Earplugs & Nose Clips for Swimming: Do Kids Need Them?

Wondering whether earplugs swimming aids and nose clips are essential kit for your child? They can be genuinely helpful for some learners, but they are not a must-have for everyone — and used in the wrong way, they can even slow a child’s progress.

As a parent it is easy to feel you should buy every accessory on the shelf. This guide explains what earplugs and nose clips actually do, which children benefit from them, how to fit them properly, and why good breathing technique still matters most of all.

What earplugs and nose clips are for

Both are simple comfort and protection aids, not performance tools. Understanding what each one does helps you decide whether your child needs them.

Earplugs

Swimming earplugs keep water out of the ear canal. They are mainly used to:

Reduce the chance of trapped water and irritation that can contribute to swimmer’s ear.
Help children who have grommets (ear tubes) or a history of ear infections, where keeping ears dry is medically advised.
Ease discomfort for children who simply dislike the feeling of water in their ears.

Nose clips

A nose clip gently pinches the nostrils closed so water cannot enter the nose. They are used to:

Prevent the stinging, choking sensation of water going up the nose, which unsettles many beginners.
Help during backstroke and rolling drills, where water can run into the nose.
Support some swimmers in synchronised swimming or repeated underwater work.

Does your child actually need them?

For most healthy children learning to swim, neither earplugs nor nose clips are strictly necessary. Children’s bodies cope well with normal pool swimming, and learning to manage water around the face is part of becoming a confident, capable swimmer.

That said, they can be the right choice in specific situations:

Earplugs make sense if your child has grommets, recurrent ear infections, or a perforated eardrum — but in these cases, follow your doctor’s advice first.
A nose clip can help a very nervous beginner who panics the moment water touches their nose, as a short-term confidence bridge while they learn to breathe out.
Comfort matters: if a child is so distracted by water in the ears or nose that they cannot relax, a well-fitted aid can let them focus on learning.

The catch: technique still comes first

Here is the important part. The most reliable way to stop water going up the nose is not a clip — it is learning to breathe out gently through the nose and mouth while the face is in the water. That steady stream of bubbles keeps water out far better than any gadget, and it is a skill your child will rely on for life.

If a nose clip becomes a crutch, a child may never learn to control their breathing, and they will struggle the moment the clip is not there. The same applies to ears: good technique, calm breathing and relaxed body position do more for confidence than any accessory. This is exactly why hands-on, in-person coaching matters. A qualified coach teaches proper bubble-blowing and breathing beside your child in the water, using aids only as a temporary stepping stone, never a permanent replacement for skill. Coach U.K. specialises in nervous beginners and aquaphobia, and these confidence-building techniques are at the heart of every lesson.

How to choose and fit them

Choosing earplugs

Look for soft silicone earplugs designed for swimming and sized for children — adult plugs are often too big.
Mouldable silicone plugs that sit over the ear opening suit many children better than push-in foam.
If your child has grommets or ear problems, ask your doctor or pharmacist for a suitable type.

Choosing a nose clip

Pick a child-sized clip with a soft, padded grip that holds gently without pinching painfully.
A clip on a short cord or strap is easy to keep track of and harder to lose.
It should stay put during gentle movement but never hurt — if it leaves a sore mark, it is too tight or the wrong size.

Fitting and hygiene tips

Let your child try them on dry land first so they get used to the feeling.
Check earplugs sit comfortably and are not pushed too far into the ear.
Rinse both in clean water after swimming and let them dry fully to keep them hygienic.
Replace them when they harden, tear or stop sealing well.

A balanced approach

Think of earplugs and nose clips as optional comfort tools, not essentials. If your child has a genuine medical reason or a strong comfort need, use them — well-fitted and hygienic. For everyone else, the goal is to build the breathing and water skills that make these aids unnecessary, so your child grows into a relaxed, self-reliant swimmer who is comfortable with or without them.

Frequently asked questions

Do children really need earplugs to swim?

Most healthy children do not need them. Earplugs are mainly helpful for children with grommets, recurring ear infections, or strong discomfort with water in the ears. If your child has any ear condition, check with your doctor before swimming and follow their guidance on keeping the ears dry.

Are nose clips good for beginners?

A nose clip can briefly help a very nervous beginner who panics when water touches their nose, but it should only be a short-term aid. The lasting solution is learning to breathe out steadily through the nose and mouth, which keeps water out naturally and builds real confidence.

Will using a nose clip stop my child learning to breathe properly?

It can if it becomes a permanent crutch. A good coach uses a clip only as a temporary stepping stone while teaching proper bubble-blowing and breathing, so your child eventually swims comfortably without it.

How do I stop water going up my child’s nose?

The most reliable method is teaching them to exhale gently through the nose while the face is underwater, creating a steady stream of bubbles. This keeps water out far better than any clip and is a skill they will use for life.

What kind of earplugs are best for children?

Soft silicone earplugs sized for children work well, especially mouldable types that sit over the ear opening. Avoid oversized adult plugs, and if your child has grommets or ear issues, ask a doctor or pharmacist for a suitable type.

Can swimming cause ear infections?

Trapped water in the ear can contribute to swimmer’s ear in some children. Drying the ears well after swimming usually helps, and for children prone to infections, earplugs and a doctor’s advice can reduce the risk.

Get expert guidance on the right kit and technique

Unsure whether your child needs earplugs, a nose clip, or simply better breathing technique? Message Coach U.K. on WhatsApp at +65 9021 1254 for honest, practical advice. With AUSTSWIM accreditation and coaching experience since 1999, he will help your child build genuine water confidence. Discover our kids swimming lessons, gentle support for nervous beginners, and tips on water survival and life-saving skills.