Kids swim parkas are towel-lined coats that children pull on over wet swimwear straight after swimming. They keep little swimmers warm on the walk to the car, help protect the car seat on the way home, and mean you don't have to wrestle a cold, wet child out of their swimmers in a crowded change room.
Whether it's weekly swimming lessons, a swim carnival or a day at the beach, a swim parka is one less thing to juggle.
Why kids need a swim parka after swimming
Kids get cold quickly once they're out of the water, especially when there's a breeze on the pool deck or a long walk to the car. A towel helps for a minute, but it has to be held, wrapped and re-wrapped, and it usually ends up on the ground.
A kids swim parka goes on over wet swimwear and stays on. Arms in, zip up, and they're warm while they dry off, wait for a sibling or pack up. It's also handy at the beach or a carnival, when kids are in and out of the water all day and need something to put on between swims.
Do kids swim parkas keep car seats dry?
Yes, that's one of the main reasons parents buy them. The parka is worn directly over wet swimwear; the 100% cotton towelling lining absorbs the water, and the specially treated outer shell stops any water seeping through, protecting the car seat. The two-way zipper also lets you open the lower zip for extra leg room when they're sitting in the car.
Can kids wear a swim parka in a five-point harness?
AquaDash kids swim parkas have an opening at the back designed to accommodate a five-point harness in sizes 2 to 8 (approximately ages 1 to 7).
Always follow your car seat manufacturer's instructions for what your child can wear in the seat.
What are kids swim parkas made from?
AquaDash kids swim parkas have a specially treated, water-resistant outer shell made from recycled materials, with a lining of 100% cotton towelling. They're long-sleeved and unisex, with a two-way zipper.
How to size a kids swim parka
For kids, length is the measurement that matters most. Most parents buy long so the parka lasts a couple of years. Around mid-calf is a good target, and if the sleeves are long, they can simply be rolled up.
These are the parka's measurements, not your child's, so use them as a guide.
| Size | Approx. age | Length (cm) | Chest (cm) | Arm length (cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1–2 | 60 | 78 | 52 |
| 4 | 2–3 | 65 | 82 | 56 |
| 6 | 4–5 | 70 | 86 | 60 |
| 8 | 6–7 | 80 | 90 | 65 |
| 10 | 7–8 | 90 | 94 | 70 |
| 12 | 9–10 | 100 | 98 | 75 |
| 14 | 11–12 | 110 | 104 | 80 |
How to measure for best length
Measure the child from the back of the neck down to where you want the hem to sit, and choose the parka closest to that measurement in length. Sizes step up by 5–10cm, so it should be pretty easy to choose the most suitable size.
For most children, you want it around mid-calf, but for younger children, if they are not too fussy, you can go all the way down to the ankles. Just make sure the swim parka does not touch the ground.
Tip: Kids love putting a thumb through the gap between the cuff and button when the sleeves are long.
Kids swim parka FAQs
What is a kids swim parka?
A kids swim parka is a towel-lined coat worn over wet swimwear after swimming. It keeps children warm and comfortable and helps protect car seats from getting wet.
What size kids swim parka should I buy?
Choose by length, and go as long as you comfortably can so it lasts more than one season. Mid-calf is a good guide. Check the size chart above, and remember the measurements are of the parka, not your child.
What age are kids swim parkas suitable for?
AquaDash parkas are for anyone aged 1 to 100! Our kids swim parkas come in sizes 2 to 14, which suit roughly ages 1 to 12. For children 13 and over, we'd recommend moving into the adults range.
Are kids swim parkas worth it compared with a towel?
A towel has to be held, wrapped and picked up off the ground. A parka goes on once and stays on, covers more of the body, and the outer shell helps keep the car seat dry on the way home.
Can my child wear a swim parka in a car seat?
Yes. Our parkas have an opening at the back designed to accommodate a five-point harness in sizes 2 to 8. Always follow your car seat manufacturer's instructions.
How do I wash a kids swim parka?
Surprisingly, our swim parkas don't take on the chlorine smell as much as a regular towel. After use, simply turn inside out to air dry until needed again. If they're aired out properly, you can put off washing your swim parka for 8–10 uses.
We recommend turning your swim parka inside out when washing. Use a regular, cold cycle with a mild detergent. More care details here.
Ready to choose one? Shop AquaDash kids swim parkas
