinkler, it’s futile sending them out in playwear that can’t handle a soaking. Enter Ki ET LA and their range of what we call ‘non-swimwear-swimwear.’ Essentially it looks like your day-to-day shorts and tees, with bold colours and patterns that your kids will adore. Ecologically designed and with UPF50+ protection, it’s perfect for wearing to the beach without a cover up, or popping on for some water play action at the park.

KEEPS THEM WARM IN CHILLY POOLS

For cold seas, outdoor pools that aren’t being heated by the mid-summer sun, or those public swimming pools that never seem to remember to turn the heating on, swimwear that provides extra warmth is ideal. The Splash About Happy Nappy Wetsuit is essentially a swimsuit, wetsuit and swim nappy all rolled into one and is perfect for keeping babies toasty warm. The integrated nappy means you don’t need to add uncommfortable extra layers and the wrap at the front adds that cosiness they need in cold water. For older kids, layering over their swimsuit with a rash vest is also an option, or give them the additional cover of a sun suit.

ALTERNATIVE TO DISPOSABLES

Before they're potty trained, it’s important to kit them out with a first layer swim nappy that will keep any accidents inside. Keen to avoid paper disposables? The Bambino Mio Reusable Swim Nappy has a concealed water resistant layer with leak-proof legs to keep everything where it should be. The lightweight design keeps them comfortable and doesn’t weigh them down, so you can all concentrate on having a great time.

APPROVED BY SWIM SCHOOLS

Taking your baby to swimming lessons is a great way to get them used to the water from day dot. But swim school rules on swimwear are (understandably) strict: no-one wants whoopsies leaking out into the water. As well as a paper nappy or reusable swim nappy, they'll also want your baby to wear a good fitting, neoprene swimming pant over the top. The Splash About' Happy Nappy has comfy wide cuffs that create a seam to skin binding, for mess-free swimming lessons.

We hope this run-down was useful, but if you're still search for that perfect cossie, we’ve got loads of other awesome pieces that are perfect for the pool or beach right here.