Why Suncream Alone Isn’t Enough for Kids: Smarter Ways to Protect

As parents, we’re constantly reminded to pack the suncream before heading outdoors. And for good reason - children’s skin is more delicate than ours, and just one bad sunburn in childhood can double their lifetime risk of melanoma.

But here’s the truth many parents discover the hard way: suncream alone often isn’t enough. Between wriggly toddlers, sandy hands, and missed spots, relying solely on creams can leave gaps in protection. For babies under six months, the challenge is even greater - the NHS and dermatologists advise avoiding suncream altogether at that age, leaving parents wondering how on earth to keep them safe.

So what’s the answer? It’s not ditching suncream, but combining it with smarter, more reliable methods of protection.

The Limitations of Suncream

Before we look at alternatives, it helps to understand where suncream can fall short, especially with little ones:

* Coverage is patchy – Even the most diligent parent can miss areas like ears, back of the neck, or tops of feet.
* It rubs or washes off – Sand, swimming, towelling, or simply a toddler climbing into your lap can remove protection faster than you realise.
* Reapplication is tricky – Guidelines recommend topping up every two hours, but realistically, few parents manage this during a busy day at the park or beach.
* Not suitable for infants – Babies under six months have skin too sensitive for chemical exposure, which is why official advice is to avoid suncream altogether for newborns.

All of this means we need to treat suncream as one part of a bigger toolkit, not the entire solution.

The Smarter Approach: Layering Protection

The safest way to keep babies and children safe in the sun is by combining methods. Think of it as layers:

1. Shade – Keep babies under six months out of direct sun as much as possible. For toddlers, make use of parasols, pop-up tents, or shady play areas.

2. Suncream – Apply generously to exposed skin and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or towelling dry. Remember: babies under six months shouldn’t use suncream at all.

3. Protective clothing – Certified UPF 50+ fabrics, such as a long-sleeved UV swimsuit, provide all-day coverage that doesn’t wear off in water or rub away with play.

Why UPF Clothing Works

Just as SPF measures how effective suncream is, UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) measures how well fabric shields skin from UV radiation.

* A cotton t-shirt provides only about UPF 5, meaning roughly 20% of UV rays still reach the skin.
* Certified UPF 50+ clothing blocks at least 98% of UV rays.
* The protection is permanent - it doesn’t wash or rub off.

Brands such as equatorsun, a UK family business specialising in clinically certified UPF 50+ clothing and swimwear, have made it much easier for parents to access reliable protection designed for babies, children, and adults. Their products are tested to Australian standards to ensure they maintain protection even after 30–50 washes.

For parents, the convenience is priceless. Instead of wrestling a squirming toddler every couple of hours with another layer of cream, you zip them into a protective suit once, and they’re covered for the day.

Why UPF Swimwear Matters Most

Children love water - paddling pools, garden sprinklers, holidays abroad. But water is where sun protection is tested most:

* Suncream comes off fastest when swimming or towelling dry.
* Wet clothes can lose protective power if not made from UPF-rated fabrics.
* Reflection from water increases UV exposure.

That’s why more parents are turning to UV swimwear. Unlike ordinary swimsuits, UV designs are made with high-density, quick-drying fabrics that maintain UPF 50+ protection even when wet. It’s practical, comfortable, and ensures children can splash about safely without parents constantly worrying.

And for babies under six months, when suncream isn’t advised, the answer is simple: invest in a newborn UV swimwear. These suits cover arms, legs, and torsos, keeping delicate skin shielded while remaining lightweight and breathable. Add a wide-brimmed hat and shade, and even the youngest family members can enjoy time outdoors.

What to Look For in a UV Swimsuit

Not all rash vests and swimsuits are created equal. Here’s what matters when buying UV swimwear for kids:

* UPF certification – Always check for UPF 50+ labelling. Generic “long sleeves” don’t guarantee sun protection.
* Weave density – The tighter the weave, the more UV it blocks. Good UV swimwear balances tightness with stretch for comfort.
* Colour – Darker or more vivid colours (navy, black, red) generally block more UV than pale shades.
* Coverage – Long sleeves and high collars offer more protection than cropped tops. Look for zip-up one-pieces for full coverage and easy changing.
* Durability – Swimwear should hold its UPF rating after repeated dips in chlorine or saltwater. Look for products tested after many washes.
* Fit – Snug but not overstretched. Fabric that’s pulled too tight can reduce UV protection by opening the weave.

What Parents Think About Their Switch to UV Swimwear

Parents who’ve chosen equatorsun for their children’s sun safety often highlight the difference it makes in day-to-day life:

“The sunsuit was such a relief on our holiday. I didn’t have to chase my toddler with suncream every hour - once it was on, I knew she was safe to play.” – Sarah J., equatorsun customer

“Our little boy wore his UV swimsuit every day in Spain. It gave me such peace of mind knowing his delicate skin was covered without using tonnes of suncream.” – Emily R., equatorsun customer

“We’ve had the same rash vest for two summers and it still looks new. It’s brilliant quality and makes days out so much less stressful.” – James P., equatorsun customer

With thousands of parents sharing similar stories, equatorsun has become a trusted choice for families who want reliable, stress-free sun protection for their children.

Equatorsun's Mission Rooted in Experience

Equatorsun’s story also sets it apart. The company was founded in 2006 by Annette Pullan, a redhead who knew first-hand the challenges of living with fair, freckled skin. After her melanoma diagnosis, Annette saw a gap in the UK market for proper sun-protective clothing and swimwear.

Her mission was simple: make high-quality, clinically certified UPF 50+ products accessible for families, so children and parents alike could enjoy the sun safely.

After Annette sadly passed away in 2009, her son George relaunched the business in 2024 to carry on her vision. Today, equatorsun continues as a family-run brand, stocked with Stingray - the original Australian UPF clothing company - and dedicated to reducing the impact of skin cancer.

The Bigger Picture

Skin cancer rates in the UK have risen sharply, and much of the damage happens in childhood. One blistering sunburn can have lifelong effects. As parents, we can’t control everything, but we can stack the odds in our children’s favour by giving them the best protection we can.

That means:

* Using suncream diligently on exposed areas.
* Seeking shade and avoiding harsh midday sun.
* Dressing children in certified UPF clothing and swimsuits.

Together, these measures provide complete protection without the stress.

Final Thoughts

Parenting is already full of daily battles. Sun safety doesn’t need to be one of them. Suncream is important, but on its own it often isn’t enough - especially for children who never stay still, or babies who can’t use it at all.

The smarter approach is layering: shade, suncream, and UPF-certified clothing. For families, investing in a UV swimsuit makes sunny days far less stressful. And for the littlest ones, newborn UV swimsuits offer safe, comfortable protection at an age when suncream isn’t an option.

In the end, it’s about more than holidays or beach days - it’s about setting our children up for a lifetime of healthier, happier skin.