Keeping your Toddler Safe in the Sun

When it comes to sun-safe children's clothing, there's one abbreviation that you'll come across regularly when shopping our collection. UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor, indicates how much UVA and UVB light a fabric allows to reach the skin. For example, UPF50+-certified clothing blocks 98 per cent of harmful rays, allowing just two per cent to permeate. And that's not all. Did you know that, whilst brilliant at reflecting light, white clothing only protects skin from up to five per cent of the sun’s ultraviolet light? Instead, opt for swimwear and beach cover-ups in bright colours, and the more saturated the colour, the more UV light they will absorb and therefore block. As if we needed another reason to love bright colours!

If it’s extra coverage that you’re after, your little swim stars will be cool and comfy in a long-sleeved rash guard or sun suit. These fun and functional styles from Petit Bateau, Shade Critters and Soli Swim are ideal, and they come in a range of sizes for newborns, infants and toddlers. Last, but not least, a legionnaire hat is perfect for covering that often-forgotten spot at the back of the neck. Our Joyday set has it all, wrapped up in this playful abstract print.

Nothing says hot and bothered like head-to-toe synthetic fabrics. Natural fibres, on the other hand, will be your toddler’s best friend this summer. The naturally hollow construction of linen and cotton results in a fabric that is lightweight, breathable and allows air to circulate between the warps and wefts. Put simply, these fabrics don’t stick to skin, and they dry quickly. Floaty silhouettes and boxy, loose-fit shapes are also great for allow your little one's skin to breathe on a hot day. 

When the sun is shining, the pool is the perfect place to cool off and have some fun with your water baby. For little ones who are learning to swim, our float suits are an ideal companion for splashing in the shallows. Each style is fitted with evenly distributed floats to prevent rolling, and some even come with the added protection of a UPF50+ sun suit. If they’ve already found their favourite swimsuit, minus the floats, then why not add a float vest on top? Whichever style you choose, it’s important to note that these items are swimming aids and not life-saving devices, and that children should be closely supervised at all times, both in and around the water.

Cities tend to be warmer than the suburbs or the countryside, with the temperature rising as much as 15 per cent more in some central hotspots. Applying sunscreen before getting your little one dressed for the day makes it easier to get all those tricky spots without having to move clothing — the ears, tops of feet and places underneath the edge of sleeves, straps and necklines often get missed. Once they're covered head to toe, add loose layers of brightly coloured clothing from the likes of Stella McCartney Kids and Mayoral.

If they are toddling along beside the pram, a pair of breathable sandals like these from Bobux will turn their sunshine stroll into an adventure, with new discoveries around every corner. They’re approved by podiatrists and the Velcro straps mean they’re easy to kick off for a lunchtime stop in the park. And all that's left to do is soak up those sunny moments with your little one; they won't be little for long!