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This summer we had planned a long stay with my parents in Hungary, where it get very hot, with high UV radiation. Both Littlins have sensitive skin, so I have to choose the sun cream very well. They have had some nasty rashes before from some brands. In gearing up for the summer along with stocking up on swimming costumes I also got some UV protection suites from Boots a couple of weeks ago. We had them last year as well, but hardly used them. This year I was determined to use them more. It makes sense that they wear these UV protective suites, or doesn’t it?
Well, here’s my experience-
First we put them to test at the Splash park: 25ºC, cold water, lots of sun. The kids had lots of fun but were freezing cold within an hour.
- Boots’ UV Suites being put to the test at the Splash park. They look lovely, don’t they?
Next we took them sailing: 29-30ºC, water temperature 22-23ºC, very strong sun, lots of reflection off the water. While they were worn dry the Littlins seemed to benefit as the UV suites gave protection from the strong rays and seemed to have a cooling effect. In the water, the limit was again an hour. By that time they were both shivering. Even though they were going in and out of the water, the sun could not warm up their little bodies enough because of the cold swimming costume. I had to take it off them as soon as they were out of the water, let the suites and the children dry separately, then reunite them.
- The perfect conditions for these suites- high UV reflection
Third test conditions were in the paddling pool- 35ºC, water temperature c.30ºC, very strong sun. These were ideal conditions for this gear; it was hot enough in and out of the water that the wetness did not make them cold. In fact, it cooled them just right. We were at home too, so I was more distracted by other things and more likely to forget to lather them in sun cream.
- Unless it’s very hot, don’t leave the children in the wet suites. Take it off, dry it and put it back on them when it is almost dry. Saves the child getting cold.
The huge advantage of these is they are very good for guarding against the sun (no spots forgotten). Lots of sun cream is not as water proof as we’d like, especially with children playing in the sand, rubbing it off. They save on having to reapply the sun cream multiple times a day and from subjecting the child’s delicate skin to all sorts of chemicals. Overall this is a brilliant concept, just need to pay attention to keeping the Littlins warm enough!
An additional benefit is, they double up as a general play suit, they can be worn all day, not just at the beach but also for going about your day-to-day things on a very hot day.
Next year we will try some thin neoprene wetsuits, but will certainly keep the UV suites in our summer wear arsenal too.
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What is your experience? Do you use these great pieces of clothing? Do your children get cold in them?
Please share your views
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I love them, I’ve been popping my daughter in them since she was a baby – but my best friend died recently of skin cancer so I am a tad paranoid about the whole sun issue. To get round her being cold I buy towelling dresses from Boden (off eBay) and she wears that when she comes out of the water so she doesn’t get chilly. She always dries pretty quickly as well, so it’s a win/win 🙂
Thanks for the tip Liz on the towelling dresses!
You have a very valid point about skin cancer that I did not pick up on. It seems that after a lot of hype a couple of years ago, it is not as widely promoted these days…yet the sun seems to get stronger each year.
Little Miss is very pale skinned, so for her we’ve been using them since she was a baby too.
I have always used these as the factor 50+ I insist my kids wear always give them a small pimply rash – but they don’t burn. They get cold though, so now Jo (aged 5) wears a full wetsuit – full arms and legs and Katie wears a three quarter wet suit. This keeps the sea breeze from freezing them to death. Although, at home in the garden the UV suits still work very well. Still dripping with jealousy at your boat … even though it was chartered !!
I have purchased different UV suits for both of our girls over the years and find that they are great for avoiding burning and heat rash (which my 7 year old suffers from greatly) but agree with you that they do seem to get cold wearing them when they are wet – even when it is a really hot day. I tend to alternate between sunblock and the suits depending on activity/temperature/wind conditions but always have one on standby in case of heat rash 😉