Sensory Friendly Goggles: A Game Changer for Water Play

For many children, goggles are a standard part of swim gear — no big deal. But for kids with sensory processing challenges, especially those on the autism spectrum or with other neurodivergent profiles, goggles can be a huge barrier to water play.

Tight straps, suction on the face, water leaking in, plastic that feels too rigid, and even the smell or pressure of the nose bridge — these seemingly minor factors can trigger strong discomfort or meltdowns in sensory-sensitive children.

That discomfort often leads families to abandon goggles entirely or avoid swimming altogether, leaving kids without access to one of the most important safety tools in aquatic environments.

The Importance of Goggles for Water Safety

Goggles do more than help kids see underwater. They:

• Help prevent eye irritation from chlorine or saltwater.

• Make it easier for children to navigate and orient themselves underwater — which builds confidence.

• Allow kids to keep their eyes open underwater, which increases water awareness and safety.

So finding the right pair — one that supports rather than overwhelms a child — is well worth the effort.

What Makes Goggles Sensory Friendly

At The Play Pool, we’ve tested countless styles and found that certain features make a world of difference:

• Soft silicone seals: Gentle on the face and less likely to feel "sticky" or leave red marks.

• Wide, flat headbands (especially fabric-covered or neoprene-style): Distribute pressure evenly and reduce that pinching sensation.

• Low-suction designs: Reduce the feeling of being "sucked onto" the face — which can cause panic for some kids.

• One-click or back-of-head adjustment systems: Less fiddling near the face and hair.

• Polarized or tinted lenses: Can reduce visual overwhelm from reflections or bright lighting.

Top Picks from Our Team

We’ve seen consistent success with brands like:

• Frogglez Goggles – known for their neoprene strap that doesn't pull hair and stays comfortably in place.

• FINIS Kids Swim Goggles – soft nose bridge and silicone seal with minimal suction.

• Aqua Sphere Moby or Seal Goggles – larger lenses and flexible fit that works for many neurodiverse kids.

Every child is different, and sometimes trying on different styles during a session is the best way to find a good match.

Protip- Let them explore offland first

For children who are fearful or uncertain, we recommend:

• Letting them touch, hold, or wear goggles during non-swim activities (like during bath time or dry play).

• Playing pretend games with goggles — even putting them on a favorite toy or doll.

• Gradually introducing them during fun water play sessions without pressuring underwater use.

  
  

The key is consent and control — let the child guide the pace.