Top Summer Safety Tips & Products for Water Babies
At Water Babies, your little one's safety in and around water is always our top priority. That’s why water safety is woven into every swimming lesson we teach.
With summer just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about your child’s swimwear and gear. From baby swimsuits and toddler UV protection clothing to swimming aids, accessories, and water-safe toys — we’ve got tips to help you create a summer wardrobe that supports safety, fun, and confidence in and out of the pool.
At Water Babies, we’re here to help you enjoy the water safely this summer. Our baby and toddler swimwear, UV clothing, and swim aids are designed with expert care and tested to the highest standards, giving you peace of mind while your little one builds water confidence.
Whether it’s a paddling pool in the garden, a beach day, or a trip to the pool, explore our top picks for safe and sunny adventures.
1. Baby Wetsuits: Keeping your little warm in the water
Water temperature plays a big role in your baby’s comfort and safety. For newborns and babies under 12 weeks or 12 pounds, the pool should be at least 32°C. For older babies, aim for 30°C. Outdoor pools and open water can feel much colder, even in summer, so thermal swimwear is key.
Wetsuits help babies and toddlers stay warm longer and offer more than just warmth: they also protect delicate skin, help keep barrier creams in place, and provide added UV protection. Worried about potty protection? Fear not! Some baby wetsuits, like the Happy Nappy™ Wetsuit, include a built-in reusable swim nappy, making them practical and cost-effective.
Wetsuit Tip: Always dress your baby in a wetsuit before they get cold. After swimming, remove it promptly, dry them thoroughly (especially in skin creases), and keep them warm.
Want to learn more? Read our blog on baby wetsuits. 👀
2. Water Shoes: Protecting your little one's feet in and around the water
Summer adventures often come with hidden hazards; from hot sand, sharp rocks and unexpected shells to slippery pool edges and cracked tiles. Always check your surroundings and make sure your little one’s feet are protected.
That’s where water shoes come in. Whether at the beach, pool, river or splash park, the right pair can help prevent cuts, slips, stings, or infections — all while keeping little ones comfy and confident.
What to Look for in Kids’ Swim Shoes:
- Light & Flexible: Rubber soles and breathable, quick-dry fabrics are key.
- Snug Fit: Elasticated styles like Slipfree® stay in place and are easy for kids to put on and take off.
- Multi-Use: Consider the adventures ahead to select the best pair of water shoes for your little one's summer activities. The best beach shoes are those that seamlessly transition between different activities. Ideal for swimming, running, rock-pooling or beach games, Slipfree® shoes are non-slip, close-toed, lightweight, and even UPF 50+ rated.
- Fun Designs: Choose a colour or print your child will love wearing again and again.
3. UV protective clothing and accessories: Shielding your little one against the sun
Keeping your little one protected from the sun is just as important as staying safe in the water. Our range of UV-protective swimwear and accessories helps shield delicate skin while keeping babies and toddlers cool and comfortable during outdoor play.
Swimwear Colours Tip: Bright colours aren’t just cute: they help with visibility. Choosing bold, contrasting swimwear makes it easier to keep an eye on your child in busy pools, at the beach, or even underwater.
3.1 UV Protection: Rash Tops
Lightweight, quick-drying, and rated UPF 50+, rash tops protect your child’s sensitive skin from harmful UV rays. Comfortable enough for all-day wear, they’re perfect for outdoor fun at the beach or by the pool.
3.2 UV Protection: Happy Nappy™ Sunsuits
The Happy Nappy™ Sunsuit combines a UPF 50+ rash top with a built-in reusable swim nappy, offering leak protection and sun safety in one. A practical, all-in-one outfit for swimming and water play outdoors.👌
3.3 UV Protection: Sun Hats
Protect your little one’s head, face, and neck with a sun hat designed for summer adventures:
Floppy Sun Hat: Wide brim, breathable cotton blend, and an adjustable chin strap for a secure, comfy fit even on windy days.
Legionnaire Hat: Made from soft, stretchy Nylon Lycra with an extended neck flap and UPF 50+ protection. Lightweight and ideal for active toddlers.
4. A word on swim vests, flotation devices and inflatables: Always keep a watchful eye on your children
Flotation devices like baby floats, swim vests, and buoyancy aids can help little ones feel more confident in the water, but they’re not a substitute for supervision.
Key Safety Tips:
- Always stay within arm’s reach of non-swimmers.
- Never rely solely on lifeguards: always assign a supervising adult.
- Inflatables can drift or tip over, especially in open water. Always combine them with proper buoyancy aids and close supervision.
- At the beach, swim between the flags and watch for rip currents, especially abroad where signage may differ.
Ready to make water play safe and fun?
4.1 Float Jackets & Swim Vests
Float jackets and swim vests are ideal for helping toddlers learn to swim safely. Both promote the correct swimming position and build confidence while offering peace of mind.
Our selection of swim vests have fixed buoyancy for a simpler, slip-on option. Made from soft neoprene, they are comfortable and quick to dry.
4.2 Pool Noodles
Perfect for play and practice, our shorter, wider, denser pool noodles offer better buoyancy and control for little ones. Great for learning to float, kick, or splash; and sturdy enough for grown-ups to use too!
4.3 Float boards for babies and toddlers
Our Finn Float Board is made of high-density foam and sized for small hands. It encourages kicking and splashing, supports balance and coordination, and introduces the basics of swim strokes in a fun way.
4.4 Shark Fins
Worn high on the back, the SwimFin Shark Fins offer a natural, upright swim position while keeping arms and legs free to move. It’s a swim aid, confidence booster, and playful shark fin all in one!
5. Our Top Tip: Start swimming lessons as early as possible
Water confidence starts early, and so does water safety. Fear of water is often learned, so helping little ones feel comfortable and capable in the water from a young age is one of the most valuable things you can do.
At Water Babies, we welcome babies into the pool from birth, with most joining us between 3–4 months old (our youngest swimmer was just one day old!). Alongside swimming skills, we teach vital water safety techniques that could one day save a life.
Led by Bubba the Whale and the Swimvincibles, our Oceans of Imagination programme is designed to put children first, building confidence through fun, storytelling, and play.