Splish Splash Summer Fun: Introducing Your Baby to Water Fun
Warmer weather means fun in the sun and exciting water games! This time of year, many parents want to know about how to safely introduce a baby to water. There's no one-size-fits-all answer to the question when is it safe to start teaching a baby or toddler to swim, but there are some guidelines that can help you determine when it's time to get your little one in the water. Even before their ready to swim, your little one can start having fun with water games in a baby swimsuit or toddler swimsuit.
When to Introduce Your Baby to Water Play
While there isn’t an official recommendation for the earliest age your baby boy or baby girl can begin playing in water, a good rule is that infants as young as 6 months can be safely introduced to water provided they are constantly supervised and safety guidelines are followed. At this age, babies are starting to develop the neck and core strength needed to enjoy short periods in water.
However, it’s important to recognize that even though babies may enjoy splashing and floating, they cannot yet hold their breath, swim, or regulate their body temperature effectively. That’s why every water session should be kept short, ideally no more than 10–15 minutes, especially if your baby starts to shiver or show signs of being cold or tired.
How to Pick a Baby Swimsuit
Fun baby boy swimsuits help make time in the water even more enjoyable, and are available with shark, turtle, and more patterns! Baby girl swimsuits feature an adorable range of bright patterns with lemons, seashells, and more designs available. All Gerber Childrenswear baby swimsuits are designed to keep your baby safe. Rash guards help prevent painful chafing, and Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) 50+ fabric protects against harmful rays from the sun.
When to Start Baby Swim Lessons
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children as young as one year old can benefit from baby swimming lessons! Starting young helps them gain early confidence around water and normalizes swimming instincts. Before beginning swim lessons, consult your pediatrician to ensure your little one is ready for this milestone.
At this stage, the emphasis should be on playful, pressure-free exposure rather than strict instruction. Babies and toddlers learn best through interactive, engaging activities—so consider incorporating games like peek-a-boo with water toys, singing songs with motions, or simply letting them splash and kick at their own pace. These activities not only make swim time fun but also help develop coordination and trust in the water environment.
Be sure to never force your child into the water if they're hesitant or scared. Instead, take it slow and let your child get comfortable with the water on their own terms. A gentle, encouraging approach works best. Let your child explore at their own speed—whether that means sitting poolside and dipping toes in the water or taking a brief dip in your arms.
Toddler Swimwear for Learning and Adventure
Once your baby has graduated to the toddler years, they'll still need direct supervision around water, but they can start experimenting with more water play. Toddler boy swimsuits with palm trees, gators, and more can help build excitement. A variety of one piece and two-piece styles are available so your little one can have the toddler swim trunks and top or one-piece outfit they prefer. For your toddler girl swimsuit, choose from strawberries, flowers, and other themes available in a range of colors! To protect your little one during play, these toddler swimsuits come with rash guards and are made from UPF 50+ fabric to help prevent sunburns.
Whether you’re ready for a day at the beach or looking forward to relaxing by the hotel pool, we have swimsuits for babies and toddlers that your little one will love. Every baby and toddler gets comfortable around water at their own pace. Give them time to explore and get excited about this brand new adventure, and make sure to praise their efforts and celebrate their successes. Soon, they’ll be asking for more time to play in the water!
Gerber Childrenswear Baby Swimsuits & Toddler Swimsuits
When it comes to finding the right toddler swimwear or baby swimsuit, Gerber Childrenswear has you covered! All our swimsuits are made with high-quality materials that are designed to be both comfortable and durable, with features to keep your little one happy like easy zippers and integrated sun protection. So, get ready to make a splash this summer with lots of water fun!
