What are the best goggles for toddlers and children?

What are the best goggles for toddlers and children?

So what do you know about goggles?

I’ve been wearing some form of goggles for the majority of my life. Having swim lessons in a lake, my grandma quickly recognized that I could see better if I had goggles. My first pair of goggles were a very inexpensive pair from Walmart, nothing spectacular by any means.

As I became more involved in swimming, my parents spent more time determining which goggles would be best for me. Many swim meets have sales representatives from swim stores selling goggles. These sales representatives were very helpful. They helped my parents find goggles that worked for me.

Why are goggles important?

If I were to choose one piece of equipment that will single-handedly improve your child’s relationship with the water, it’s goggles.

A lot of children are uneasy in the water because it is something new. Without goggles, it can be very terrifying. Not only are they experiencing something new, but they also can’t see! Goggles will help a child feel more comfortable in the water. When a child feels more comfortable in the water, they will be able to focus on their skills, and improvements will be seen.

How do I pick a pair of goggles for my child?

The most important part of picking goggles out for your child is trying on several pairs. Not all children have the same face shape or size. This may require you to order several pairs on Amazon, or find a sports store that has a good selection of children’s goggles.

I definitely recommend beginning with children’s or juniors goggles. Even if your child is older, oftentimes these goggles still fit. I have a very narrow face and actually wore junior goggles until college.

It might be tempting to buy your child a mask or goggles that cover their nose. Masks serve a purpose, but for advanced swimmers, not for swimmers in lessons. It is important for a child to learn breath control, and this cannot be accomplished if their nose is covered.

What goggles do you recommend?

Below are a few of the goggles I have seen work well with many children.

• Speedo Jr. Hydrospex Classic
• https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Hydrospex-Classic
• Speedo Kids Hydrospex Classic Swim Mask
• I discussed no masks, but this isn’t a true mask because it does not cover the nose.
• https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Kids-Hydrospex-Classic
• Speedo Kids Skoggles
• https://www.amazon.com/Speedo-Kids-Skoogles-Goggle-Orange/

How can I tell if a pair of goggles properly fit?

I cannot emphasize the importance of this step. It is of utmost importance that the goggles fit your child well. If their goggles do not fit them well, you likely will not see improvement with their relationship with water. Many children I have taught in the past have complained or said they hated their goggles because they leaked.

The easiest way to tell if a pair of goggles fit your child is to use the suction only. Examine the orientation of the goggles, make sure the goggles are not upside down. Place the goggles over your child’s eyes and press them firmly, do not use the strap. Ideally, you would like the goggles to stay on your child’s eyes for at least 5-10 seconds without falling. If there is good suction without the strap, with the strap, the goggles will fit well.

It is important that the strap is not too tight. If the goggles are leaking, oftentimes it is because the goggles do not properly fit, not that the strap is too loose. For girls, make sure their hair is pulled back, and no hair is inside the lens or disrupting the suction.

Okay, we’ve got properly fitting goggles, now what?

Now’s the time for your child to try them out, but be patient with this step! Help your child put on their goggles and let them play in the water. A swim lesson is not the time for a child to try out their new goggles. It takes time for a child to learn what the goggles are and you want your child to focus on the lesson.

If the child is scared of the pool, introduce them in a setting where they are less scared. Often times, a bathtub is a great environment for a toddler to try out their new goggles.

How do I take care of my child’s goggles?

Goggles are an investment. Avoid touching the inside of the lens. Often times goggles have an antifog layer. This layer should not be touched to ensure the longevity of the antifog. Pool chemicals and the sun can be harsh on your child’s goggles. When your child is done using their goggles, rinse them with tap water, and avoid storing them in the sun.

Biography

I’m Terrin, I was born and raised in a small town in Wisconsin. I took my first swim lessons in a lake near my house around age 4. I slowly relocated to swim lessons in a pool and transitioned to swim team around age 7.

I swam competitively through high school and I was offered a scholarship to swim for New Mexico State University. I had a very successful swimming career, and I am very proud of my collegiate accomplishments. In addition to training, I’ve been teaching swim lessons and coaching for swim teams for 13 years. I’m currently in my third year of dental school in Glendale, Arizona and will begin practicing dentistry in May 2021.