How to choose and buy the best swimming goggles for kids

Swimming is a great sport for kids...but if your young swimmer has a pair of goggles that don't fit well or are uncomfortable, they will be unhappy in the water. Unhappy in the water means poor swimming and increases the likelihood that your child will dread going to practice and ultimately could cause your child to give up the sport of swimming altogether.

Things You'll Need

  • Just a little time to check your options
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Instructions

    • 1

      FIT: Goggles should fit snugly, but not too tight. If they are too tight, they can give your child a headache. To test fit, push goggles firmly into eye sockets (do not use straps). The goggles should remain in place by suction momentarily if they are making a good seal. If they do not, they are likely not the correct goggle for your child. Be patient...there are many goggles available.

    • 2

      COST: You should veer away from recreational goggles if your child will be swimming competitively. These are the inexpensive goggles you would find in a discount store or a general sporting goods store. These tend to fit poorly and do not last very long.

      In addition, you should not buy the most expensive goggles based on the belief that the more something costs, the better it is. A good pair of competition goggles for children are very affordable.

    • 3

      STYLE: You know kids...they get to a point socially where it becomes more and more important to look good. Wearing goggles that are stylish is a big deal to kids.

      Fortunately, this is the easiest part. There are MANY styles of goggles available. The colors are limitless, some have wider eyepieces, some smaller, some have mirrored lenses, some smoky, and some clear.

    • 4

      TESTING: Your swimmer may have to try a few goggles in swimming competitions and practices. If a style of goggles does not work out, they are inexpensive enough that you can try several types until your swimmer has a pair that fits comfortably.

    • 5

      Finding a good pair of goggles for your child is an exercise in trial and error.

      Once you have found THE goggle, buy several pair so you have a back-up ready for any goggles mishaps that may occur while swimming.