If there is one thing I stress about more than anything else when planning a family beach trip, it isn’t the packing, the flight delays, or even the snack situation. It’s the sun.
As moms, we all know the drill: You get everyone to the beach, and before a single toe touches the sand, you have to wrestle your squirming toddler into submission to apply a thick layer of sunscreen. Then, you have to repeat the process every 90 minutes while they complain about it being “sticky” or getting in their eyes. By day three of our vacation, I usually feel like I’ve spent more time chasing my kids with a lotion bottle than actually watching them play.
This year, I decided I was done with the sunscreen battle. I wanted a solution that was easier, safer, and – dare I say it – brag-worthy.
That’s when I discovered the magic of sun-protective clothing.
Why Fabric Beats Lotion Every Time
I used to think a t-shirt was enough, but did you know a regular white cotton tee only has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of about 5? That lets a lot of UV rays right through.
I did some digging and found equatorsun, a brand that specializes in UPF 50+ clothing. Unlike sunscreen, which wears off, sweats off, or washes off in the pool, these fabrics block 98% of harmful rays all day long. You just put them on, zip them up, and your kids are protected until you take them off.
Here are the three “must-haves” I’m officially bragging about:
- The “One-and-Done” Suit for Toddlers
If you have a little one who never stops moving, you need to check out these UPF 50+ Sunsuits for Babies & Toddlers. This was a total game-changer for us. It’s an all-in-one suit that covers the shoulders, back, and tummy. I didn’t have to worry about my youngest burning his shoulders while building sandcastles, and because the fabric is quick-drying, he wasn’t shivering when he got out of the water. Plus, the front zip makes it surprisingly easy to get on and off – even when wet!
- Rash Vests My Older Kids Actually Liked
My older kids are at that age where they have strong opinions about what they wear. They hate feeling “restricted,” but they also hate getting sunburned. We swapped their regular swim gear for these Kids’ Rash Shirts & Polo Tops. The fabric is super lightweight and stretchy, so they didn’t complain about it being hot or uncomfortable. It felt more like a “cool surf shirt” than safety gear. They wore them boogie boarding for hours, and I didn’t have to call them out of the waves once for a sunscreen top-up on their backs.
- Mom Needs Protection Too!
I’m guilty of taking great care of my kids’ skin while neglecting my own. I usually end up with a burnt scalp or nose by the end of the trip because I’m too busy managing everyone else. This time, I treated myself to a proper Women’s Wide-Brim Sun Hat. This isn’t just a floppy straw hat that blows away; it’s designed specifically for UV protection. It shaded my entire face and neck, and it actually stayed on my head thanks to the adjustable toggle. It was such a relief to read my book by the pool without squinting or worrying about sun damage.
The Verdict?
Switching to UV-protective clothing gave me something priceless: peace of mind. Instead of being the “sunscreen police,” I got to be the “fun mom” who played in the water.
If you have a beach trip coming up, do yourself a favor and pack some UPF gear. It’s safer for their skin, easier for you, and definitely something to brag about when you come home with happy, tan-free kids!
