Both my daughter and I are quite fair-skinned. I’ve learned over the years to regularly cover up to protect my skin, but I know I spent a lot of time out playing in the sun before I had the awareness of the damaging powers of the sun. When I was born, there wasn’t as much concern about the suns rays and skin cancer (not to mention wrinkles), so I’m starting with my daughter early, to habituate her to taking measures to protect her own skin. She now insists on wearing her hat and sunglasses whenever we go out, even when it’s not sunny – which is great!
Here are some curated options to consider for sun protective wear.
Sun protective swimwear and clothing
I prefer sun protective clothing and swimwear that is effective due to the weave of the cloth, versus those that add chemicals to the textiles to add the UV protectant. That is why I recommend the following brands that I’ve come across to date:
- Sun Protection Zone – This company doesn’t offer a huge range of options, but I really liked their one piece bathing suit for my daughter
- Nozone
- UVSkins – I have bought several items here, both for my little one and myself. I like that they have a combination of swimming related items as well as some for everyday wear, though limited. They achieve UPF protection (which is certified) from the fabric weave, without chemicals.
- Green sprouts
- Coolibar is another popular option, though I haven’t yet bought their products because they use a combination of weave and infusion of chemicals (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) into their fabrics.
Hats
- Urban Baby Bonnets – For super cute hats with 50+ UPF protection (from the fabric weave) and fun, colorful designs that are also reversible, check out this store. One type of hat on offer is sort of like a modern Little House on the Prairie hat that is super effective at covering your child’s face. They also offer bucket hats, gnome hats, caps, hats with ears, etc. The winter gnome hats are particularly cute
- NoZone – This is where I purchased the hat we use for my daughter when she goes swimming. I like that its 50+ UPF (40+ UPF when wet) is entirely due to the weave and not to any added chemicals. We got her the Better Baby Flap Hat, in polka dots which she loves. This hat type provides very good coverage.
- Jan and Jul – Also offers a range of 50+ UPF hats. I haven’t tried any of these, but from what I see on their website, they also achieve the UPF protection from the weave, not added chemicals.
- Frugi – Frugi offers a handful of colorful patterned hats, both bucket style and a full coverage style for activities like swimming, which includes 50+ UPF protection. I like Frugi as a brand overall because they tend to use child-safe and eco-friendly material, but I’m not sure if they achieve the UPF protection from the fabric weave or added chemicals.
Sunglasses
I’ve tried a number of sunglasses so far. Here are the current ones that she has been using:
- Babyiators – My daughter has heart-shaped Babiator sunglasses, which provide 100% UV protection and are polarized. Babyiators are focused on using safe materials – largely polycarbonate as an alternative to PVC or vinyl. Here is what they state on their website: “As you can imagine, safety is a top priority for us. We test each component of our sunglasses (polycarbonate lenses, flexible rubber frames, cardboard box, etc.) and all other products for a variety of substances, including BPA. All of our products have always passed these regulatory tests.”
- Urban Xplorer Sunglasses at Jan and Jul – Also 100% UV protection, polarized and use of safe materials, as stated on their website under each product description “SAFE: BPA, Phthalate, PVC free. Conforms to CPSIA standards”.
- Minishades – Similarly polarized and 100% UV protection.
BabyBanz
Sun lotion
I’m sure many of you are aware of the fact that mineral sunscreens are safer than chemical sunscreens, which can be absorbed by the skin and into our organs. Mineral sunscreens can include zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.
I use the EWG website to find the safest sun lotions for babies and toddlers. Here is a list of the products/brands that offer the safest options for young children:
I personally have been using Attitude and Badger products, which I like very much, but there seem to be many other good options on this list. I would lean towards those rated “1” vs “2”.
Also note the following discussion about SPF in sunscreens https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/whats-wrong-with-high-spf/