I. Do We Really Understand Baby Swimsuits?

1. The Principle and Structure of Sun Protection Swimsuits

Everyone knows about sun protection clothing(swimwear), but few understand why it works. Therefore, their understanding of sun protection baby sunsuits, which work on the same principle, remains superficial.

Sun protection swimsuits achieve their sun protection function through the weaving method of the fabric and by incorporating a certain UPF value.

Different fabrics have different weaving methods and densities. Natural fabrics are inherently less dense than synthetic fabrics, so all sun protection baby swimsuits on the market are made of synthetic fabrics.

2. Fabric Selection

For clothing worn close to the skin, parents generally prioritize natural fabrics to protect their baby's skin, which is indeed necessary for prolonged wear.

However, due to UPF sun protection requirements and the characteristics of the fabric, synthetic fabrics are essential for achieving excellent sun protection in a swimsuit.

Of course, parents don't need to panic. With the development of technology, there are good and bad quality synthetic fiber fabrics.

Most fabrics available on the market are perfectly usable, especially for these sun-protective swimsuits specifically designed for babies. Manufacturers choose high-performance and comfortable synthetic fiber fabrics.

Babies may only wear sun-protective swimsuits for 2-4 hours a day, which is perfectly fine for them.

3. The Function of Sun-Protective Swimsuits

Sun-protective infant swimsuits work by physically covering the baby's skin with a breathable and comfortable protective layer. This doesn't affect the baby's comfort or the sun protection effect that mothers want.

II. Sunscreen

1. How Sunscreen Works

Sunscreen is a chemical product made using technological means. It achieves its sun protection effect by reflecting ultraviolet rays through specific ingredients.

Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun

2. Types of Sunscreen

Sunscreens on the market have two main types of ingredients: physical sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.

Sunscreens made with chemical ingredients (Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone) are often irritating and are more commonly used for adults. Sunscreens for babies require gentler physical ingredients (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide).

The market for sunscreens is flooded with different brands and products, and parents unfamiliar with ingredient differences often rely on the manufacturer's descriptions to determine suitability for their babies. This means that the safety of sunscreens is uncertain.

"Gentler" doesn't necessarily mean it won't cause allergic reactions. Furthermore, sunscreen's protective effect is short-lived and easily dissolves in water; once not reapplied, it loses its protective effect.

As a parent, I believe many parents have experienced the same situation: their babies dislike applying sunscreen and often refuse to cooperate.

III. How to Choose Sunscreen Swimwear and Sunscreen?

1. Regional UV Intensity

• Sunscreen: If you live in an area with low UV intensity, you can use a gentle physical sunscreen and reapply it frequently.
• Sunscreen Swimsuit + Sunscreen: In areas with high UV intensity and frequent sunny days, sunscreen alone is often insufficient. It is recommended to have a toddler swimsuit with a high UPF (UPF 50+).

2. Frequency of Outdoor Activities

• Sunscreen: Babies spend long periods indoors, including in indoor pools and indoor patios with some shade.
• Baby swimwear + Sunscreen: Babies frequently visit outdoor pools, water parks, beaches, and other outdoor locations. It is recommended to use a sunscreen swimsuit as basic protection, supplemented by sunscreen to protect exposed skin.

3. Baby's Skin Sensitivity

• Sunscreen: For babies with low skin sensitivity, sunscreen not only provides protection but also improves their adaptability, helping them develop sun protection awareness from a young age.
• Sunscreen Swimsuit: For babies with highly sensitive skin, sunscreen is not recommended at all. Physical sun protection methods such as sunscreen swimsuits and sun hats are best.

IV. Conclusion

Strictly speaking, sun protection should primarily focus on physical sunscreens, and we strongly recommend using more readily accepted physical sunscreens for babies.

However, due to parental preferences and babies' personalities, the type of sunscreen used is not an obstacle. As long as it effectively protects against the sun and does not affect health, parents can choose according to their own circumstances.

We believe that everything we do is for the baby, and our love for babies is the same. As a swimwear brand focused on baby's sun protection and safety, upandfast will work with you to protect your baby's skin health.