The heat is raging over here in Brooklyn and that means piling up the sunscreen and wearing sun hats to protect our kids’ delicate skin. However, with the sun being so strong one blistering sunburn or five non-blistering sunburns may lead to melanoma and skin cancer later in life (*stat provided by K & J Sun Protective Clothing). Also, now that I have a new summer baby I have been reminded that babies under 6 months aren’t advised to wear sunscreen – so either I stay inside until the fall or find other alternatives to protect her skin. One option that I have recently discovered is sun protective clothing, hats, blankets and beachwear. Here are some brands that offer safe and protective clothing.
K & J Sun Protective Clothing – I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Mona Gohara, the owner of K & J Sun Protective Clothing at the Biggest Baby Shower event in NYC. As a dermatologist mom, Gohara told me about her unique chemical-free clothing company that features a line of kids and baby t-shirts with cool taglines like “rebel,” “haute couture,” and “peace, love, rock & roll.” I tested their “dream” baby t-shirt (available in white or natural) on my new baby and I loved how soft and durable the fabric was as well as how the product was made with child safe ink (no lead or phthalates). Not only are the t-shirts stylish and hip, they also contain sun protection with a UPF of 50+ — meaning that they block about 99% of the sun’s rays). The company also states that their t-shirts are even gentle enough for kids with sensitive skin and eczema. For additional information about K & J, please click here.
Coolibar– A company featuring sun protective clothing for both kids and adults, Coolibar’s line includes sun and swim hats, swimwear, sunglasses, shorts and sun blankets with UPF 50+, (blocking about 98% of the sun’s rays). Last summer I bought my daughter their adorable Girl’s Swim Romper ($34.00) featuring a pink octopus in the middle of the suit. As our go-to bathing suit, I loved how it gave her full-length coverage on her arms and legs as well as how soft and easy-to-clean it was. Also for babies, the suit has a snap-close on the bottom for easy diaper access. I also really liked Coolibar’s line for women, which included a fashionable Travel Wrap and oversized hats like the Montauk Sun Hat. For additional information about Coolibar, please click here.
Solumbra – A company that specializes in sun protective clothing, Solumbra is a great line of kids and toddler hats, shirts, jackets, pants and swimwear. I really like their line of wide-brimmed sun protective hats like the Kids’s Legionnaire Hat and the Kids’s Shade Cap (both are $35.95) that covers the head, ears and the back of the neck. Offering all-day protection, all clothes from Solumbra are ventilated and lightweight, feature 30+ SPF UV protection and are recommended by doctors. For additional information, please click here.