UV Protection Swimwear for Babies and Kids
·
·
Reviewed 06/04/2025
What is UV?
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is a type of energy produced by the sun and is the cause of sunburn and skin damage in children and adults.
The direct effects of unprotected exposure to UV radiation can range from tanning of the skin to sunburn and in the worst cases, where exposure has been long term, skin cancer.
UV radiation is not detectable to the human eye, and you can only tell you have been affected by UV rays once the damage has been done, therefore, it is of utmost importance children and babies are fully protected at all times when they are exposed to sunlight.
Splash About have designed a range of UV protection swimwear that is light and comfortable enough to be worn all day, giving parents the peace of mind their children are protected whilst outside.
The intensity of UV rays varies by season, location, and time of day. 10 am to 4 pm is considered peak time for UV rays.
-
Why do you need to protect babies from UV Rays?
Babies’ and children’s skin is much more sensitive than adults’ and can be affected by UV radiation a lot sooner. As they are unable to protect themselves it is vital they are always sun protected with sunscreen and UPF Swimwear.
UV radiation can cause a range of damage to the skin, much of which is irreversible:
- Freckles – Whilst most are not dangerous, they are still indicators of sun damage.
- Sunburn – Sunburn is basically UV radiation burn. Minor burns can be treated at home with a soothing cream and after sun. Serious burns that blister will need a trip to the hospital
- Sallowness – a yellow discoloration of the skin
- Skin cancer – whilst unlikely in children, long-term exposure can lead to risks in the future.
This sort of damage is almost completely avoidable by making sure your children are protected by utilising UPF technology, available across all of Splash About's sun
protection range.It’s especially important to protect children from UV rays because their skin is much more sensitive than ours.
-
What is UPF?
When it comes to UV protection, you will want to look for the UPF rating.
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. UPF indicates how much UV radiation is absorbed through the fabric.
A piece of UV swimwear that has a rating of 50 will only allow 1/50th of the sun’s UV rays to pass through. This is a significant layer of protection as the UPF rating does not fade as quickly as sunscreen.
UPF Vs SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is often used as a way to rate sunscreens.
- SPF measures the amount of time it takes for sun-exposed skin to redden and burn.
- UPF measures the amount of UV that can penetrate a fabric and affect the skin beneath.
Any sunburn on a baby less than 12 months old should be treated as a medical emergency.
UV (UPF) swimwear vs. regular swimwear
There is one key difference between UV swimwear and regular swimwear: UV protection.
Certain UV wavelengths can penetrate regular clothing, leaving babies and children vulnerable to burning and discomfort.
UV swimwear is beneficial because it offers UV protection, even when sunscreen wears off after a few hours or after a dip in a pool or sea.
UV swimwear is designed for sun protection and is made from a fabric that is highly rated for its level of UV protection. It blocks out harmful UV rays by as much as 98% and can give your child the sun protection they need.
Splash About understands this and caters for toddlers and children as well as babies. We offer a range of different UV products, including our popular Boys Rash Tops and Girls Rash Tops which are perfect for wearing to play in the garden, at the beach, or at the pool.
-
Best for all round protection: UV Sun & Sea Wetsuit
UV Sun & Sea WetsuitWhether your kids want to swim or play in the sand, the UV Sun & Sea suit offers full body protection, whilst retaining comfort.
You will be able to spend all day at the seaside safe in the knowledge that your child is protected. Just don’t forget to put sunscreen on uncovered areas like their face, hands and feet!
- Soft material for sensitive skin
- UPF 50+ sun protection (strongest rating)
- Perfect for all day on the beach
- Great for swimming
- Super soft Nylon combined with flexible neoprene adds comfort
- Easy to remove
-
Best Protection Whilst Learning to Swim
Sleeved FloatsuitsA great combo for children. The removable floats help kids learn to swim while the suit’s UV protection across the neck, shoulders, and legs, keeps them safe from the sun's harmful rays.
For more information about float suits, take a look at our guide to float suits.
Special buoyancy system keeps your child afloat and can be adjusted to suit any size
- UPF 50+ (Highest Rating)
- Nylon/elastane fabric also protects against wind and sand
- High-quality, durable fabric
- Chlorine-resistant
- Helps child maintain a natural swimming position while staying confident in water
-
Best for babies under 12 Months: Happy Nappy Sunsuit
Shop NowMade from soft, premium material, our Happy Nappy Sunsuit has a high neck and 3/4 length sleeves to protect sensitive skin in the most vulnerable areas. Even better for babies, it has a full Happy Nappy included.
- Perfect for babies, with in built Happy Nappy
- Protects neck, shoulders and tops of arms from the sun
- UPF 50+ sun protection (strongest rating)
- Protects sensitive skin from sand and wind
