As a parent, you play a crucial role in your child's swimming journey. Whether they're starting swim lessons or already a recreational swimmer, your choice of swim goggles can significantly affect their comfort and performance. No child wants to struggle with uncomfortable frames or lenses fogging up. Let's explore the different types and our recommendations, so you can choose the best option for your child.

Key Features to Consider

When picking swimming goggles for your child, the three key features are lens types, frame materials and sizing, which can make the difference in comfort and performance.

Clear vs Tinted vs Mirrored Lens Types:

Choosing the right lens type is crucial, depending on where your child will swim. Each lens type has its benefits:

  • Clear Lenses: Perfect for indoor swimming or low-light conditions. They provide clear visibility and work well in pools with good lighting.
  • Tinted Lenses Helpful for outdoor swimming or brightly lit pools. They reduce glare and protect the eyes from harsh light.
  • Mirrored Lenses: Best for sunny outdoor environments. They reflect sunlight and offer the highest glare reduction, making them great for open-water swimming.

Frame, Lenses, Seals and Strap Materials

The frame material and design play a significant role in durability and comfort.

Close-up of a POD AquaLuxe swim goggle in blue, showing the clear lens, silicone seal, strap connector, and quick-adjust buckle


  • Polycarbonate: PC lenses are robust and impact-resistant.
  • Silicone: The frame, lens seals and split headband are soft, flexible silicone.
  • Thermoplastic Rubber: TPR frames and lens seals are flexible, adapting to different facial shapes and providing a comfortable fit.

Choose a combination of frame, lens seals, and head strap that balances durability and comfort. Durable components last longer, while flexible materials help your child enjoy wearing the goggles.

Sizing and Fit

Choose an adjustable strap that fits your child's face shape and size.

  • Adjustable Straps: For a secure, comfortable fit.
  • Soft Seals: Silicone or TPR seals ensure a watertight seal
  • Size Options: Adjustable strap design ensures a secure, tailored fit for growing children.

A proper fit lets your child focus on swimming instead of constantly adjusting their goggles. A good fit also helps keep them leak-proof and comfortable during swim sessions, so you can be confident your child enjoys a secure, comfortable experience.

Choosing the proper goggles involves more than picking a pair with great colours. It's about lens type, frame material, and a snug fit. Your choices shape your child's swimming experience, and we're here to guide you.

Frequency of Use

How often your child swims will influence what goggles work best for them.

  • Frequent Swimmer: If your child swims several times a week, choose durable goggles. Look for goggles made from high-quality materials that can withstand regular use. Features like anti-fog coating, UV protection, and replaceable parts are beneficial. You may also want multiple pairs, one for indoor pools and another for outdoor swimming.
  • Occasional Swimmer: If your child swims less frequently, they don't need all the bells and whistles. Basic but comfortable goggles will do the job. However, it's still worth investing in a pair with a good soft seal and an adjustable fit. Even for occasional swims, comfortable, reliable goggles can make your child's time in the water much more enjoyable.

Children Recommendations

Choosing the right pair of swim goggles for your child can make a difference in their swimming experience. From comfort to functionality, there are many features to consider. Below, we have outlined our top picks to help you find the perfect match for your child's needs.

POD SCAT Youth Swim Goggles

These swimming goggles feature clear, anti-fog, UV-protection lenses and two frame and strap colour options.

POD Scat youth swim goggles in pink with a purple nose bridge, clear lenses, and silicone strap, on a white background

Features:

  • Clear Lenses: Perfect for indoor swimming, with clear, distortion-free vision.
  • UV Protection: Safeguard your child's eyes with a Polycarbonate anti-fog lens with UV Protection
  • Available Colours: Soft, flexible silicone frame and lens seals; choose between yellow-aqua and pink-purple.

These goggles are designed with kids in mind, making them an excellent choice for young swimmers.

POD FLOW Youth Swim Goggles

Available with clear or tinted, anti-fog, UV-protected lenses, plus two soft, flexible frames and headband colours.

POD Flow youth swim goggles in grey with a blue nose bridge, clear lenses, and silicone strap, on a white background

Options:

  • Clear Lenses: Ideal for indoor pools with consistent lighting.
  • Tinted Lenses: Suited for sunny outdoor conditions, reducing glare and providing better visibility.

Whether your child swims in a pool or open waters, Flow goggles offer the flexibility to handle lighting conditions effortlessly.

POD TRITEK Youth Swim Goggles

Available in clear or tinted anti-fog, UV-protection lenses with a clear frame and adjustable split headband.

POD Tritek youth swim goggles in clear with teal lenses and a white silicone strap, on a white background

Highlights:

  • Two Lens Colour Options: Select aqua and blue lenses to suit your child's preference.
  • Frame Design: The clear, soft, flexible TPR seals and frame fit comfortably for all children.

POD TRITEK children's swimmers goggles have a flexible TPR soft seal and frame, allowing the lenses to float in a frame-perfect design for children of all ages.

Consider these recommendations above to help your child swim comfortably and confidently.

How to Care for Children's Swimming Goggles

Ensuring kids' swimming goggles are well maintained can significantly extend their lifespan. Proper care involves regular cleaning and mindful storage. Here are some easy-to-follow tips.

Cleaning Techniques

Keeping the lenses and frames clean is essential to maintain clear vision in the water and avoid damage.

  • After Use: Rinse with fresh, lukewarm water after swimming to remove chlorine, salt, or other chemical residue.
    Mild Soap Usage: Use soap or baby shampoo to gently clean the lenses and frames. Avoid harsh detergents, which can damage the anti-fog coating and the materials.
    Avoid Scrubbing: Do not scrub the lenses. Instead, use your fingers to swirl the soapy water around. Scrubbing can scratch the lens surface.
    Drying: Let the goggles air dry completely before storing them. Pat them dry with a soft towel, but avoid rubbing the lenses.

These simple steps can keep the goggles clear and hygienic, ready for the next swim.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is just as important as cleaning. It prevents scratches and keeps them in good shape.

  • Protective Case: Always store goggles in a hard protective case. This shields them from any damage when tossed in a swim bag.
  • Avoid Sunlight: Do not leave goggles in direct sun; UV rays can degrade the materials.
  • Avoid Hot and Humid Places: Don't leave them in the car or boot on hot summer days; excessive heat may cause damage.
  • Do Not Bend Straps: Do not twist or bend the straps in awkward positions. This can stretch out or weaken the elastic over time.

These storage tips can help goggles last longer and stay in better condition. These precautions will ensure they are ready for the next swimming session.

Lunch Time - Out of the Water

When wearing eyewear close to the eyes, please take precautions to prevent eye injuries. This is especially important for children who may not pay attention while wearing goggles.

This article will help you choose the proper swim goggles for your child, which is crucial for their comfort and safety in the pool. Quality goggles like POD SCAT, FLOW, and TRITEK are designed to fit well and protect young eyes from chlorine and UV rays. Soft frames work well for smaller faces and add extra comfort.

Regular maintenance ensures goggles stay clear and comfortable. A Lukewarm rinse with fresh water after each use, plus storage in a protective case, helps prevent scratches and prolongs their lifespan.

Happy swimming!.

Latest Stories

View all

A bodysurfer riding deep inside a large hollow green wave holding a POD handboard, with the word "TOOL" overlaid in large outline lettering and the text "Match the Surface to the Wave" below

How to Choose a Handboard Based on Conditions and Style

A handboard, also called a bodysurfing handplane, extends your planing surface. Choosing the right surface area and rail profile is the final step in understanding how speed works in bodysurfing. You now understand the physics of speed and how to...

Read moreabout How to Choose a Handboard Based on Conditions and Style

A female surfer duck-diving underwater through a breaking wave while holding a surfboard, wearing a black wetsuit and ear plugs, with the text "What Holds Under Pressure" overlaid on the image

Why Earplugs Fail in Surf and Open Water (What Actually Holds)

You put them in, toggle or twist them into place, and they feel sealed. Paddle out, duck dive, take a hit, and a few moments later water is already in your ear. Not because you forgot them. Not because you...

Read moreabout Why Earplugs Fail in Surf and Open Water (What Actually Holds)

A large hollow wave pitching over open ocean with the word "LINE" overlaid in large outline lettering and the text "Find the Line, Carry the Speed" below

How to Read a Wave for Speed in Bodysurfing

Reading the ocean is a skill of anticipation. Speed doesn't come from reacting to what is happening. It comes from positioning for what is about to happen. Understanding wave types is the first step. This is where the application begins....

Read moreabout How to Read a Wave for Speed in Bodysurfing