If you're a parent eagerly awaiting the day your little one takes their first splash, you're in for an exciting adventure! Introducing your child to the world of swimming at an early age can bring numerous benefits, from safety to physical and cognitive development. As a swim instructor and owner of Pod Squad Swim School I understand the importance of early water familiarisation and swimming lessons. In this article, we'll explore why starting your child's swim journey early is a great idea and provide you with some essential tips to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
The question of when to start swimming lessons for your child often arises. Swim Australia and the Australian Swim Schools Association recommend beginning lessons from as early as 6 months old. However, even before formal lessons, you can engage in early water familiarisation activities at home. Babies are naturally comfortable in the water due to their aquatic environment in the womb, making it an ideal time to introduce them to the joys of swimming.
To ensure a smooth transition to formal swimming lessons, you can start by getting your baby accustomed to water sensations. Regular baths and showers, along with gentle pouring of water over their head, can help your baby become more comfortable with the sensation of water early on.
At around 6 months old, your child is at an optimal stage for introducing swimming lessons. This is because their developing independence and imagination may lead to a fear of water or going underwater if introduced at a later age. Starting early allows your little one to accept water more readily, helping them develop water safety skills without unnecessary fear or stress.
Beyond safety concerns, early introduction to water offers a host of benefits for your baby's development. Immersing your child in water helps enhance gross motor skills, strength, coordination, and balance, as the buoyancy of water reduces the effects of gravity. Moreover, babies who are introduced to water early often exhibit more natural movements, which can contribute to their overall physical development.
Research conducted by Griffith University over a 4-year period reveals that children who engage in swimming demonstrate advanced physical and cognitive skills compared to their non-swimming peers. These skills include improved visual motor abilities, better language skills, enhanced mathematical problem-solving, and a knack for following instructions.
Is your baby having trouble sleeping or feeding? Swimming can come to the rescue! Warm water combined with gentle exercise has a soothing effect on babies, often leading to better sleep patterns and increased appetite. Beyond the physical benefits, swimming also provides an ideal opportunity for deep bonding between parent and child. The uninterrupted quality time spent in the water creates a stronger connection and sets the stage for a lifelong exercise habit.
While learning to swim is a crucial skill, it's important to remember that it's just one layer of water safety. Your child is not "drown-proof" even after learning to swim. Installing proper pool fencing, keeping gates closed, learning CPR, and most importantly, providing constant supervision are essential to ensure your child's safety around water.
At Pod Squad, we're passionate about helping your child embark on their swim journey with confidence and joy. Early water introduction lays the foundation for a lifetime of aquatic enjoyment, learning, and safety. By following these tips and embracing the benefits of introducing your child to water at a young age, you're setting them up for a bright and splash-filled future!
]]>However, finding the best soft-touch swimwear isn't easy in the world of fast fashion. When you have a little one running in and out of the water, you know that swimwear gets dirty quickly...
So, instead of wasting your money on the cheap fabric, you need to buy swimsuits with elastane incorporated in it. Keep reading to find out why this material will make your kids comfortable and happy when swimming!
Did you know that the apparel industry makes up 8% of global greenhouse emissions?
If your answer is no, then you're not the only one. Many people don't pay attention to the manufacturing process of their clothes or swimsuit fabric.
But, learning about the different materials can help you invest your money wisely.
After all, you want to buy something that's going to last no matter how many times your child falls or gets mud on it. Plus, swimwear fabric will determine how well you can move in the water.
Even though this might not be a priority for recreational use, it's still good to be aware of what is the best material for performance as well as sustainability.
Here are the four main fabrics used for kids’ swimwear:
However, when it comes to quality, then having a swimsuit with elastane in it is the only choice.
If you're searching for super-soft swimwear, then you need to consider the qualities of your options and if they are right for your child. Without a doubt, elastane is great for multi-purpose use, and it's cost-effective.
Elastane is another word for lycra or spandex. You might already have come across this name when googling kid's swimwear fabrics, but if not, then now you know what it refers to.
As we all know, spandex has been used since the 80s in the fashion world, and there's a good reason for it. This soft swimwear fabric absorbs moisture quickly and has a fantastic amount of stretch.
In addition to these qualities, there are also other reasons to buy elastane swimwear.
Although most swimwear fabrics are absorbent and stretchable, that doesn't mean that they provide the most suitable choice for your child. For children, the swimwear mustn't rip easily or be too expensive.
After jumping in the pool or spending time exploring the sea swimwear tends to become worn out quickly. However, spandex swimsuits are made to recover from swimming in a short amount of time.
And, they retain their shape even after washing and drying in the sun. If the material gets ruined, you might not benefit from the absorption quality, and you might have to buy another swimsuit.
You want to make sure that your swimwear will dry quickly. If you buy one high-quality swimsuit, it can be used several times in a row as this fabric doesn't need long to dry.
This will save you time washing and worrying about packing numerous swimsuits for your next holiday!
As children are more likely to be moving around and playing with their swimsuit, their swimsuit must be durable. The good news is, elastane is known for being a strong and resistant material.
This means that your kid can swim, play, and relax in the swimsuit, and it will still be in the same condition as when you first bought it.
If your child doesn't like something, you know instantly. They'll probably refuse to wear a piece of clothing or get upset. So, as parents, you need to ensure the swimwear is as comfortable as possible.
Elastane is the most comfortable fabric for kids and moulds to their bodies, so it fits perfectly!
Ideally, you want swimwear that can come off easily, but your children want to wear it for long periods. This is especially important if you plan on spending a whole day at the beach and they need to wear it for a while.
Buying swimwear with elastane will make your kids smile and allow you and your family to relax.
Now that you've read about all the wonderful features of elastane and how it improves swimwear, you're probably wondering where you can buy these products.
Luckily, Cheeky Chickadee has the most exciting, colourful, and comfortable swimwear for kids on the market.
Although comfort is important, style and appearance will make or break a kid's opinion on swimwear. We've all been to the stores and browsed over the swimwear aisles to find dull, bland options.
Cheeky Chickadee aims to bring fun and durability together with unique animal print designs. You won't find anything better!
In case you want an overview list to help you make up your mind, here are the advantages of children's swimwear that contain elastane.
As you can see, swimwear that contains at least 15-20% elastane is the most suitable choice when purchasing your next swimsuit for your child. You'll love seeing your little one wearing these bright prints and taking a dive in the water.
All you need to worry about is picking your favourite animal design.
Buying swimwear for your kids has never been easier! With the help of the Internet, you can order swimwear from Cheeky Chickadee from the comfort of your home!
That way, you can pick this super-soft swimwear with your child. They can choose their favourite design, and you can even buy a swimsuit to match.
The best part is, you'll not have to break the bank, and the swimwear will last a long time. No, it's not too good to be true.
Take a look at the collection today and if you have any questions, get in touch.]]>Unfortunately, there are also some downsides to the sun — namely, the UV rays. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can harm the skin, and the best way to protect our family against the harmful effects of UV rays is through UV ray-blocking products and the best UV protective swimwear.
Sunscreen works, but what happens when your little ones take a dip in the pool or the ocean and it runs off?
Read through this article to learn more about UV rays, why they're dangerous and how you can protect your children from them.
UV (Ultraviolet) radiation are electromagnetic rays that are present in sunlight. It sits outside of our colour spectrum, so we can't actually see them with the naked eye. Ultraviolet lights are also emitted by black lights, mercury-vapour lamps, and tanning beds. In small doses, UV rays aren't too harmful, but the longer your exposure to them, the more at risk you become.
UV rays can damage both your health and your appearance. Unprotected exposure to too much sun can cause surface-level damage like premature aging, tough or leathery skin, sun spots, and wrinkles.
Too much sun can also cause sunburn, something almost all of us have faced to varying degrees in our lives.
UV rays also weaken the immune system, making it harder for our bodies to fight off illness and infection.
At its worst, too much exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancer. There are links between sun exposure and basal cell and squamous cell cancers, as well as melanoma. This can be from natural or man-made UV rays.
One of the best ways to keep your children protected when they’re at the beach or the pool is to have them wear UV protective swimwear.
It's not all doom and gloom, and we certainly aren't saying that you should stay indoors for the rest of your life to avoid UV rays. In moderation, UV rays can actually be healthy. For one, they promote the production of vitamin D in our bodies.
Vitamin D has several health benefits and helps fight off a myriad of illnesses, but doctors still aren't quite sure what the optimum level of vitamin D is, or how much is too much.
While some other brands are picking up on the benefits of making UV protective swimwear for toddlers and children, it's not mainstream yet, and we think it should be.
UV swimwear is an investment. Not only are our products crafted to last long with the appropriate care, but they make a good investment for your health. The damage UV rays can cause can be catastrophic for some, and the worst part is that you can't see the damage until it starts to make you ill.
Investing in your welfare as well as your children's will keep your family unit healthier and stronger.
Anti UV clothing doesn't seem to be on people's priority lists because most aren't even aware they exist! While there are some brands out there that sell UV protective clothing, they're generally mass-produced cheaply or suffer when it comes to aesthetics. The truth is that the best UV swimwear for toddlers, children, and adults come from a reputable, Australia-based, family-owned business...like Cheeky Chickadee!
There are a hundred reasons to wear UV protective clothing or swimwear, but here are our top three:
The best offence is a good defence, right? Instead of having to treat health or skin issues that could pop up years down the line, do your future self and your family a favour by not letting things get to that point.
It's also imperative you're protecting your baby's skin. Their skin is still very delicate and fragile, so investing in the best UV swimwear for babies when you're out at the beach or pool makes a lot of sense as it provides all-day protection that doesn’t wear off.
Beach days are great fun for the whole family, but planning isn't always so exciting for the parents. There are a million things to remember, so when you get to the beach or the pool and you realise you've forgotten the sun hats and the sunblock lotion, it can ruin your day. You spend the whole time worrying, stressing, and reminding your children to sit in the shade when they can.
Kids don't understand the dangers of UV rays yet, and they’ll think you’re not being fun for not letting them play under the sun. However, having Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) swimwear for girls and boys means they're protected the whole time they have it on, and you can sit back, breathe, and enjoy the day too!
Safe and secure doesn't have to equal boring. Bin those drab designs and don the designs you and your kids will love. Ever shown up to the beach in matching flamingo shorts?!
Each one of our designs is thought up, drawn-out, and realised in-house. We pride ourselves with our out-there designs that play with colours, flora, and fauna. They're also all available for the whole family — we love matching sets!
By now, you should know exactly why it's important to invest in the best UV swimwear out there. It's protective, durable, and when it comes to us, super fun too! Teaching your kids from a young age that safety can be cool is never a bad thing either.
If you want to see which products our customers love most, from our best UV swimwear for toddlers all the way to swimwear for adults, come and browse our favourites. We promise you'll love all of them!]]>It begs the question, are swimming lessons important? The answer to that question is a resounding, YES.
Keep reading to find out why learning how to swim is important and how to keep your child safe.
The number one reason swimming lessons are important is safety. During swimming lessons, your child will learn the skills they need to remain safe when they're near water or in water.
For example, your child will get taught how to tread water or roll on their back to stay safe when swimming. Another important lesson they learn is how to get out of the pool by themselves.
While knowing your child has learned safety skills doesn't remove your responsibility to be vigilant, it can give you some peace of mind.
What makes swimming important? And why are swimming skills important? There are benefits of learning to swim that extend beyond safety for your children.
Kids spend so much time in front of screens, playing games, learning on computers, and more. If you've fought a battle trying to get your child to stop staring at a screen and go outside, you're not alone.
Swimming gives your child the ability to engage in a physical activity that is fun.
Do you have a difficult time getting your kids to sleep? Swimming is great exercise that can help your child sleep better.
Swimming is an excellent activity for children who need help to improve their concentration.
When you're swimming, you need to coordinate your arm pulls, leg kicks, and breath control. You can't focus on other things and be successful when trying to swim.
As your child is able to learn to concentrate better when swimming, it's likely you will see that skill improving in other areas of life as well.
Another reason why swimming is so important is that it can help your child build confidence. As your child takes lessons and begins to swim, they might be a little anxious.
Those first kicks away from the wall can be frightening. But, as they begin to learn to swim and see themselves succeeding, they will begin to build confidence.
Is swimming important for everyone? Yes! It's an essential life skill.
Imagine this, you grow up, and you never learn to swim. You get invited to pool parties or boat parties, but you choose to skip because you're embarrassed that you've never learned to swim.
In Australia, we're surrounded by water, and as you engage in the community, there will be many opportunities to surf, go boating, swim, wakeboarding, and more. Don't limit your child's opportunities by not giving them the essential skills they need to interact with their peers.
When your child's first swimming lesson arrives, how do you make sure they're ready? Sometimes new experiences can be scary for kids, and you as the parent.
The following tips can help you prepare your child, and make swimming fun for them.
Kids take their cues from you. If your child is worried, likely, you are too.
Take the time to talk to the school about any concerns. Then get excited as you explain to your child what will happen at swim lessons. This will help them to be excited, and they should be; swimming is fun.
You can also look for swimming lesson resources that help you know how to help a child who might be afraid of water.
One of the scariest parts of swimming for many children is submerging your head in the water. You can have your child wear their swimwear in the tub and practice moving in the water and submerging their head.
You can also have them practice blowing bubbles in the bathtub. Make this time fun, and make sure to supervise it to ensure safety. If putting their face is particularly frightening for your child, you can start by pouring cups of water over their head.
Grab a new swimming outfit for your child. If your child is excited about the opportunity to wear their new swimming suit and that gets associated with swimming lessons, it will help to excite them for swimming lessons.
Quality swimwear is also important to help your child be comfortable in their swimsuit. If they don't enjoy wearing their swimwear, it will make the experience less enjoyable.
If your little one's lessons will be outdoors, it is crucial to pick the right swimwear to protect them from the sun. This might mean finding zip swimmers with high necks and long sleeves. Zip swimmers also make the process of getting them in and out of their swimwear easier.
Are swimming lessons important? YES! Give your child the valuable life skills they need and keep them safe by enrolling them in swim lessons.
Are you and your little one ready to hit the pool? Shop with us today to find quality swimwear that you and your child will love.
]]>Gathering what you need for swim lessons and packing before the time helps you and your child arrive on the day feeling calm and relaxed. Packing early helps you avoid the last-minute hunt for lost goggles or that elusive swim cap. Swimming lessons work best when your child is peaceful. Rushing may be stressful for them and make them feel anxious. To make that first-time swim easier, here are the things we recommend.
Your child's swimsuit should fit them snuggly, without straps that are too tight, or elastic that pinches around their legs or arms. A clean-cut design works well for swimming lessons as it helps the instructor see exactly what their bodies are doing and hold them safely. The Pink Cockatoo Long Sleeve Girls Zip Swimmers are a great option for girls.
Boardshorts work well for boys as they have a mesh inner for a comfortable fit and an adjustable waist tie that keeps the shorts firmly in place. The Navy Cockatoo Kids' Boardshorts are a great mix of fun design and a practical fit that boys will love.
A swim cap is ideal for keeping wet hair out of faces which is especially helpful for those kids with longer hair. If your child isn't keen on wearing a swimming cap, make sure to pack in spare hair ties and clips or a hairband. If the pool rules state that a cap is essential and your little one fights wearing one, try different caps, such as those made from lycra or a colourful design that your child loves to help them get used to wearing one.
Swim nappies are perfect for young swimmers who aren't yet toilet trained. A swim nappy enables the lesson to continue without interruptions. A nappy designed for swimming won't absorb as much pool water as a regular nappy would, but still contains all the things nappies are meant to. Find a swimsuit that holds their swim nappy in place comfortably and securely without being too tight.
A fluffy towel waiting for your little swimmer when they finish their lesson will keep them warm once they're out of the water. A towel helps prevent excess water puddles which may be a slipping hazard. Some kids like the feeling of a wearable hooded towel that they can put on and be cosy & warm as soon as they come out of the water. It also lets them use their hands without the towel falling off. If your child is showering at the swim school, remember to pack two towels, one for after swimming and a dry one for after showering.
Have a designated swimming bag that you can pre-pack to save time and stress. A good swimming bag has a waterproof compartment for the wet items to be stored in after each lesson. Compartments for things like water bottles, snacks and underwear are nice to have to keep everything inside organised.
From your baby's first swimming lesson, you'll see the progress your child makes. As their water skills grow, their swimming lesson plans and needs will change. Apart from the essentials above, here are some additional things to consider for each stage of swimming lessons for kids.
If you'll be in the pool with your baby for the first swimming lesson, consider wearing a floppy t-shirt as this gives their little hands something to grip on. The best swimsuit for swimming lessons is a one-piece swimsuit, such as the Green Cockatoo Unisex Zip Swimmer, as it will sit comfortably throughout the lesson. A snug-fitting one-piece makes their little bodies easier to hold onto in the water.
Beginner swimmers sometimes feel more comfortable using a nose clip that prevents water from getting up their nose. Swimmers who are prone to ear infections may be advised to wear earplugs. Consider packing in some snacks for your beginner swimmer to munch on afterwards as swimming is hungry work!
Intermediate swimmers that are starting to learn strokes and swimming techniques may benefit from wearing goggles. Goggles are helpful to prevent eye irritation from the water and can help your child see underwater if part of their lesson includes retrieval games.
Intermediate swimmers may train with a kickboard that allows them to practice kicking while providing buoyancy for their upper bodies.
At this level, advanced swimmers may be swimming competitively. The swimming coach assesses where a child's style can be fine-tuned to help them achieve faster times. They may train using different pieces of swimming equipment such as pull buoys, flippers or hand paddles. These tools provide extra resistance which intensifies muscle training or focuses training on specific muscle groups to improve swimming skills.
The most important item on the baby swimming lesson essentials list is a good quality swimsuit. Cheeky's offers a colourful range of happy designs that will make kids even more excited about swimming time. Kit your child out in our Blue Turtle Swimmers and he'll be ready for some splashing fun, while girls love the Pink Koala Girls Long Sleeve Zip Swimmers. For stylish swimming lesson accessories that offer protection from the sun before and after lessons, you can get a hat to match the swimsuit.
Find the fun in every swimming lesson with a swimsuit from Cheeky Chickadee. See what's new and contact us today to order your new favourite swimsuit.
]]>If you're still on the fence about what age is right for your baby to start swimming lessons, read on for some insights that can help you decide.
Introducing your baby to the wonders of water from an early age has benefits that spill over into other areas of their development. Here are some of the advantages of swimming lessons for your baby:
Focusing on age-appropriate goals for each age group is a great way to get the best out of swimming lessons for your child.
When should a child start swimming lessons? As with all developmental milestones, no two children are the same. The best time to introduce your child to swimming lessons is when they are ready. Here are some of the signs that it might be time to sign your child up at your local swim school:
Maybe you've been wondering what age should swimming lessons start? You may even feel like you've left it too long and your child is too old. Well, the good news is that it's never too late for your child to start swimming lessons.
Each swimming school will have its own approach to nurturing little swimmers. The big question in most parents’ minds is, 'Are baby swimming lessons safe?' With the right environment and constant supervision, the answer is absolutely.
Don't be scared to ask for details of how the lessons are structured, what the level of supervision is like, and anything else you want to know. Choose the swim school that you feel comfortable with, and that you think will work best with your child's personality and abilities.
What are baby swimming lessons? How early can a baby start swimming lessons? Bearing in mind that most children under the age of one may not have gathered enough coordination to stand upright or walk yet, you may wonder what they do in baby swimming lessons.
Baby swimming lessons are all about getting your baby comfortable in and around the water. Parent-child duos are the ideal way to get your baby comfortable in water as your baby already knows and trusts you.
Look for a swim school that:
Look for a safe but fun environment that offers your baby time to grow into this new experience at their own pace, while under a constant watchful eye.
Water safety is the main focus of swimming lessons at this age. Getting them used to the feel of the water, growing their trust until they are able to relax enough to begin floating.
Getting used to splashing, holding onto the side of the pool and kicking their legs and blowing bubbles in the water are some of the activities that a swim instructor may do with this age group.
From this age, children can start working on stroke techniques and rhythmic breathing. They learn to push off the wall and discover other swimming styles such as butterfly, backstroke, and breaststroke.
An older child who begins swimming at this age is likely to learn quickly and catch up to their peers who've been swimming for a longer time.
To gain the most benefit from swimming lessons, it's important for your child to feel comfortable in their swimsuit. If lessons take place in an outdoor pool, look for a swimsuit with maximum coverage to protect them from the sun, such as the Green Cockatoo Unisex Long Sleeve Zip Swimmers.
Investing in a swimsuit that fits your child and isn't scratchy or uncomfortable will leave them free to enjoy their lesson without being distracted. Picking out a cute design that they love will make each lesson something they look forward to.
Swimming is a great life skill that is relaxing, social and sporty. Equipping your child with an essential safety skill that unlocks a new branch of sports for them to participate in (water polo, diving, need we go on?) and opens up a world of social activities seems like a complete win!
If you're ready to book some swimming lessons and get your baby a new swimsuit for the occasion, browse our range of designs and order your favourite today. ]]>Now is a great time to invest in kids' swimwear that is practical, durable, and something that your child will happily wear. But what makes swimwear perfectly suited for learning to swim?
If you've been wondering what to dress your child in for swimming lessons, read on as we take a look at some factors to keep in mind.
One of the most important aspects of swimwear for swimming lessons is comfort. Dressing your child in something that fits well and is made from soft fabric leaves your child free to focus on their swimming lesson.
Comfort covers two important angles that add to the appeal of quality swimwear. Pay close attention to the following when choosing swimwear for learning to swim:
Buying swimwear that fits your child well means finding the sweet spot of not too big or too small. The best way of finding a good fit is to measure your child and make use of our sizing chart to find the right size for them.
Buying a few sizes up for room to grow may hinder their swimming progress and get in the way as they move in the water. Baggy swimwear gathers water which makes moving through the pool harder for the child. Stopping to adjust wet, floppy swimwear may use up a good bit of lesson time, too.
Sending your child to lessons in swimwear that's too tight can also affect how much they learn during each swimming class. Swimwear that is too small is very uncomfortable. Here are some ways to check if the fit is right for your child:
Finding cosy swimwear that fits well is the first step to happy swimming lessons.
For lessons, it is better to have swimwear with a simple design, with no extra fussy bits such as decorative ties, buttons, or an excessive number of spaghetti straps. While the construction of each item of swimwear should be no-fuss, the fun factor can be ramped up through the use of ultra-cute fabric design.
For cool swimwear that is fun for kids to wear, look for fabric designs that pack a whole lot of adventure into one garment, such as our Navy Cockatoo Unisex Long Sleeve Zip Swimmers.
As a parent, you want to know that you're getting the best quality when buying clothing for your children. When it comes to swimwear, how do you know that the items you're buying for your child are the quality you're looking for?
Quality in swimwear is largely dependent on three things:
The type of fabric used in swimwear items makes all the difference. Top-quality swimwear for kids uses fabric that has four-way stretch for maximum comfort as well as colours that won't fade or run. Opt for a fabric that is chlorine resistant, with a built-in sun protection factor (SPF) UV rating of 50+ to block out the harsh rays of the sun.
Quality for kids also means making them happy. With a range of bright colours and hand printed furry, fuzzy, and flying friends, our designs make kids smile. Combining practical styles with delightful prints is a perfect combination for sunny days packed with outdoor fun.
Kids are constantly on the go and we've built our swimwear to keep up. Each item is lovingly stitched with seams that are both strong and soft. Active bodies need clothing that can handle all the bending, stretching, running, jumping, and diving that a child can pack into a day.
Cheeky Chickadee swimwear includes a range of alternative swimwear designs for those who are more conservative or simply more sun-shy. Stylish and easy to wear, your swimmer can choose boardshorts, such as our adorable Blue Turtle Kids' Boardshorts and a fitted rash top.
Long sleeve swimmers are a fun blend of full-body swimwear with a high neck and zip opening down the front. They feature long sleeves that offer great sun protection and a high, collared, neckline.
The rash tops simply pull on over the head and don't need a zip opening. Designed with a comfortable raglan sleeve that allows for free movement of the arm, rash tops are consistently popular, such as our Blue Turtle Rash Top.
Even if you're settled in on the stands, be sure you don't miss a moment of watching your child play in the water.
How? By dressing them in one of the colourful designs from Cheeky Chickadee Store! Made with bright, eye-catching fabric, you'll quickly pick them out in a crowd.
Pick your favourite cheerful swimwear, such as the Leopard Print Long Sleeve Girls Zip Swimmers, and you'll have no problem spotting your child from a distance, whether they are in the water, or playing on the sidelines next to the pool.
When buying swimwear for kids, it's a good idea to get your child involved in the process.
Allow them to try on different styles and see which they feel the happiest wearing. Ideally, their swimwear should be so comfortable that they forget that they're wearing it. If you notice your child fiddling with the straps, or pulling on the waistband, it may not be the ideal style or size for them.
Some children get on just fine with thin straps, while others find thin straps cut into their shoulders and need something wider. Whatever style they choose, is it vital that your child feels completely comfortable and happy in their outfit. If not, they might feel like swimming isn't for them.
The ideal fabric for kid's swimwear has more to it than just cute designs. For a kid who is in and out of the pool as many times as you'll let them in a day, a fabric that is lightweight and dries quickly is ideal.
Choosing an outfit made from breathable fabric prevents moisture from getting trapped next to the skin, which can irritate their skin. Cheeky Chickadees swimwear is designed to allow water to escape and aid the drying process.
Good quality swimwear has a long life built-in because of the superior fabric and craftsmanship that goes into making it. Yet even top-grade swimwear can deteriorate more quickly if not cared for properly after each lesson.
Here are some easy tips for looking after your child's swimwear to keep it super-soft and comfortable to wear:
Rinse out used items in cold, non chlorinated water after each swim. Avoid putting swimwear through the wash as the washing detergents may be harsh on the soft fabric and cause it to degenerate.
Avoid rinsing with hot water as well. Hot water may also cause the fibers to break down and shorten the life of your swimwear. Avoid putting swimwear through the dryer as exposure to that level of heat can cause the elastic to grow brittle.
Dry your child's swimwear by squeezing out all the excess water. Avoid wringing it out, but squeeze it instead. If you want, you can wrap it in a towel to soak up water.
Rinse and hang up wet swimwear as soon as possible after a swimming session. Hanging swimwear up outside keeps the fabric fresh.
Normally, swimwear would have to be hung up to dry out of the direct sunlight to prevent colour loss, but all our fabrics are treated to preserve their vibrant colours even in full sun. Once dry, store swimwear in a drawer or closet.
Whether your child is a brand new swimmer or they're already comfortable in the water, the kids' swimwear range from Cheeky Chickadee is ideal for swimming lessons. Our swimwear has it all, from fabric that is super-stretchy, sun protecting, and colourfast, to the cut and design of the garments, all finished off with delightful characters that kids can't get enough of.
Before that special first lesson, browse our collection of favourites to find the set of quality swimwear that appeals to you and delights your child. Here's to many happy hours in the water! ]]>Animal-inspired clothing is a trend that has been around for decades and remains a favourite of patterns for kids and adults alike.
At Cheeky Chickadee, we carry the best animal print swimwear Australia has! We offer the most fashionable prints of animals on our clothes and swimsuits.
Not sure where to start? Look no further. Let this be your kids summer swimsuit style guide!
Whether you are looking for a cheetah print swimsuit for your bouncing baby or any animal print swimsuit for your toddlers, you will find something your kids will love at Cheeky Chickadee.
Animal print has been a staple in fashion for over a century now. The popularity of the movie ‘Tarzan’ first made audiences fall in love with the animal print that Tarzan and Jane wore. Since then, the demand for animal prints continued to rise.
Soon, celebrities popularized the trend even more. Suddenly, an animal print bikini with straps, animal print bikini bottoms, and animal print bathing suit one piece became even more in demand.
Eventually, animal prints were seen everywhere from the beach, parties, to magazines.
Soon, high fashion designers like Christian Dior jumped on the bandwagon and began making classic and expensive clothing with animal prints, opening the market to a whole new kind of consumer.
Different eras brought out different styles of animal prints. The freedom movement introduced a more free and wild style of animal print, while the punk movement gave the style a harder edge.
Now, animal prints have become a staple in the fashion scene and have become more diverse and fun than ever before.
Today, Cheeky Chickadee is making the animal print trend more modern and adorable than ever. Pieces like our Green Cockatoo Girls Swimmers update the trend with a unique bird pattern that is fresh and fun!
There are a few reasons prints featuring animals will never go out of style or look outdated. That's why at Cheeky Chickadee we’ll always stock adorable items like our favourite Pink Koala and Navy Cockatoo print swimmers.
Leopard print, in particular, has a history of remaining chic and in-demand no matter what decade it is or what the current fashion trends are. Alongside consistently being a staple in wardrobes, animal prints also allow everyone to express our creative and fun side.
Prints featuring animals remind us of our natural curiosity about the world around us and the wonders of nature. Kids never tire of learning about animals and animal prints can help encourage learning, imagination, and creativity.
Animal print swimwear is always in season because it is always the ‘go-to’ for being reinvented to match current trends and cuts.
Combining both timeless swimwear designs and timeless animal prints like our Leopard Print Swimmers is the perfect recipe for stylish swimwear all-year round, every year!
When you’re looking to update the wardrobe for fun summer styles, you will never have to look too hard! At Cheeky Chickadee, we have prints featuring animals for every style.
We carry all the cutest and highest quality animal print swimwear Australia has to offer.
Looking for animal print one-piece swimwear? We've got it! Our adorable Green Platypus swimmers feature a friendly platypus print that your kids will love.
Looking for an animal print bikini for sale? We have you covered. If it's an animal print bikini set you seek, our Blue Turtle Long Sleeve two-piece will look great on your kids. This swimsuit features a sweet turtle pattern in beautiful blue and green shades.
Another great bathing suit to bring out your kids' wild side is our Blue Turtle Swimmers. These feature some of the most wondrous animals in our world and are sure to keep your kids looking cute.
We also carry animal print accessories for your swim and beach days. Check out our bucket hats, we have all the best animal print accessories.
We have all styles of animal print swimwear. If you are looking for a one-piece, bikini set, long sleeves, or sleeveless, we have plenty of options for you and your family at Cheeky Chickadee.
Now you know what makes animal prints so special. It's timeless, effortless, and always makes a statement.
You and your kids deserve to wear the cutest and latest trends in animal prints! Browse our wide selection of favourite items and swimsuits today to find your next swimsuit for those hot summer days. ]]>Sun protection is one of the biggest factors in baby swimwear that may influence your choice. Apart from covering your baby from head to toe in sunblock, the swimwear you pick can also protect their skin. The right swimming outfit can help in two ways:
One of the most effective ways of protecting your baby's skin is to cover it up. Choosing swimwear with a high neckline and long sleeves goes a long way to providing excellent sun safety. The best way to do this is choosing an all-in-one swimsuit with access via a zip down the front. Our unisex design has built-in shorts, while our girl's version has a cute frill, as seen on the Navy Cockatoo Unisex Long Sleeve Zip Swimmers.
The other high-necked, long-sleeved option is to pair a rash top with boardshorts, like our Blue Turtle Rash Top and matching boardshorts. If you're looking for a two-piece swimsuit that nails the adorable factor, your options are no longer limited to the traditional bikini style. For a rash top and swim bottoms, opt for our Blue Turtle Girls Long Sleeve Two Piece Zip Swimmers
When it comes to protecting your baby's skin while swimming, fabric coverage helps, but superior fabric with built-in protection is best. All of our Cheeky Chickadee swimsuits are made from fabric that has a built-in sun protection factor of UPF 50+. Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) indicates how much UVA and UVB radiation is allowed to reach your skin through the fabric. UPF50+ is rated as excellent protection by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
A comfortable baby is a happy baby. Finding swimwear for your baby that is soft and breathable, while still being long-lasting, is no longer a challenge with Cheeky Chickadee's swimwear range. Not only is the fabric gentle on the baby's skin, but it has a four-way stretch to make each swimsuit extra comfortable.
To choose sizing that will work best for your baby, the swimsuit should fit reasonably snugly without being constrictive, but not so loose that it hinders movement or gets in the way. Each of our product pages has a style-specific Size Chart available to help make sure that your baby’s measurements match the swimsuit as babies come in all different shapes and sizes.
One of the most important features when it comes to dressing your baby is the no-fuss factor. You want to be able to slip them into whatever you're dressing them in with the least amount of trouble. This applies to baby swimwear, too. Being able to undress them quickly after a swim when they're likely to be tired and cold is a huge plus.
Choose styles that have easy access such as a long zip up the front, such as our Blue Turtle Zip Swimmers. The extra long zip access makes getting the baby in and out quick and easy.
Another super simple design for low-stress dressing is a simple pull up swimsuit as found on the Pink Cockatoo Tutu Swimmers. This style of swimsuit is an ideal fuss-free choice for a baby's first swim.
Quality in a swimsuit is a combination of the feel of the fabric, how well it retains its stretchiness, and how long the colours and design remain fresh and bright.
Fabric for babies needs to be soft for their tender skin, with no scratchy seams that might irritate them. As Mums know, an irritated baby is generally an unhappy baby! Finding soft fabric that is long lasting is the mark of a good quality swimsuit.
Cheeky Chickadee uses true quality fabric for some of the softest, yet toughest baby swimwear. With colours and designs printed in superior quality dyes, they are also colour sealed in a way that retains the vibrancy of the design through many happy hours in the sun, chlorine, salty water, and many trips through the washing machine.
It doesn't take long for babies to start noticing colours, shapes, and patterns like these adorable pink flamingos. If your baby is drawn to their swimwear, there won't be any fussing when it's time to get dressed for a swim.
Cheeky Chickadee swimwear is designed with babies in mind. Each pattern is created using the bright colours that babies love and adorned with characters that seem to have stepped straight out of the pages of a storybook. Cheeky Chickadee costumes are perfect for little ones!
Shopping for swimwear for babies has just become a whole lot easier. Each Cheeky Chickadee outfit is sun-safe, soft and stretchy. Featuring designs ranging from surfing dinosaurs, lemurs, to proudly Australian animals such as koalas and kangaroos, this range of swimwear hits the sweet spot that meets all of Mum's strict standards but makes your baby happy too.
If that sounds good to you, Cheeky Chickadee’s range of baby swimwear and find your new favourite today!]]>Did you know that a quarter of Australians don't enjoy buying Christmas presents?
From the stress of the Christmas rush when shopping in-store to not knowing what to buy for that fussy person in your life, there are plenty of reasons why festive shopping can get you down. But it doesn't have to!
Buying gifts for people you love can be fun, as long as you know the right places to look and the perfect presents to place under the Christmas tree. Luckily this year, our team are here to help you out.
Find out why matching swimwear could be the answer to all your Christmas shopping problems in this guide!
At Cheeky Chickadee, we love matching swimwear. But what does that actually mean?
Matching swimsuits usually refers to family swimwear, in particular, mums, dads, and their little ones. Just as you might find a matching jumper for mothers and daughters, you can find lots of matching swimwear!
So, why is this the ideal gift for the parents you know?
Children don't stay small for long, and any parent will tell you that childhood flashes by in an instant. Before they know it, their toddlers are teenagers and planning to move out to start their own lives! That's why parents want to savour the joys of having small kids, and matching swimwear for families is a brilliant way to help them do just that.
A day at the beach in matching swimwear provides some super cute photo opportunities for mums, dads, and their children. Building sandcastles and taking their first dip in the big blue sea is made even more adorable by the same swimwear! It makes heading to the beach that bit more special, and your present will create memories that the family can treasure forever.
We have a range of different styles in different sizes that the whole family will love at Cheeky Chickadee. From a swimsuit for mums and daughters to styles that can be bought for the whole family, it makes giving presents a lot easier! Simply choose the design you think they'd love and pick out the right size for each family member, and you're good to go.
Picking matching family swimwear is simple and makes a super easy gift to give that you know your loved ones will adore. But there are still a few pointers to make sure you get it right!
Here are our top tips:
We don't just stock matching swimwear for couples, or for mums and daughters or dads and sons. We stock swimwear for the family! Our range is all made to the highest standard of quality too, which isn't always common in the swimwear industry.
In fact, it can be super difficult to find swimming costumes and beach shorts that are made well. A lot of them can tear easily, not fit right, or (horror of horrors!) turn out to be a little more see-through than you'd like. As a family, it takes time to find swimming costumes for everyone that are well made, don't cost an arm and a leg, and that your partner and children like.
By giving matching swimwear this Christmas, you make that task easy! Our matching sets are made from high-quality materials that are designed for plenty of wear and tear. From running on sandy beaches to swimming in the ocean, they can withstand it all with ease.
The swimsuits tick every box on a parent's checklist, providing the whole family with swimwear they'll love. You're not only giving them unforgettable memories, but you're also taking one to-do off of their list - and a parent will always thank you for that.
Our swimwear isn't designed to blend in; it's made to stand out! If you know a family who's bright, bold, and bubbly, they'll love the statement matching swimwear makes. It's a great way to show the world exactly who your family are and that you all think outside the box.
For the family who's proud to be bold, matching swimwear is a must!
Swimwear doesn't have to be something boring, and our matching sets ensure our pieces aren't! In fact, we've made it so that our swimwear make the perfect gifts this Christmas. With limited edition designs that are fun and bright, they're guaranteed to put a smile on your loved ones' faces.
They're also entirely one of a kind. You won't find these designs anywhere other than in our store, and it's unlikely they'll receive two of the same under their tree this year - unless they're part of a matching set, of course!
You'll also receive a matching bag alongside your swimwear that finishes the present off perfectly. It adds a touch of something a little more special so that you can give a gift you're proud of this year.
If you're sold on the idea that matching swimwear is the ideal gift for a family that's brilliant! You've just sorted out presents for mum, dad, and the kids, making your festive season that little bit simpler.
Start shopping our full range today and find the perfect designs for the fun family you know!