By: Kristin Orr

Summer is officially here, which for most is all about fun in the sun! As a mother with small children, having “fun in the sun” comes after dressing my kids head-to-toe in sun protective wear that is both cute and safe from harmful rays. Last summer, my son was too small to wear sunscreen or really hang out in the sun for long periods of time, so I didn’t really have to think much about this. This year, I’ve done my research and he’s prepped with all the best gear for trips to the beach or to the pool! Here are tips for creating sun-safe outfits for kids.

Sun-Safe Outfits for Kids

Veyo Sun Hoodie

My son has had naturally fair skin since day one, so sun shirts will forever be a staple in our summer outdoor outfits. These sun hoodies from Veyo are not only super soft and UV 40+ protective, but the hood feature makes them ideal for when you might not have a hat and need that extra head/neck protection. The “hoodie” feature also makes it look more like a cozy sweatshirt, which comes in handy on those windier beach days or long-days-turned-early-evenings by the pool. They dry super fast! BONUS: Chirping Moms readers get 20% off with code CHIRPING.

Veyo Noggins Sun Hat

No kid ever wants to wear a sun hat, and the battle alone is enough to throw up your hands and give up! But we adults know how dangerous sun rays can be on children’s faces. I myself rarely go out to the beach or pool without a baseball cap on because of the damage I know the sun is doing to my face (hello wrinkles!). The biggest issue I have with my son and hats is that although I can often get it on, keeping it on is a different story. That is why the Veyo Noggins sun hat is amazing! Not only is it sun-safe, with UPF 50+ fabric, but it is breathable, comfortable, and has both a chin strap and a toggle around the circumference of the head that can tighten as well. My favorite feature is the extra large brim in the back, which covers the neck and then some. I often forget to reapply sunscreen in that area so this helps for extra protection. AGAIN: Chirping Moms readers get 20% off with code CHIRPING.

Keens Toddler Seacamp

My little guy is finally starting to walk (almost run) steadily, all over the place! With summer here, I was on the hunt for a great sandal that would withstand all the elements (sand, water, dirt) but also support his newly moving feet. I am so happy I found Keen! It is very supportive, with a sturdy rubber sole, and the velcro strap plus elastic laces create a snug fit that is easy to get on and off with a parent assist.

i play Trunks with built-in diaper

When I’m not putting my son in a long-sleeved one piece swimsuit and want him to look more like a “little man” I seek out cute but practical swim trunks. So many companies make adorable swim trunks but are lacking in features necessary for a one-year old. I was gifted a pair of i play swim trunks last summer but never got around to using them. On our first hot day this year, I pulled out the trunks and began to read the tag. I was so impressed with the fact that it had a built in swim diaper, plus other layers that made them both protective and waterproof. I play also has attractive patterns and prints for girls and boys, in both trunks and diapers.

Babyganics Sunscreen

I am one of the biggest skeptics when it comes to sunscreen. When researching online, one can find just as many articles for sunscreen as against it. As a mother, I can’t send my children out into direct sunlight without something protecting their gentle, fair skin. I found Babyganics to be a company worth investing my trust in. They uphold strong standards for all their products, and their sunscreen was just what this mama was looking for. Their sunscreen is SPF 50+ and protects against UVA/UVB rays but isn’t took thick or chalky. What I discovered while perusing their website (which made me an even bigger fan of Babyganics products than I already am) was their ingredients list on all their products. They list all active and inactive ingredients in their products, what type the ingredient is, where it comes from, and how it helps. Totally leaves the guessing work out of reading the back of the bottle and thinking, “Huh? How do I even pronounce this?!” I felt completely secure about putting Babyganics sunscreen all over my son knowing exactly what was being absorbed into his body.