I'm well aware that as parents we all have different styles. Some have zero issue with young children in bikinis, other's think it's a crime against humanity. It's actually been the source of many heated debates. I'm honestly not here to judge. Please raise your children the way you see fit.
For those of you that are looking for the two piece alternative that doesn't bare midriff though, I've complied a list of options below. I know that potty training is easier in a two piece and also recognize the woes of not wanting my kid's body exposed. Forget the creepers, though they bug me too, it's actually protection from the sun I'm most worried about.
The selections below are based on availability year round. Many retailers have great options for coverage during swim season but having to buy for the vacation out of season can be a pain. We're looking for your solution.
The Best:
iPlay: 3-6m to 3T
iPlay has options from bottoms and rash guard, bottoms and tank, to trunks and rash guard. You can buy a set or mix and match. The list price on their website is $32.00, however you can find many of these on sale at other retailers. Extra bonus? The bottoms all have built in swim diapers.
Swim Outlet: 6m to Adult
Swim Outlet is available year round with options for your children and yourself that are more modest in nature. Prices start at $8.95 and they have a lot of styles to choose from across the board.
The Between:
Speedo: 2T to 16
Upside: Available all year. Downside: Their toddler tankinis are sold as separate pieces and are $14.99-$24.99 for each piece. In addition there is ONE style. ONE. Older children's sizes start around $44.00 for both pieces.
The Worst:
TYR: Nada
While I adore them and they have fantastic one piece suits, TYR has zero options for the parent in search of a modest two piece for their child. Though they do have rash guards you can buy for over anything.
For the record book, depending on your level of comfort you may not want to consider Children's Place even in season. Rash guards are short on toddlers and don't cover the tummy well. This was even a size larger than my daughter normally wore.
For those of you that are looking for the two piece alternative that doesn't bare midriff though, I've complied a list of options below. I know that potty training is easier in a two piece and also recognize the woes of not wanting my kid's body exposed. Forget the creepers, though they bug me too, it's actually protection from the sun I'm most worried about.
The selections below are based on availability year round. Many retailers have great options for coverage during swim season but having to buy for the vacation out of season can be a pain. We're looking for your solution.
The Best:
iPlay: 3-6m to 3T
iPlay has options from bottoms and rash guard, bottoms and tank, to trunks and rash guard. You can buy a set or mix and match. The list price on their website is $32.00, however you can find many of these on sale at other retailers. Extra bonus? The bottoms all have built in swim diapers.
Swim Outlet: 6m to Adult
Swim Outlet is available year round with options for your children and yourself that are more modest in nature. Prices start at $8.95 and they have a lot of styles to choose from across the board.
The Between:
Speedo: 2T to 16
Upside: Available all year. Downside: Their toddler tankinis are sold as separate pieces and are $14.99-$24.99 for each piece. In addition there is ONE style. ONE. Older children's sizes start around $44.00 for both pieces.
The Worst:
TYR: Nada
While I adore them and they have fantastic one piece suits, TYR has zero options for the parent in search of a modest two piece for their child. Though they do have rash guards you can buy for over anything.
For the record book, depending on your level of comfort you may not want to consider Children's Place even in season. Rash guards are short on toddlers and don't cover the tummy well. This was even a size larger than my daughter normally wore.