It was surprisingly challenging to find swimsuit options for tiny babies (0-6M) which I can only infer is because people assume infants aren’t going swimming? Some parents just use swim diaper covers and no shame to them because parents can choose whatever they think is best, but I personally think that tiny babies with such fresh skin deserve more coverage if they’re spending time outdoors.
Most of my finds are going to be sun-safe and long sleeved because trying to apply (and reapply 🥴) sunscreen on babies and toddlers is… a challenge. 😅 That said, I couldn’t resist including a few sleeveless options because they were just too cute not to! (These would be perfect for indoor or night swimming!)
SWIM
Minnow
…
Carter’s
…
CREWCUTS // J.CREW factory
For the record, J.Crew also carries a few options from minnow (“brands we love“) so if you happen to be having trouble finding a size you may be in luck at J.Crew!
…
Old navy // gap KIDS
…
Rufflebutts // Ruggedbutts
ACCESSORIES
sunglasses
Sun-protection goes beyond just skin — polarized sunglasses are super important for preventing damage to your little one’s’ eyes! Babiators and Weefarers are polarized and make such cute styles! There are other cute sunglasses out there, but just be sure that they’re polarized or else they’re not really offering much protection.
hats
Another must for sunny days are hats which protect the delicate skin on little ones’ scalp, face, and neck. We particularly love the options that fasten under baby’s chin so they are less easily pulled off by grabby hands.
Swim diapers + DIAPER COVERS
Swim diapers are pretty clever. I don’t remember parents having this option as I was growing up — it was either (1) wear a regular diaper, which is an absolute disaster (the absorbent gel quickly gets waterlogged and the diapers often ruptured), or (2) go without a diaper at all. A few diaper brands offer swim diaper options nowadays and I don’t know if one type is more superior than another, but we’re a Huggies family so that’s the swim diaper that we use and we’ve been very happy with them.
FYI: swim diapers are mostly intended to trap fecal matter; urine will pass right through the diaper. I am paranoid about being the mom whose kid contaminated the pool so we actually double up by wearing both disposable and reusable swim diapers (which most swim classes require anyway because there are more barriers to prevent any possible leaks).
…
sun protection
sunblock
It’s important to discuss sunblock / proper sun care with your pediatrician, especially if your baby is under a year old. Most physicians will advise you to just avoid the sun altogether, which is sound advice, but not always possible so sunscreen is an important alternative. I’m linking the sunscreens that we have and love; I don’t know that I would swear an allegiance to any of them, but we have been very satisfied with the protective results of all.
applicator / makeup brush
Applicators aren’t necessary, but for some reason using applicators makes Sophie more amenable to having the sunscreen put on. She is more defiant if I use my hands and as parents we pick our battles, right? Sun protection is absolutely mandatory in our family, so I do what I can to make that situation a smooth one.
Happy shopping, friends!
Sending hugs —
xx, Natalie
Leave a comment...