Brazilian Mom Invents Floating UV Swimwear for Kids

Entrepreneur Cássia Dillem developed a floating swimsuit for children to address safety concerns she faced as a mother. The product, named Titibum, originated in 2013 when she sought an alternative to traditional plastic floats that caused discomfort for her daughter.

The swimsuit integrates flotation and UV protection into a single garment. It features removable components designed to assist children in learning to swim gradually. Dillem secured intellectual property rights through the INPI before expanding production. The brand currently targets children aged 1 to 8 years and is expanding into the adult market with a specific government partnership in Bahia.

The concept for the floating swimsuit emerged from a personal challenge faced by Cássia Dillem in 2013. While looking for safety equipment for her daughter, she found that existing market options failed to provide necessary comfort or functionality.

Traditional plastic floats caused skin irritation and restricted movement, creating anxiety for both child and parent. "A minha filha, ela não gostava das boinhas, aquelas de plástico. Ela se incomodava porque elas assavam os bracinhos dela, os bracinhos gordinhos do bebê," Dillem recalled regarding her daughter's discomfort with standard pool floats.

Seeking a solution, Dillem adapted pool noodles by sewing them into a swimsuit. This prototype allowed her daughter to float with greater comfort and security. After refining the design, she noticed interest from other families, which signaled the potential for a commercial venture. "Eu percebi que poderia virar um negócio quando eu estava nos lugares e as pessoas se interessavam bastante pelo produto," she stated.

The Titibum swimsuit is designed as a single-piece garment that eliminates the need for additional clothing over the flotation device. It provides continuous UV protection, allowing children to remain in the water safely throughout the day.

Flotation devices are strategically placed on the chest and back areas. This positioning helps maintain an upright posture in the water, which is crucial for safety and learning. "O diferencial do Titibum... é uma peça única. A gente não precisa de colocar outra vestimenta na criança," Dillem explained.

Key safety and design elements include:

• UV Protection: Integrated fabric to shield skin from sun exposure.
• Ergonomic Flotation: Devices located on the chest and back for stability.
• Gradual Learning System: Removable parts to transition children toward independent swimming.
• Adult Supervision Requirement: The creator explicitly states the product is a safety aid, not a replacement for watching children.

The brand emphasizes that the product serves as an aid rather than a guarantee of safety. "Quando a criança está com titibum... e a mãe ou o pai sempre de olho, isso traz sim muito conforto para as crianças e para as mães," Dillem affirmed.

Before scaling the business, Cássia Dillem took legal and technical precautions. She registered the invention with the Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) to secure intellectual property rights.

To ensure product reliability, voluntary tests were conducted with technical support. "Nós medimos de acordo com o peso e idade de crianças e fomos adaptando," Dillem noted regarding the testing process. The company is also actively pursuing certification from regulatory bodies, including the Inmetro and the Marinha (Navy).

Currently, the brand sells the swimsuit for children between 1 and 8 years old. However, the business is undergoing significant expansion:

1. Adult Line: Production of 1,000 adult pieces is underway.
2. Government Partnership: The adult line is being developed in collaboration with the government of Bahia.
3. Product Mix: The brand is adding accessories such as bath towels.

Despite product growth, Dillem identifies market awareness as the primary challenge. "Muitas pessoas não conhecem o Titibum... então a gente precisa melhorar bastante nessa questão da divulgação," she stated regarding the need for better marketing.

The swimsuit has received positive feedback from medical professionals. Josy Yume Garcia, a physical therapist, utilizes the Titibum in clinical settings for children with motor difficulties.

Garcia notes that the design offers superior security and comfort compared to standard flotation aids. "A flutuação deles é melhor, então eles se sentem mais firmes dentro da água," she observed.

She also reported success in non-clinical environments. Parents have noted that the colorful designs help overcome water-related fears. "Deu pra ele vencer esse medo... e quando veio as roupinhas ele adorou por causa de cor e estampa," Garcia relayed regarding a patient's reaction to the product.