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With another heatwave sending temperatures soaring this week, sun protection has shot straight to the top of my worry list, and if you have got a little one you are probably in the same boat. Suncream is only half the story though. For babies and toddlers, the single most effective thing you can do is cover them up properly, because clothing that physically blocks UV does not wear off, does not sting little eyes, and does not need reapplying every couple of hours.
This is the natural companion to my guide on the best natural and mineral suncreams for babies. Think of the two together as your full sun-safe kit: cover up first, then cream the bits you cannot cover. Here is what actually earns its place in our changing bag through the summer.
Why UV Clothing Matters So Much for Little Ones
Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight altogether, and the NHS advises this too. Their skin is far thinner and more delicate than ours, and a single bad burn in childhood is linked to a higher risk of skin problems later in life. For babies this young, suncream is not the first line of defence at all; shade and clothing are.
The magic number to look for is UPF 50+. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor, and it tells you how much UV the fabric blocks. A UPF 50+ rating means only around one fiftieth of UV rays get through, so the fabric is blocking roughly 98% of them. Unlike a normal cotton t-shirt, which offers surprisingly little protection once it is wet, proper UV fabric keeps working in and out of the water.
One thing that often gets forgotten: little eyes are more sensitive to UV than adult eyes, so sunglasses are not just a cute accessory. More on those below.
Quick Comparison
| Essential | What it protects | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Legionnaire sun hat | Face, ears, neck | Every single day out |
| All-in-one UV sunsuit | Shoulders, back, arms, legs | Beach, pool and garden play |
| Two-piece UV swim set | Torso and upper legs | Easy nappy changes |
| Baby sunglasses (UV400) | Eyes | Prams, beach, bright days |
| Pop-up UV shelter | Whole body (shade) | Under-6-months and naps out |
1. Legionnaire Sun Hat (UPF 50+)
If you buy one thing, make it a good legionnaire-style hat. The flap at the back covers the neck and ears, which are so easy to miss with cream, and a wide front brim shades the face. The non-negotiable feature for me is a chin strap or toggle, because a hat that ends up thrown out of the pram every thirty seconds protects nobody. Brands like JAN & JUL do lovely adjustable ones that grow with your child, and Mountain Warehouse do a great-value version if you are on a budget.
- Covers the three easy-to-miss spots: ears, neck and face
- Look for UPF 50+ fabric and an adjustable chin strap
- A toggle at the back means it actually grows with them
- Quick-dry versions double up brilliantly for the pool
Mum verdict: The one item I refuse to leave the house without in summer. A soft, packable one lives permanently in my changing bag so I am never caught out on a surprise sunny day.
2. All-in-One UV Sunsuit
An all-in-one sunsuit is the lazy mum’s dream, and I mean that as the highest compliment. One piece covers shoulders, back, arms and legs in UPF 50+ fabric, so instead of creaming every inch you are covering it in one go. They are worn in and out of the water, dry quickly, and are brilliant for the beach because they keep sand off delicate skin too. Splash About and Konfidence are the two UK names I see most, and both wash and last well.
- Full-body coverage in one quick, wriggle-free layer
- Works in the sea, the paddling pool and the garden
- Quick-drying and keeps sand off sensitive skin
- Long-sleeve, long-leg versions give the most protection
Mum verdict: Beach days went from a stressful cream-every-five-minutes ordeal to actually relaxing once we switched to these. Size up if you are between sizes, they are meant to be snug but not restrictive.
3. Two-Piece UV Swim Set
If you have ever wrestled a wet, sandy all-in-one off a toddler who suddenly needs a nappy change, you will understand the appeal of a two-piece. A long-sleeve UV rash top with separate shorts or bottoms gives you almost the same coverage, but with far easier changes and loo trips once they are potty training. It is the one I reach for once they are a bit older and more independent.
- Long-sleeve rash top covers the torso, back and arms
- Far quicker for nappy changes and potty-training toddlers
- Mix and match tops and bottoms as they grow
- Pair with the legionnaire hat for full coverage
Mum verdict: The sensible pick for busy, independent toddlers. Just remember the backs of the legs and tops of the feet still need a bit of cream, as they are left exposed.
4. Baby & Toddler Sunglasses (UV400)
Little eyes let in more UV than ours do, so a proper pair of sunglasses matters more than most of us realise. The key is to look for UV400 protection, which blocks essentially all UVA and UVB, plus a flexible, shatter-resistant frame and a strap to keep them on. Koolsun and Babiators are the two that come up again and again with parents, both for the protection and for surviving being flung across a room.
- Look for UV400 protection, not just a dark tint
- Flexible, shatter-resistant frames survive real toddler life
- An adjustable strap is the difference between worn and lost
- Great for pram walks where the sun is right in their eyes
Mum verdict: Expect a few days of them being pulled straight off. Persevere, make it a game, and most little ones come round to them, especially with a comfy strap rather than rigid arms.
5. Pop-Up UV Shelter (Shade On the Go)
For the littlest ones, and especially babies under six months who should stay out of direct sun entirely, shade is everything. A pop-up UV beach shelter or sun tent gives you a shady spot for naps, feeds and nappy changes wherever you are. Look for one with a UPF 50+ rating rather than just a bit of fabric, and ideally with some ventilation so it does not turn into a hot box.
- Instant shade for beaches, parks and garden naps
- Choose UPF 50+ with mesh panels for airflow
- Perfect for under-6-months who cannot wear suncream
- Pop-up styles fold flat and fit in the boot easily
Mum verdict: A lifesaver for a day at the beach with a baby. Just never zip them fully inside in the heat; keep the air moving and check on them often, as tents can warm up quickly.
Buying Guide: Common Questions
What does UPF 50+ actually mean?
UPF 50+ means the fabric blocks around 98% of UV rays, letting through only about one fiftieth. It is the highest common rating and the one to look for. A standard cotton t-shirt offers far less, particularly once it gets wet, which is why purpose-made UV fabric is worth it for beach and pool days.
Do I still need suncream if my child is in UV clothing?
Yes, on any skin the clothing does not cover: the face, the backs of hands, the tops of feet and the backs of the legs. UV clothing does the heavy lifting, and a gentle mineral cream covers the gaps. My full run-down is in the best natural and mineral suncream guide.
Can babies under six months be in the sun?
They should be kept out of direct sunlight. Use shade, a pram sunshade, a UV shelter and light protective clothing, and try to avoid being out during the hottest part of the day, roughly 11am to 3pm. Suncream is only a small added layer at this age, not the main protection.
How do I get a hat to actually stay on?
A chin strap or toggle is your best friend, and starting young helps it become normal. If your toddler is a serial hat-remover, make it part of the going-out routine, let them choose between two, and pop your own hat on at the same time. Most come round to it eventually.
For more summer essentials, have a read of my guides to the best natural and mineral suncreams for babies and the best toys for toddlers in a heatwave, or browse my full approved products guide.
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