It wasn’t until I had kids of my own that I truly understood the importance of properly fitting swim goggles. As a parent, there is nothing more important than making sure your children are safe when they’re in the water. When it comes to swim goggles, however, it can be tricky to make sure they fit correctly and don’t leak. In this article, I’m going to share with you some tips on how to correctly size and fit kids swim goggles so that your little ones can enjoy their time in the pool without any worries. By the end, you will know how to size kids goggles correctly.
When it comes to choosing swim goggles, having a good seal is essential in order to keep the water out. Look for a pair of goggles that make a comfortable fit without leaving any imprints around the eyes. The best swim goggles typically use a rubber gasket around the eye in contrast to foam ones. If you are primarily using your goggles during intensive swimming routines or races, choose ones with a tighter seal; however, those who are just starting out or plan on doing more casual swimming can choose one further away from the eye.
Before deciding on a pair of goggles, take some time to try them out and refine your search if needed. Everyone’s face is different so it may take some trial and error before finding what works best for you. Just make sure that whatever style or material you choose helps form an effective but comfortable seal for your eyes and keeps out water when needed.
Goggle Strap Size
First and foremost, it’s essential to make sure you’re buying the right size goggles for your child. Kids swim goggles come in a variety of sizes, so measure your child’s head circumference or take them with you when shopping and try on different sizes. It’s also important to select goggles that are appropriate for your child’s age and swimming ability. Goggles specifically designed for younger swimmers offer more protection and comfort than those designed for older children or adults.
Nose Bridge Size
Getting the right distance b of the lenses is very important for a proper fit. Make sure that the nose bridge is adjustable and fits properly on your child’s face. The straps should fit securely around the back of the head, keeping the lenses in place without putting too much pressure on their face.
Many brands now come with interchangeable nose bridges of various sizes to suit faces of all shapes and sizes. Not only that, but these days you don’t have to pay much extra if you want the benefit of this added adjustability.
Goggle Shape
The shape of the goggles can also play a role in how comfortable they are to wear. Generally, kids goggles come in two shapes: oval and round. Oval-shaped goggles offer a snugger fit around the eyes while round-shaped provide less coverage but more comfort. Try different shapes with your child and determine which one fits best for them.
Size of gasket
Its important to get the right size and gasket type, this important component of the goggle not only stops water, but is pressed up against your child’s face. Long term use with thin hard gaskets can cause redness and lead to pain.
Goggle Lens
Selecting the right lens for your child’s swimming ability is also important. Mirrored and tinted lenses are better for outdoor pools, while clear lenses are best for indoor pools. UV-protected lenses are great for protecting your little one’s eyes from the sun’s rays.
Coating
If you don’t want opt for specialty glasses, another option is to coat your lenses with anti-fog spray. This product can be applied to any pair of goggles and works effectively by keeping moisture at bay and ensuring your vision is never impaired from pesky fogging. Either way, making sure your goggle lenses are covered in some form of anti-fog coating will all but guarantee crystal clear vision underwater even after days of wear and tear.
Case
I recently purchased a pair of expensive ($40) speedo goggles for my 5 year old. On first use, the came back all scratched. And while the goggles came with a case, she must have dragged them on the ground or something to damage them.
Some quality goggles come with cases, and while it doesn’t impact fit, its something to consider when shopping for goggles.
Fitting Goggles
Once you have the perfect pair of goggles, it’s time to make sure they fit correctly. Start by adjusting the straps on either side so that they fit snugly but comfortably around your child’s head without being too tight. You should also ensure that the goggles are sitting securely on the bridge of your child’s nose and that they’re not slipping down their face.
The risk of wearing goggles that are too tight is not to be taken lightly. Poorly-fitted goggles have been attributed to swimmer’s headache, a condition caused by straps that put pressure on the nerve bundles in the face and head. This can cause a multitude of unpleasant symptoms, including sharp pain, aching and even dizziness — none of which will help your performance in the pool. Ideally, you need to find the right tension for your child goggles.
I spend time adjusting each of my daughters goggles. This way, you can ensure a long term quality fit. Always remember to re-check ever so-often as the adjustment can change.
Conclusion – How to correctly size kids goggles
Sizing and fitting swim goggles for children may seem like a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. With these tips in mind, you can help ensure your child has a safe and enjoyable swimming experience by selecting the right goggles and making sure they fit correctly.
As a parent, I know how important it is to make sure my children have the best protection and safety when swimming. For me, part of that means finding the right pair of goggles for them. From shape to size and gasket type, there is a lot to consider when selecting the perfect pair of goggles for your child. Hopefully this guide has helped you identify how to correctly size kids goggles for your family.
Remember, no matter what size goggles you select for your child, never leave them unattended in the water for safety reasons. Children should always be supervised by an adult even if they are wearing swim goggles. With these tips, you can make sure your child’s swim goggles fit properly and that they are kept safe while they enjoy their time in the pool.