Children's wetsuits not only help to keep children warm when swimming but also provide extra buoyancy to help build confidence. (However, they should not be considered a buoyancy aid.) Wetsuit materials are flexible and allow easy arm and leg movement while swimming. The popular 'Shortie' style wet suits are great for children swimming, diving and snorkelling. Full length children's wetsuits are usually preferred by older children and for greater warmth, especially if you're going to be in or on the water for longer periods. (We've discovered that junior dinghy sailors prefer the full length wetsuit as it also provides additional protection.)

A poorly fitted wetsuit will be too restrictive if small and impede arm and leg movement. As a simple test the wearer should be able to comfortably cross their arms over their chests without feeling too restricted.

Buying a large 'grow into it' size may seem practical but' if too loose fitting, will allow the cold water to 'flush' through the suit and make the wearer uncomfortably cold.

Wetsuits for toddlers are especially useful, given that younger children can't tell us when they're just too cold to keep swimming! Given they also cover a large proportion of the child's skin area they are also a great UV sun protector.

Baby wetsuits are becoming increasingly popular - they can be bought online from specialist suppliers such as born2becool in the UK. Top kids wetsuit brands to look out for are Konfidence who offer a side-opening suit with easy to fit velcro fastenings - and Tiki who make the more traditional 'shortie' design for the little ones.

When purchasing make sure the suits are chlorine resistant and you should be able to swap suits easily to ensure you get a good fit for your child (watch out for our next article on 'How to buy a kids wetsuit' with some practical advice on fabrics, construction and even how to put on a wetsuit.)

As a plus point, many Mums have found that selling-on a suit that their child has grown out of is easily done to friends or other swim-club parents.

For more kids wetsuit information and advice visit born2becool.www.com

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