When the mercury starts to rise, toddlers are at greater risk of overheating and sun exposure than adults. With all the exploring to do, they're less likely than grown-ups to notice when it's time to take a break for shade and water. What's more, one sunburn during childhood doubles the risk of melanoma later on.
Regardless of her garb, it’s best to keep a toddler out of direct sun when rays are riskiest (between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.). That, of course, is easier said than done. But that doesn't mean you have to hide inside. Instead, choose summerwear that provides as much UV protection as possible to avoid sunburn. Be sure to follow the basic summer skin care tips for kids, and follow these summer clothing tips to protect your child when it's hot outside.
Buy a sunhat and sunglasses for your toddler
Look for one with a 3-inch brim that shades not just that little face but also your tot's ears (they’re especially prone to sunburn because they stick out) and the back of her neck. A classic wide-brimmed sunhat that ties under the chin is ideal, although be sure the strings are 6 inches or shorter so they don't pose a strangulation hazard. (Straps that snap or Velcro often can’t be adjusted to be snug enough.) Cotton in a tight weave is coolest and provides the best protection.
Top it off with a pair of cute little sunglasses that protect against at least 99 percent or more of UV rays.
Choose tight-weave cotton clothes for your toddler
Your toddler's clothing for a hot summer day should ideally be made of 100 percent lightweight cotton, which allows air to reach your child’s body and her sweat to evaporate rather than stick to the skin and cause irritation. Choose a tight weave to block as many of the sun's rays as possible and verify by holding clothing up to the sun — the less light shines through, the better. Ideally, opt for cool long sleeves and pants to cover as much bare skin as possible, then apply toddler-safe sunscreen on any exposed skin.
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Wash in sun protection to your child's clothes
While darker colors actually block the sun’s rays best, they also absorb heat rather than reflect it like lighter colors do. Up the sun protection power of lighter-colored summer clothes for your toddler by washing them in SunGuard, a sun protection formula that washes 30 SPF sunscreen into fabrics.
Cover your toddler up at the pool or beach
No toddler summer wardrobe would be complete without a swimsuit. For adequate sun protection, slip a top over your toddler’s swimsuit while she’s actually out in the sun. The perfect cover-up for both boys and girls are “rash” shirts, the body-hugging, short-sleeved tops worn by surfers that come in stretchy, quick-dry fabrics like Lycra and nylon.
You can also buy swimwear (as well as shirts, shorts and other summer basics) with built-in sun protection called UPF. Look for a UPF of at least 15, which means that the fabric will allow only 1/15th of the sun’s UV rays to pass through. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends a UPF of at least 30 and says 50 is ideal.
If your toddler is still potty training, purchase a suit with a built-in swim diaper, or plan to put a swim diaper under her suit. A two-piece suit like a tankini makes trips to the toilet quick and easy for little girls.
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