You know your little fish needs a good pair of swimming goggles before hitting the pool or beach this summer. The last thing you want is for them to spend more time adjusting their goggles than actually swimming. Choosing the right pair of swimming goggles for kids is key to ensuring an enjoyable experience for your child in the water. With so many options out there in a range of sizes, styles, and prices, it can be tricky to determine what will work best based on factors like your child’s age, head size, and activity level in the water. This guide will provide some helpful tips to make the selection process easier and help you narrow in on a pair of swimming goggles that your little swimmer will want to wear each and every time they get in the pool. By the end of this, you’ll feel like a pro in picking out the perfect pair of swimming goggles for your kid.

Determine Your Child’s Needs

When searching for the ideal swimming goggles for your young swimmer, consider their specific needs, priorities, and how they will be used. Are the goggles primarily for recreational splashing or are they needed for swim team training?

Age and Skill Level

Consider your child’s age and swimming ability. For beginners or younger kids, look for swimming goggles with an adjustable strap to ensure a proper fit. For more advanced swimmers doing laps or training, consider a low-profile, streamlined model.

Purpose

Think about how your child will use the swimming goggles. For recreational swimming or playing in the pool, opt for a basic, all-purpose pair. For swim lessons or team practice, look for swimming goggles designed for training that provide greater visibility and durability.

Find the Correct Size and Fit

To ensure a proper fit, you’ll want to measure your child’s face before purchasing swimming goggles. Start by measuring the distance between your child’s eyes. This will give you a good idea of what size to look for.

When trying on the swimming goggles, make sure they fit snugly but aren’t too tight. Goggles that are too tight can cause discomfort and leave marks on your child’s face. On the other hand, goggles that are too loose can let water in and compromise your child’s vision.

When adjusting the swimming goggles, make sure the nose piece sits comfortably on the bridge of your child’s nose. It should be snug but not pressed too hard. The straps should be adjusted so that the goggles fit securely but aren’t too tight.

If your child has long hair, consider getting swimming goggles with a strap that can be adjusted for a ponytail. This will keep the goggles in place and prevent hair from getting in your child’s face.

Lastly, swimming goggles that are specifically designed for children or youth will typically fit better than a one-size-fits-all pair. Look for goggles marked for specific age groups like toddlers (3-6 years), children (7-8 years), or youth (9-12 years).

Get the Right Lens for Your Child’s Needs

Lens Type

The type of lens material is important for comfort and safety. For most recreational swimming, polycarbonate lenses are a good, affordable choice. They are impact-resistant and provide UV protection. If your child is involved in competitive swimming, consider polycarbonate lenses with an anti-fog coating.

Lens Color

The lens tint can impact how much light gets through to your child’s eyes. For most situations, clear or lightly tinted lenses are good options. In very bright conditions, like an outdoor pool on a sunny day, a darker tint may be more comfortable for your child. Some options include:

• Clear: Good for indoor and low-light use. Provides no tint but blocks UV rays.
• Lightly tinted: Light smoke or mirrored lenses reduce glare while still allowing a lot of light in. Good for variable light conditions.
• Darker tints: Dark smoke, amber, or mirrored lenses for very bright light. May not be suitable for low light or indoor use.

Prescription Lenses

If your child requires vision correction, you’ll want to consider prescription swimming goggles. Prescription swimming goggles have special lenses made to your child’s vision prescription. They allow your child to swim without contact while still being able to see clearly. Prescription swim goggles tend to cost a bit more, but provide an important function for those with vision needs.

The most important thing is finding goggles your child will want to wear each and every time they’re in the water.

Additional Features to Consider

Strap or Band

An adjustable strap allows you to get the perfect fit for your child’s head. Straps that are too loose won’t stay on, while straps that are too tight can be uncomfortable. A split strap or two separate straps may be more comfortable for some kids versus a single strap. The split strap allows for easy adjustment and even distribution of pressure. 

A strap with a buckle or ladder lock device makes it easy to put the swimming goggles on and take them off and allows for quick adjustments as needed.

Nose Piece

A comfortable nosepiece is important, especially for younger kids. A soft, flexible nose piece, typically made of silicone, prevents irritation and discomfort. It should fit snugly but still be comfortable for extended wear. Adjustable nose pieces allow you to customize the fit to your child’s nose. This helps prevent leaks and ensures the swimming goggles stay in place during swimming and playing.

Additional Options

Some kids’ goggles also offer additional features like:

• Anti-Fog Coating: Swimming goggles with an anti-fog coating to prevent the lenses from fogging up during swimming, ensuring clear vision underwater.
• UV Protection: Opt for swimming goggles that offer UV protection to shield your child’s eyes from harmful sun rays, especially when swimming outdoors.
• Fun Design: Kids may be more inclined to wear swimming goggles with colorful and fun designs, so consider options that appeal to their personal style and interests.

.

Read More:

The Best Swimming Goggles for Kids: Fun, Comfortable, and Safe Options

While it can be overwhelming with all the options out there, focus on the basics and consider your child’s needs to find a pair that fits well and comfortably. With the right swimming goggles, your child will want to wear them each and every time they hit the pool. Swimming is a lifelong pursuit, so it’s definitely worth investing in a top-notch pair of swimming goggles like the ones offered by Swans. Now get out there and start swimming! The water’s great.