Make a splash with the best kids’ swimming goggles

Whether they’re starting swimming lessons, going to a pool party or taking a dip in the sea, a pair of kids' swimming goggles is a must-have to prevent their eyes from becoming sore in the chlorine or saltwater. They should be an essential part of their swim kit, just like swimwear and swimming costumes.

Even if your little one swims easily, a pair of goggles can help them see properly underwater, so they can confidently navigate their way. Plus they will prevent debris and chemicals from agitating their eyes which could cause them to panic.

There are plenty of fun, colourful and patterned options available to suit different ranges of budget, many of which are specially designed to help kids to take them on and off or adjust them independently. Similar to kids' sunglasses, you can get polarised, anti-fog or prescription goggles, and some even come with a built-in nose cover which stops them from inhaling water.

Editor's Choice:
•Best comfortable kids' goggles: Speedo Kid's Futura Biofuse Flexiseal Swimming Goggles - Buy now from Amazon
•Best goggles for swimming lessons: Zoggs Panorama Junior Swimming Goggles - Buy now from Argos
•Best goggles for babies: Zoggs Little Bondi Goggles - Buy now from Boots
•Best affordable kids' swimming goggles: Nabaiji XBASE 100 Kids Swimming Goggles - Buy now from Decathlon

Here are our top swimming goggles for children to help them see under the water, which are perfect for packing into their swimming bag or holiday suitcase; check them out below.

The best kids' swimming goggles 2023

Things to consider when buying kids' swimming goggles

Comfort - Comfort is key, especially when you're purchasing goggles for children, as they may not want to keep them on if they feel "funny" or be able to concentrate on their lessons. They should feel tight but not leave deep marks on the skin.

Adjustability - It's important to go for a pair that can be adjusted, particular when it comes to kid's goggles. Aim for a pair with a movable strap that can be adjusted as they grow. Remember to check the size and feel of them with and without a swimming hat on before purchasing.

Anti-fog - When buying swimming goggles, it may be worth purchasing some with anti-fog lenses that won't steam up as soon as your little one pops their head above the water, as they could become disorientated or get lost.

No-leak - This should be a given with goggles for swimming. Look for a tight seal around the eyepieces, otherwise they may have to keep taking them off and emptying them.

UV protection - A brilliant feature to have if you're heading to the outdoor pool or seaside this summer. They will give their eyes the same protection as a pair of sunglasses would.

Polarisation - Polarised swimming goggles can help to reduce the glare of bright lights and sun rays, which is extremely useful if they like to be in the pool for long periods of time.

Can babies wear swimming goggles?

While some goggles say that they are suitable for children aged 0 and above, you ideally shouldn't put goggles onto your little one until they're at least two years old because they need to get used to the feel of water in their eyes. This will not only help them to develop a tolerance but will also (hopefully) not be a big shock to them should any accidents occur.

A swim vest can help to keep babies and young children above the water, although it is important to always supervise your child when they are in the water. If it's your child's first time using a swim vest it may help to hold onto your child's hands at first, to help your child find their water balance. The vest will then help to keep them afloat as they learn to kick in the water.

How to adjust goggles

If your child's googles are too tight or become loose over time, you may need to adjust them. When putting on goggles, they should rest 2-3cm above their ears, so check that they are on correctly before you move them. Many goggles come with a strap and a little bar that can be moved to adjust the strap to fit their head. If this doesn't work, they may have grown out of the goggles or they may be too big and you should purchase a different size.

You shouldn't push the lenses onto their face as this could cause damage to their eyes. Instead, once the glasses are on and correctly fitted, they should create their own light suction effect without letting water in. Some people may like to get their hair and face damp before they put the goggles on as they can sometimes be harder to apply on dry hair.

How to care for your goggles

To make the most of the goggles to ensure they last for a long time, you should follow these simple steps:

•Store them in a case between uses
•Do not expose them to extremely high temperatures (such as 60 degrees Celsius or more) as they are likely to melt
•Keep them away from strong blasts or jets of water (particularly the insides) as this could break or ruin the lens effect
•Only rinse them with water to clean them (if needed)
•Do not pull too hard on the straps as you could break them

How we chose the best kids' swimming goggles

We selected products based on the comfort and fit. We asked parents which options they would recommend, based on how well they keep the water out, as well as their design and durability.

Arabella Horspool is a Commercial Content Writer for Mother&Baby at Bauer Media. She's a bookworm who enjoys cooking and spending time with her many pets.