The 14 best baby swimsuits of 2023, from infants to toddlers

May 21, 2023

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This summer, you can certainly be the mom or dad snapping away photos of your little boy or girl by the pool for Instagram or your own personal collection.

But, what will really makes for peak cuteness is the perfect baby swimsuit — whether you’re dressing your baby or toddler.

While many typically go directly to the store clothing racks and pick the first adorable one they see, there's much more that goes into shopping for a new miniature wetsuit, especially when it comes to sun protection. (Related: Best UPF clothing).

"Clothing is our first line of defense against the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays," Vivian Bucay, MD, San Antonio-based board-certified dermatologist and spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation, told the New York Post. "The more of your child's skin you can cover with clothing, the better. Dress your baby in lightweight, long sleeves and pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect the face, neck, and ears. You should aim to cover more of their skin with swimwear as well — a one-piece bathing suit with long sleeves will offer more protection than a halter top bikini, for example."

Not to mention, if your baby will tolerate them, add UV-blocking sunglasses to protect their eyes.

Ahead, Dr. Bucay provides more sun-protecting tips and what to know about baby and toddler swimsuits alike in our in-depth FAQ section. Below, the New York Post rounded up the best baby and toddler swimsuits that we recommend.

Please note some of these picks may be available in both baby and toddler sizing.

Meet one of the best brands for bathing suits that we’re all heart-eyes for: RuffleButts. This fan-adored, top-rated brand has one of the widest color and pattern varieties we’ve seen, incredible quality for its fairly affordable price point and UPF 50+ sun protection. With quick-change snaps and a convenient zipper, it's nothing short of amazing (aka, add it to your shopping cart).

With a name like Carter's, you know it's going to be good. Shop the Simple Joys by Carter's One-Piece RashGuard for less than $20 on Amazon. Not only is it a No.1 Amazon best-seller but it boasts more than 5,000 rave reviews for its machine-washable, easy-to-put-on design and its lovely patterns.

The Simple Joys by Carter's Swimsuit Trunk & RashGuard Set is one of our favorite two-piece sets for your baby or toddler. Namely, it offers full-length arm protection with an adorable oceanic pattern we can't help but love. Not only that, but it's backed by 38,000 positive reviews — and counting — for its mesh lining, functional drawcord design and multitude of patterns to choose from.

"The Little Mermaid" came to life with the kavkas Baby Ruffles Swimsuit with Sun Protection. It's one of the most affordable baby swimsuits on the market at just $14, boasting soft skin-friendly fabric that offers wonderful flexibility and movement as your little one grows. Plus, more than 1,000 beach-goers and pool-swimmers are satisfied with their purchase.

What's better than a baby bathing suit? One that comes with a hat, of course! Shop the upandfast Baby UPF 50+ One-Piece Zipper Bathing Suit with its matching hat, all for less than $25 on Amazon. This style is another No. 1 Amazon best-seller, backed by nearly 5,000 applauding reviews for its array of lovely patterns and has a stretchy, comfortable fit.

Two words: simply adorable. Shop the Janie & Jack Recycled Rose Swimsuit. For less than $50, it features a quality design, a photogenic pattern and an adoring sweetheart neckline. Not to mention, it's fully lined with UPF 50+ sun protection.

For one of the best names in baby and toddler apparel — including matching pajamas — shop the Hanna Andersson Baby Rash Guard Swimsuit. Out of all the colors and styles it comes in, we can't stop staring at this on-sale rainbow print. Simply adorable, and ultra-protective!

OMG, cuteness overload. We couldn't resist the Monica & Andy Tie Swimsuit One-Piece, the $30 option we wish came in adult sizing. With a fitting beach-themed print and UPF 50+ protection, it checks all our boxes.

Coincidentally, the Cat & Jack Tropical Printed One-Piece Swimsuit is one the babies and toddlers in our families sport on long, hot beach days. Not only is it ultra-protective and easy to put on but its $15 price point is a hard one to beat. Plus, it offers a Lily Pulitzer-style print for less.

For a UPF-friendly style fit for your baby or toddler-aged boy, the Rylee + Cru Rash Guard Boy Set is among our most-recommended. Specifically, it features a long-sleeve, rash guard top and coordinating swim short bottoms for a classic look. Plus, it offers UPF 50+ skin protection.

Looking for a baby or toddler swimsuit that's pink, long-sleeved and affordable? H&M has you covered — literally — with its Long-Sleeved Swimsuit for just $25. With a low stand-up collar, zipper at the front and an anti-chafe chin guard, you’ll love this flow-y, flounce-y summer style.

This two piece set is so cute with pink accents, and even comes with a matching hat to match (check yes, Juliet). Enter the Younger Tree UPF 50+ Floral Bathing Suit. For just $20 on Amazon, we love the vibrancy and cuteness overload this summertime favorite brings. Even better, it's quick-drying and comfortable.

Nautical-inspired and sun-protecting, the Maison Me Baby Emory RashGuard Swimsuit is a $30 buy that we recommend adding to your cart. Its long-sleeved look coupled with its convenient zip-up front makes this any parent's or caregiver's dream for getting their little one dressed (#score).

When trekking to the beach or pool, obviously you need a beach ball-printed bathing suit for your baby or toddler. Fitting the bill is Hanna Andersson's Baby Summer Print Rash Guard that's less than $35 right now. Plus, it's clad with that coveted zip-front detailing that's easy to take on and off.

Ahead, Bucay provides dermatology-backed information pertaining to the safety and wear of swimsuits for both babies and toddlers.

It's important to note that not all clothing material is created equally in terms of sun protection. There are a few things to keep in mind.

"First, the tightness of the fabric's weave — a tightly woven piece with smaller holes between the thread, like denim, will offer more protection than one with an open weave, like a crocheted shawl," Bucay tells The Post. "Next, thicker, darker fabrics are more protective than thin, light fabrics. A bleached cotton t-shirt offers little protection, whereas a black corduroy would block more UV radiation. Finally, synthetic materials are better for UV protection than natural ones."

Choosing clothing with a UPF rating can help you be confident about the level of protection your child is getting, too. "UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor," Bucay adds. "A UPF rating is given to fabrics that protect your skin from the sun and indicates what fraction of the sun's ultraviolet rays can penetrate a piece of fabric."

More, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends choosing clothing and hats with a UPF of at least 30 to provide sufficient sun protection. A UPF of 30 to 49 offers very good protection, while UPF 50+ is best, per Bucay's recommendation.

"A rash guard is a fitted, long-sleeved shirt designed to be worn in the water; it is usually made with a synthetic material like polyester, lycra, spandex or nylon," Bucay explains. "Rash guards are a great option for anyone spending time in the sun and water — they help protect the chest, arms, stomach and back from the sun's UV rays."

Luckily, many are lightweight, breathable and quick-drying, so they are just as comfortable in and out of the water. "It protects you for hours and doesn't wash off, which is invaluable for anyone who has had trouble catching their toddler to reapply sunscreen!" Bucay highlights.

Sun exposure can be extremely dangerous for babies due to their thin skin and relative lack of melanin – the skin pigment that provides some sun protection.

"Because infants’ skin is so sensitive, it's best to keep newborns out of the sun rather than use sunscreen," Bucay advises. "Sunscreens should be used on children over the age of six months. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher."

Additionally, chemicals can irritate children's sensitive skin ,so look for sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These can usually be found in sunscreens labeled specifically for babies and children.

"Also, since getting children to use sunscreen is half the battle, try tubes with colorful packaging, which children may find more enjoyable to use," Bucay recommends. "While spray sunscreens can help with ease of use, it is difficult to achieve an even coat of application with spray sunscreens and missed areas commonly occur."

Be sure to note if you choose to use a spray sunscreen, be sure to spray until an even sheen appears, and then rub the product in. "Spray sunscreen should be applied in a well-ventilated area, and never applied directly to the face; sprays should be misted into the hands, then spread on the face," she adds. "It's best to apply an even coat of a sunscreen cream or lotion and reserve the spray sunscreen for reapplication."

Check out the New York Post Shopping section for more content.