Whether splashing, swimming, diving, or adventuring, meet the best children’s sun-safe swimwear for a summer of fun.
Why is Sun-Smart Swimwear for Kids so Important?
Children and babies have incredibly sensitive skin. Sunburn and overheating are real problems for tiny bodies, so keeping them cool and protected from UV rays is a must.
Keep kids safe this summer, and every summer, with a combination of safe-for-kids SPF50+ sunscreen and sun-smart swimwear. Using our guide to children’s sun-safe swimwear, you can look forward to plenty of safe, protected beachside or poolside days.
How to Shop for Children’s Sun-Safe Swimwear
Look for swimsuits with full coverage.
A swimsuit with full coverage for little ones is your best option for sun-safe swimwear. Kids’ swimwear comes in adorable shapes and sizes, but not all swimwear is equally sun-safe.
The best swimwear style for children offers the most coverage, preferably with long sleeves and a high neck. You will need a one-piece with arm and shoulder coverage for tiny infants.
Ensure that the swimwear has a UPF50+ certification.
While maximum swimwear coverage is important, a swimsuit can only be truly sun-safe if it carries a UPF50+ certification.
The way UPF50+ works is that most fabric is woven from fibres. The weaves of these fibres are where sneaky UVA and UVB rays peek through. A swimsuit with UPF50+ certification can help to prevent up to 50x more rays from making it through the fabric. Most children’s swimsuits will have a UPF50+ certification clearly marked, but if in doubt, you can always check the label.
Choose a swimsuit that fits properly.
Kids grow up quickly, and what might fit them this week might be too small the next. As tempting as it is to purchase a size up for little ones or squeeze them into a too-small swimsuit, both leave your child’s skin unprotected from the sun.
If the swimsuit they’re wearing is too small, it causes the fibres to stretch out even further, leaving more of a gap in-between the weaves and letting in more UV rays. When the suit is too big and bulky, sunshine peeks through and can lead to nasty burns. This is why it’s important to get the right size for your little one for a protected day in the sun.
Sun-Safe Swimsuits For Girls
The best sun-smart swimsuits for girls aged 2-7
For girls aged 2-7 years old, look to stylish swimwear that offers maximum coverage from harsh UV rays. The Jasmine Sunsuit and Tali Sunsuit from Minihaha make a compelling case for UFP 50+ swimsuits that offer protection from the sun and look extra cute. For a rashie with a floral flair, look to Kip & Co’s Sunflower Happy Rash Vest with a cute Sunflower Bucket Hat.
The best sun-smart swimsuits for girls aged 8-14
For a girls’ swimsuit designed for movement, lean into the Digi All Over swimsuit from Speedo. Colourful and fun, this bold Leaderback-style swimsuit features a brightly coloured brushstrokes-effect digital print. Perfect for training, the shape of this swimsuit gives young swimmers a full range of shoulder movement when swimming.
For a swimsuit with sleeves, Seafolly’s Summer Vacay Paddlesuit or Camilla’sRuched Side Paddlesuit offer protection from the sun, with stylish colours and prints to boot.
Sun-Safe Swimsuits For Boys
The best sun-smart swimsuits for boys aged 2-7
For boys aged 2-7, this summer is all about playful prints and beach-inspired colours. The Beach Life Boardies and Gulls Rash Vest from Kip & Co are UFP 50+ certified and designed for a summer of splashing and fun. For a sun-smart, surf-ready option, Speedo’s Shark Rashtop will keep them protected all through the summer, whether they’re in the ocean or pool.
The best sun-smart swimsuits for boys aged 8-14
Keep them sun-safe with room to play and splash with these summer-ready picks. If you’re looking for a more streamlined fit for swim classes and other water activities, the BYS Eco Eco Endurance+ Jammer from Speedos is a must. Crafted from ECO Endurance+ fabric and 50% recycled materials, this quick-to-dry set will be their favourite. Why not pair it with their colourful Watershort for a fun matching set?
Look to the colourful prints on the Toucan Lounge Jr. shorts from Mosmann Australia and the Rock Your Kid’s Navy High Tide Shorts for swimsuit trunks with a twist.
Kids’ Sun-Smart Accessories
The cherry on top of a summer-safe swimwear set for kids? UV blocking accessories.
Keep the sun off their faces with Roxy’s New Bobby Hat, designed for fun in the sun. Or, look to the Muslin Broad Brim Sunny Hat from Kynd Baby in Pink Clay Blossom or the Chia Sunshine. Crafted from organic cotton, this extra cute sunhat comes with a soft velcro chin strap to keep it in place while the little ones splash and play.
Don’t forget to pack a pair of Cancer Council Kids sunglasses. TheSwordfish Kids Black Wrap Sunglasses or the Mink Pink Oval Toddler Sunglasses are fitted with smoke-polarised lenses that help to reduce brightness while preserving 100% normal colour perception.
This summer, keep the kids entertained with The Best Kids’ Outdoor Toys to Inspire Screen-Free Play.