With National Day upon us, it’s time to get outside, soak up some vitamin D and make some memories. But while enjoying the occasion, it's essential to stay protected from the sun's harmful rays. We’ve lovingly curated our products to be friendly for our tropical climate — here’s the ultimate list of sun-protective accessories to have on besides sunscreen!
1. Roshambo Polarized Baby Shades for Babies (0-2Y), Toddlers (2-4Y) and Junior (5+ Y)
Protecting your baby’s delicate eyes from UV rays is critical — studies show that most UV damage occurs in childhood and is cumulative over a lifetime, which means that the kids need more UV protection than you! Roshambo’s Polarized Baby Shades are made in Italy, certified UV400 for 100% UVA and UVB protection, and certified non-toxic for children. Children need sunglasses as their pupils are larger, allowing more harmful UV rays in, and are thus more susceptible to sun damage. Such prolonged exposure to UV rays can lead to cataracts, macular degeneration and other chronic eye conditions later in life.
When picking sunglasses for our children, it was important to us that the shades were ‘unbreakable’ (bending glasses in fun angles is costly!) and free of toxins like BPA, phtalates, lead and cadmium. We intended for these shades to stay on for a long time, and the material used to make parts that are in contact with the face were especially important to us. Roshambo checked all these boxes and even got themselves safety-certified for children, which means there are no small parts for children to accidentally ingest if it ended up in their mouths (a concept I did not understand the importance of until I actually had a gnawing toddler). It’s also made to be affordable compared to other sunglasses in its class — so it’s definitely an all-rounder and top on our list of must-haves!
2. OceanLovers Isla Long Sleeve Swimsuit and Maverick Board Shorts
The pool can be a wonderful place to cool off, but it can leave the kids exposed to sun for long periods of time. Long sleeve, UPF protective swimsuits are useful, but some feel scratchy and don’t last very long, especially in chlorinated water. Made with UPF 50+ fabric, OceanLovers swimsuits not only blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, significantly reducing the risk of sunburns and skin damage, but also stands up to use in pools and open waters.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothing is one of the most effective forms of sun protection. This swimsuit’s long sleeves offer extra coverage, and the beautiful design ensures your child looks adorable while staying safe.
The swimsuit is made to feel luxurious — buttery soft on baby’s skin for hours of comfort in the water. The artwork on the swimsuits celebrate marine life, from sharks to coral reefs, and for the eco-conscious parent, it’s made of 86% recycled fabrics that dry quickly for daily use!
3. Izimini Baby Chair
When it's time to take a break from the sun, the Izimini Baby Chair is your go-to. Perfect for beach picnics or a day at the park, this portable chair provides a comfortable spot for your little one to relax. Made of an easy-wipe material, the Izimini Baby Chair is available in a range of summer colours and folds down into a compact sack for portability. Complete with a harness, it seats minis from 6mo - 3yo (up to 15kg) and has a handy back pocket for storage of small items like bibs or a sun hat. We also love that it comes with a tray table which we’ve used as snack trays outside and sensory play trays at home!
4. Kekoa Wet Bags
Wet swimsuits and towels can be a hassle, but not with the Kekoa Wet Bags. Luxurious and absorbent, these wet bags were created to absorb moisture and contain smells. This spacious and stylish wet bag is perfect for storing damp items like swimsuits or food/snacks, keeping the rest of your belongings dry and organized. Its waterproof and washable design prevents mold and bacteria build-up, with two layers of AWJ that can be flipped out for thorough drying (especially useful if the items inside are sandy). If you’ve had bad experiences with wet bags leaking its contents all over your bag, the Kekoa wet bag has the fix. Two layers of absorbent AWJ will provide absorbency for anything that’s thoroughly soaked — we’ve even been able to keep all the water from multiple dripping microfibre towels safely contained in the wet bag for an entire day!
5. VMV Hypoallergenics Big Brave Boo Boo Balm
Sunburns, bug bites, and minor scrapes are at times unavoidable, but don’t let that put a damper on your fun. VMV Hypoallergenics Big Brave Boo Boo Balm is a quick fix that’s compact enough to live in your outdoor kit, yet multipurpose and effective enough to provide fast relief. This hypoallergenic balm not just soothes but heals irritated skin with safe, effective ingredients such as monolaurin and virgin coconut oil. It’s formulated without common allergens, ensuring it's safe for the most sensitive of skin — in fact, it’s often lauded as a ‘last resort’ for children with delicate skin. With a dermatologist-formulated, pediatrician-approved multipurpose salve, you can be assured and prepared for most minor skin concerns on-the-go!
Conclusion
With these essential sun-safe products, you can enjoy the outdoors without worry. From protective sunglasses and UPF swimsuits to handy wet bags and soothing balms, we've got you covered. Stay safe, have fun, and make the most of your sunny adventures!
Remember, sun safety is not just about avoiding sunburns; it’s about long-term health. By using products that provide comprehensive protection, you can ensure that your family stays safe and healthy while enjoying the outdoors.
