Dear Splashy: My Child Hates Cold Pools - What Should I Do?

You've come to the right place, and we hear your concern completely. At Splash About, we have over 20 years of experience helping families navigate swimming challenges, and most importantly, we're parents ourselves. 

We understand the trials and tribulations of making swimming a fun and enjoyable time for little ones, creating those precious core memories while learning essential skills. But when your child hates cold pools, it can feel overwhelming. Don't worry, here are some tried-and-tested ideas that really work.

First Things First: Acknowledge Your Child's Feelings

Before rushing to fix the problem, validate your child's feelings. No one likes to feel dismissed, especially when they're genuinely uncomfortable. Cold water can be quite shocking for little bodies, and their reaction is completely natural. Tell them you understand they don't like the cold feeling, and you're going to help make it better.

Is the Pool Temperature Right?

Here's something many parents don't realise: pool temperature matters enormously for children. The ideal temperature is at least 32°C for newborns and 30°C for older babies. If your local pool is cooler than this, your child's reaction is entirely understandable. You might want to check with the pool staff about their temperature settings.

Warmth Solutions for Different Ages

For Babies (0-2 Years)

If your baby shivers the moment they touch water, our Warm In One™ wetsuit could be a game-changer. This isn't just another baby wetsuit; it's our warmest option, lined with super-soft fleece that keeps babies snuggly even in chilly pools. The fleece creates a cosy barrier that's heated by your baby's own body warmth, helping them regulate their temperature naturally.

The Warm In One™ covers arms and legs completely, so there's maximum protection against cold water and wind chill. It's perfect for British pools and beaches where temperatures can be unpredictable.

For babies who don't like feeling restricted by full coverage, try our Baby Wrap™ instead. This clever design provides core body warmth whilst leaving arms and legs free to move and feel the water. The 2mm neoprene maintains body temperature, but because it opens completely flat, getting it on and off is fuss-free. It is ideal for wriggly babies who hate being pulled about during changing.

For Toddlers and Young Children (2-6 Years)

Once your child outgrows baby wetsuits, our Shorty Wetsuit range is perfect. Made from high-quality 2mm neoprene, these suits regulate core body temperature and provide wind, rain and sand protection too. The front zip makes changing quick and easy, even when the suit is wet.

The Magic of After-Swimming Comfort

Here's a clever psychological trick: tell your child they won't be cold when they get out of the pool because you've got their special After Swim Onesie ready. These waterproof, fleece-lined onesies are designed to go straight on after swimming, keeping children cosy on the journey home.

Knowing they'll be warm and comfortable afterwards can help anxious children feel more confident about getting in the pool in the first place.

Distraction Techniques That Work

Sometimes the best approach is distraction. Our range of swimming toys can work wonders:

• Sensory toys are perfect for nervous babies; they're designed to distract little ones who are anxious in water.

• Pufferfish toys and dive sticks turn pool time into playtime, making children forget about temperature concerns

The key is introducing toys gradually, so the water becomes associated with fun rather than cold discomfort.

Building Positive Associations

Start small. If your child associates pools with being cold, try these steps:

1. Keep initial swimming sessions short but positive.

2. Always have warm, cosy clothes ready for afterwards.

3. Celebrate small wins, even just sitting on the pool steps is progress.

The Splash About Difference

We've been helping families enjoy water for two decades, and we know that every child is different. Whether you need our fleece-lined warmth, unrestricted movement or just the right toy to spark interest, we've designed our products with real families' needs in mind.

Swimming should be about joy, confidence and precious family moments, not battles over cold water.

Ready to transform your child's swimming experience? Browse our full range of warming wetsuits, comforting after-swim wear and engaging toys. With the right gear and a patient approach, your little one will soon be splashing happily in any pool.