Children’s wetsuits
Children’s wetsuits and all other wetsuits for that matter are intended to keep the body warm when the little ones have some water fun. The material used to make them provide ease of leg and arm movements. There are full length wetsuits for kids and short style suits as well. Of course, you don’t just buy any wetsuit for your child. You’ll find a lot of useful information below.
Short vs. Full Length
The shorter length wetsuits are better for younger kids while older children usually prefer the full length wetsuits. Full length children’s wetsuits will provide more warmth than the shorter version. So, if you think your child will be spending a lot longer time in the water then you better opt for the full length ones.
Fit It Right
One of the things you should be aware of is whether a kid’s wetsuit is too tight or too loose. Poorly fitted wetsuits just won’t work as well as those that fit your child properly. If a wetsuit is too tight or too small for you child, it can easily restrict movement, making it harder to swim. However, never buy larger-sized wetsuit thinking that you’re child will grow into it one day.
Loose fitting children’s wetsuits, obviously, will be ineffective at keeping your child warm. Cold water will eventually seep through making your kid feel cold. A good practical test you can do is to have your children cross their arms over their chests. If they feel restricted as they do this then the wetsuit is too tight or if things look too lose in this position then you should get a smaller sized one.
Shopping Tips
Our first shopping tip is to match the type of wetsuit for your child with the water activity that you intend for them. The shorty wetsuits are best suited for water activities that require a lot of movement. On the other hand, if you intend to go into colder water then you should get the full length suit. If you intend to go paddling then you better get what is called a farmer john.
Next, you should also come to terms with the right thickness for your children’s wetsuits. There is a direct correlation between the suit’s thickness and the amount of body warmth it can sustain. If you intend to use the wetsuit in the summer when it’s warmer then you can settle for a one to two millimeter thick suit.
However, in case you intend to swim or snorkel in waters that drop to temperatures as low as 50 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, then you should get the four millimeter thick wetsuits. In case you are going for waters that are even colder then get a hooded five millimeter wetsuit.
Like other pieces of clothing, you should inspect the quality of the construction. If the children’s wetsuit is well made then you can expect that it can provide better warmth. Watch out for any flaws on the seams or any exposed stitching. Don’t be afraid to check and have your kids try on different brands. You want the wetsuit to fit your child snugly without restricting their movements. If the suit bags around the ankles or waist then get something else.
Finally, get a suit that will fit your budget. A wetsuit for your kid will have a price range of $50 to $100. If you want to get a bargain deal, you can opt for a used wetsuit. Take note that good quality wetsuits are so tough that children usually grow out of them before they wear out.
Preventing Rashes
Rashes are one of the common issues with children’s wetsuits. Some people claim that they are unavoidable since kids usually just move around a lot. However, there are a few things you can do to help your child avoid getting rashes from their suits.
The first thing you can do is to buy a suit that is smooth around the neck, arms, and legs. Inspect the suit for taped armpit seams. If a suit has those then you ought to buy them. You can also have your child wear a rash guard under the suit. In case your child gets rashes you can rub Vaseline on the affected areas. If your child gets rashes from their old wetsuits then it’s a signal that you should get a new one.
Maintenance and Repair
One final issue you have to deal with is repairing and maintaining your children’s wetsuits. Sometimes, all you need are safe practices in order to extend the usable life of these wetsuits. For example, remembering to rinse off the salt water after the suit is used in the beach will go a long while. A wetsuit conditioner will also help it last longer.
In case your children’s wetsuits get rips, you will definitely need more than a needle and thread to repair it. Having some needle skills won’t hurt but getting the right materials like neoprene cement and even dental floss may help to keep things together.