9 Baby Swimsuits I'd Want to Wear Myself, TBH

This one-piece keeps your baby’s sensitive skin well-covered, thanks to long sleeves and a material made of tightly-woven nylon that will keep pesky rays from sneaking through. Plus, spandex offers a stretch so you can get a snug fit while keeping baby comfortable. 

What to Expect editors and community members alike adore Primary clothing for the charming patterns and high-quality — and this swimsuit is no exception! While parents love that it keeps baby safe from sunburns due to the UPF 50+ fabric, they especially love how easy it is to change a diaper, which is usually challenging for a full-body suit. Each pair is equipped with snap closures at the bottom so you can quickly change a dirty diaper without needing to completely undress her.

Robin Hilmantel, Senior Director of Editorial Strategy & Growth at What to Expect, attests to being a Primary swimsuit family. “I love that they have snaps for easy diaper changes, that they have UPF 50 protection, and that they're made from mostly recycled nylon,” she says.

The RuffleButts two-piece swimsuit is an adorable set that is as stylish as it is protective. RuffleButts is a hit among parents in the What to Expect as well as editors on staff — not to mention the thousands of five-star reviews their suits have on Amazon. What makes it a great two-piece option is that the top and bottoms easily slide on to simplify changing. Plus, the long-sleeve style will keep baby protected from the sun on sensitive areas like her shoulders and chest.

Several staff members raved about using RuffleButts swimsuits. Christine Mattheis, Group VP of Content & Brand Solutions at What to Expect, has purchased two of their suits every year for her daughter, Rose. “The two-piece makes bathroom trips (or diaper changes) so much easier than a one-piece,” she says. “And I like the long sleeve UPF fabric because it means I don't need to use as much sunscreen.” What’s more, Christine says the suits still looked like new after being used almost daily in the summer. “Not only are they durable, but they are extremely cute,” she adds.

If you're on the hunt for baby swim trunks, this option from Green Sprouts is a favorite among many caregivers. Parents love that this suit is not only lightweight and comfortable but also designed for easy diaper changes. The suit features a seven-snap design, so you don't need to remove the entire suit to change a diaper. (Green Sprouts recommends pairing these trunks with their reusable diaper for extra protection.) Made with material that blocks 97.5% to 99+% of UV rays, these trunks can be paired with a rash guard for added sun protection.

Although the shorts are loose, they have no stretch, so you may need to size up to accommodate your baby's diaper.

Although many baby swimsuits come with an attached rash guard, you can also choose to buy one separately for added versatility. The i play. by Green Sprouts rash guard is made from lightweight, quick-drying fabric for comfort and convenience. This helps prevent chafing from prolonged exposure to a wet swimsuit. Plus, purchasing a separate rash guard gives you the flexibility to mix and match with different swimsuits while adding extra coverage when needed. With no zippers or buttons, it’s easy to pull on over your child’s head.

I've been using this rash guard since my daughter was six months old, and nearly three years later, it still checks all the boxes. It provides plenty of protection without feeling too tight and dries quickly—especially useful on vacation when you're reusing items or packing at the last minute.

For an added layer of protection, look to this hooded Carter’s rash guard. Baby will have the same shoulder and arm protection that she gets from a regular rash guard, plus a way to shield her head and entire back of her neck from the sun. With a pull-on design, you can easily toss it on over her swimsuit.

Shelley Gingrich, What to Expect's Executive Director of Brand Solutions, has used these rash guards with her daughter. “I paired these rash guards with reusable swim diapers and it was a super easy suit,” she says. “If my daughter threw off her sun hat, I could put the hood on instead.” However, she echoed claims from reviewers that it does run small, so you may want to size up.

SwimZip is one of the few clothing companies to receive the Skin Cancer Foundation’s Seal of Recommendation due to its unparalleled sun protection. Made from UPF 50+ rash guard material, this full-coverage swimsuit features long sleeves and pants to further shield against the sun’s harmful rays. But it's not just the protection that makes this suit a winner.

The zippered front makes it easy to put on and take off — especially crucial for diaper changes. Flatlock seams help prevent chafing, while the fabric’s stretch and cut ensure mobility. Although the quick-dry suit is lightweight, keep in mind that full coverage can cause your baby to overheat. When not in the water, it's best to keep your baby in the shade.

P.S. - Just because it's advertised as a swimsuit for boys doesn't mean girls can't wear it. 

Why settle for a two-piece swimsuit when Carter's three-piece mix-and-match option exists? Parents loved the versatility of the two top options, depending on what activity baby is doing. Use the tank top when sitting in the shade or playing, then put the rash guard on when she needs some extra protection on her shoulders and arms. Made with a material that’ll dry fast, the pretty watermelon design also features UPF 50+ sun protection.

Keep baby safe from the sun without sacrificing any adorable style with this Minnow Rashguard One Piece. They have tons of sweet designs to choose from, including gingham, stripes and floral, in sizes ranging all the way up to 12 years. Unlike some other rash guards and long-sleeve one-piece suits, this one only has lining in the body but not the arms to allow for greater mobility and comfort. 

Olivia DeLong, a senior health editor at What to Expect, loves using Minnow swimsuits for her daughter. “My daughter has very pale, easy-to-burn skin and so a long-sleeve SPF bathing suit is a must,” she says. “I love that the bathing suits snap at the bottom so you can easily get them on and off (wiggly toddlers are impatient!) and I never have to worry about her getting burned.” And, because these swimsuits can be expensive, Olivia notes that she likes to buy them at the end of the season for a good sale.

This rashguard-and-trunk swim set is perfect for your little surfer dude — even if he can’t hang ten just yet. The set is made of recycled swim knit, which is super soft and gentle on baby’s sensitive skin. Parents also say the swimsuit holds up well in the wash: the fabric is esistant to chlorine, salt water and sunscree, ensuring it doesn't disintegrate and the colors don’t fade. The shorts also feaure a mesh lining to prevent chaffing an dimprove breathability. Because the fabric is of such a high quality, this Hanna Andersson swimsuit is more expensive than others, but parents say it’s worth it.