As the summer season is upon us, it is time to take our kids to the beach to let them enjoy their childhood freely. While it is all fun and games to play outside, there is a need to keep our kids protected from the danger of sun damage that can be caused due to prolonged exposure to the sun. Saying that sun protection is necessary is not enough. Every parent wants to keep their child protected from every possible harm. The severity of damage that UV radiation can cause to a child’s skin is enormous. Excessive exposure to the sun always ends up causing sunburn or some skin damage.Â
Thus, today’s blog will highlight the importance of giving your kid the proper sun-protective clothing, the key points to remember while buying UV-protective swimwear, and what kind is the right one for your little one. Moreover, we will give you insight into maintaining that sun-protective swimwear for extended and practical usage.
Why Is The Upf Rating Critical?
To understand the importance of UPF rating, we must first know what exactly UPF is.
UPF means ultraviolet protection factor. It is a method that indicates the effectiveness of a fabric in blocking Ultraviolet rays. UV-protected clothing absorbs UV radiation and does not let it pass through. The higher the UPF rating, the lesser the are the chances of the UV rays reaching the skin. Also, it is a certified way of protecting the skin from sun damage.Â
In conclusion, a higher level of UPF rating provides better protection against UV radiation is necessary. Subsequently, it reduces the risk of sunburn and skin damage. For example:
UPF ratings range from 15 to 50; as the rating increases, so does the fabric’s effectiveness.Â
When the UPF range is between 15 to 24, it blocks 93.3% to 95.9% UV radiation, indicating a moderate amount of protection.Â
When the level increases from 25 to 39, the blocking of UV rays increases from 96% to 97.4%, which means a good level of protection. UPF level 40 to 50+ provides excellent sun protection as it blocks more than 97.5% UV radiation.
For children’s swimwear, UPF 30 or more than that is the safest option. Level 30 UPF provides good sun protection, but increasing the level will benefit more. For instance, UPF 50+ is the best-suited rating that gives maximum sun protection.Â
Factors That Affect The UPF Ratings
UPF rating of a piece of clothing can be affected in several ways
- Material: Swimwear is usually made with a blend of materials like polyester, nylon and lycra. All these materials have some pros and cons that affect the overall quality and UPF ratings of the swimwear made from them.Â
- Color: Dark colors are preferred while making sun-protective clothing as it is harder for UV rays to pass through and reach your skin. UV rays can pass through light shade easily, making them less effective for sun protection.
- Formation: Tightly woven clothes on thick fabric increase the effectiveness in protecting from UV radiation.Â
Best Fabric Choices For Kids Swimwear
While buying swimwear for kids, parents must look for maximum sun protection, comfort, quick drying capabilities, and designs their little ones would love to wear. Apart from the obvious comfort factor, sun protection is an absolute necessity.Â
Your child would want to play at the beach all day long. Diving in the sea or playing with their friends, all these activities will require proper UV-protective swimwear that reduces the risk of sun damage. A blend of materials like nylon, polyester and lycra are used while making swimwear. These materials are easier to give shape to and are comfortable to wear, making them the right choice for making swimwear.
Types of Swimwear Fabric:
Polyester
Polyester is a frequently used material in making swimwear that can be used by itself or blended with other materials like lycra. A leading material in the swimwear industry, it provides sun protection and is chlorine resistant. Polyester can hold its shape for a long time and doesn’t lose its color easily. But it may not be as comfortable as other fabrics due to its rigid texture.
Nylon
Nylon is a lightweight fabric and has elasticity that gives a smooth fit. It is easy to clean and dry but will have a low capacity to absorb moisture. It is often blended with other materials to provide better-quality swimwear. Nylon is also not chlorine resistant and as long-lasting as polyester.
Lycra (or Elastane):
Lycra is known for its elasticity and flexibility. This fabric is best for making sportswear or swimwear. It is often combined with other materials to give out maximum protection against the sun. However, lycra may break over time, and it requires extra care and maintenance.Â
Tips To Select The Right Kids Swimwear
Properly fitted swimwear is necessary for comfort and protection. You must keep the measurement handy while shopping for swimwear and refer to the size chart to get the best fit for your child. Swimwear that is too tight or loose can cause discomfort and reduce the garment’s lifespan.Â
Tightly fitted swimwear can restrict movement. As a result, your little one can face skin problems and discomfort. While loosely fitted swimwear can sag up to reduce sun protection.Â
How To Choose The Right Size?
Here is how you can correctly measure the right fit for your kid.
Measure the height:
Make your kid stand straight and measure their height from head to toe.
Measure the chest:
Measure the chest fully with measuring tape, not too tight or snug.Â
Measure the waist:
Carefully measure the waist just above the belly button. Also, measure the narrow part of the belly.
Measure the hips:
Measure the widest part of the hip with the tape level in a straight line.
Tip: Swimwear should cover all the required or desired body parts and is comfortable to wear. Â
Other Tips
- Always look for high-quality material and well-constructed swimwear.Â
- Choose tightly woven materials; they can hold their shape for a long time. They offer adequate sun protection as well.Â
- Blended material offers better comfort, durability and sun protection.
- Look for special instructions on the swimwear to give it proper care and maintenance.Â
- Choose sustainable materials that are reusable and good for the environment.
Best Swimwear Choices For Toddler Boys
If you are searchingfor the best swimwear fits in the Toodler boys category, here are a few of our best picks to choose from.Â
Bring On The Sun – 2-Piece Swimwear With A Beanie Hat
A 2 piece of swimwear completed with a beanie hat showcasing durable and stretchable material. The swimwear is designed to provide comfort and flexibility for when your kid will be enjoying the sea or the pool. It is a UPF 50 sun-protective swimwear for maximum protection against UV radiation. Furthermore, the product comes with a beanie hat that completes the swim look and covers the head from the sun and chlorine.Â
Camo Shark One-Piece Swimwear
A one-piece swimwear with a shark print for your little boy, made just the way your toddler would want it to be. Made with very comfortable and stretchy fabric, this swimsuit will give your little one the freedom to swim and play without discomfort. Moreover, this one-piece swimwear is made from the best sun-protective material with UPF 50 protection reducing the risk of UV radiation.
Cool Yellow Crocodile 2 Piece Swimsuit With A Brim Hat
This two-piece swimwear will surely make your little one look adorable. The swimwear with shorts and full sleeve t-shirt is made with 50+ UV protective fabric and will provide maximum sun protection to your toddler. The cool crocodile print is something your baby boy would absolutely fall in love with. Furthermore, the swimwear is super stretchy and super sturdy, making it the best choice to buy.Â
Dino-My Little Dude 1 Piece Swimwear
This adorable wetsuit-style swimwear for baby boys carries every bit of comfort and ease. Excellently made, this swimwear enjoys 50+ UV protective fabric to protect your baby from the harm of sun rays. It has a tail on the side of the swimwear for a fun element that your little one will adore. Made with the highest quality material, this swimwear will keep your little one comfortable throughout the day.
Happy Crab 2 Piece Swimwear With A Beanie Hat
It is a cute two-piece swimwear for toddler boys made with UV-protective material that will reduce the risk of UV radiation. This adorable set has shorts, a t-shirt, and a beanie hat for complete protection. The swimwear is the perfect partner for a kids’ beach day or a pool party with friends.
Surfing Rash Guard With Long Leg Bottom
This two-piece leg-bottom swimwear will give your child the real surfer feel. It is a two-piece surfing wetsuit in black and white contrasting colors. Made with sun-protective fabric, the swimwear offers 50+ UPF protection. Thus, you can let your little one have all the fun without worrying about sun damage. Keep your baby boy protected in this surfer-style swimwear.