Our 22 Picks for Sun Protection

Our swimwear checklist is exhausting. Wanted: a swimsuit with high UPF, non-toxic, quick drying, easy diaper-changing design, lightweight, breathable and durable. Done, done and done. This baby and toddler, one-piece Non-Toxic Sun Protection Suit checks out in every category and is available in sizes 0 to 24 months. This is what we mean when we say we're looking for full coverage.

Think about it. Babies have the most delicate skin around, so after 6 months of age, using one of the safest sunscreens on the market should be mandatory. ThinkBaby Broad Spectrum Sunscreen (meaning both UVA and UVB protection) is free of nano-particles (particles which are less than 100 nanometres, and can be easily absorbed into the blood stream), PABA and parabens, and hormone disrupting chemicals. ThinkBaby SPF 30 contains a high-zinc content—but no titanium dioxide—and also has antioxidant vitamins C and E to ward off free radicals caused by sunlight. It's safe to say this sunscreen is good enough for your little sunshine.

Possibly the most perfect sunglasses on earth—if you're aged 5 and under—Baby Banz sunglasses have been rigorously studied, tested and are proven to offer 100% UV protection. Made of tough polycarbonate (because you know they'll be thrown/chewed/kicked) with a soft rubber nose piece and adjustable strap, the Banz glasses can also have prescription lenses swapped in for kids who need that option. They offer a wide range of colours and styles for slightly older kids, but we won't allow adults to wear them. No matter how small your head is. Don't wear them.

When we think of UK weather, we think of rain more than sun, but Britain's Splash About line of swimwear has come out with one of the cutest floaties we've ever seen. Gone are the neon yellow and blue, or cartoon character buoyancy buddies. In their place is this adorable gingham-checked, nylon floating swimsuit that is adjustable for weight and height. (Note: the float suit is not a personal flotation device and should not be depended on for safe swimming.)

This kids' hat has been tested to guarantee 95% UVA and 92% UVB protection, and gets great scores for durability, quick drying and construction (supplex nylon). Sized for kids 0 to 10 years (depending on style), the Puffin hats deliver UVA/B protection that will be maintained even after two years of wear and tear. Hats off to overachievers, everywhere.

SKLZ Sport Brella works even harder than you while playing outdoors with the kids. This all-weather umbrella protects you from wind, rain and sun and offers over 99.5% protection from UVA and UVB rays, and is made from a 50 SPF fabric that is also water-repellant. It also sets up and packs up in about three seconds…wish the same could be said for the rest of our gear.

Keep liquids cool with the BYO Bottle Bag which keeps bevvies (fits a 20 oz bottle) insulated for up to four hours. Made of Neoprene material, it will stretch slightly to fit a variety of items. Perfect for any kind of ‘traveller', whether it's a bottle of bubbly or breast milk.

These summer sun hats in a variety of cool designs and patterns offer maximum sun protection with flip-down brim and chin strap for secure wearing. 100% machine washable and made here in our home country, it's a score for any Canadian kid.

Our itsy-bitsy, teeny-weeny bikinis may have sufficed back in the day…but today's kids seem to have a stronger sun to cope with (let's leave the ozone debates to the experts). We'll trade in any yellow polka dot bikini for this sporty, cute two-piece suit from New Zealand's (of course) Snapper Rock Swimwear. The 50 UPF comes from the weave and density of the fabric, not from chemicals—according to the manufacturer—and the board shorts and top offer flat stitching to minimize any rubbing or rashes.

Sunny days are here again and we can't wait to get outside with the fam. But before we do, we went back to sun school for a little refresher course on safe suncare. And it all boils down to four key rules of Sun 101. So be sure to check these tips out because we're all about protecting from the rays these days, not catching them.

Sport some sizzlin' SPF swimwear with these Stinger Suits that offer 100+ SPF protection from ankle to neck. Made of Radicool's Sport X Dry fabric that offers rapid water wicking and diffusion, they won't feel wet or damp for long periods. In these suits, it's impossible not to look rad while avoiding the radiating rays. Really.

Someday they may opt for punk, but for now pretty in pink probably rules. Lavish and Lime's line of pretty sunhats (there's a gender neutral tan colour too) offer an adjustable head strap giving this hat a grow-with-me feature that will ensure years of use. Made with a wide brim and removable chin strap, these hats are 100% cotton and promise a UPF (which determines how much of the sun's ultraviolet radiation is absorbed by the fabric—and not your skin) of 50. Now that's a reason to play outside.

You're already familiar with badgering ("Please, Mom, please Mom, can I?") so it's fitting that one of the best sunscreens on the market for the whole family carries the same name. Badger SPF 30 Natural Sunscreen received one of the highest ratings for organic and natural sunscreens that is also broad spectrum, made with zinc oxide and chemical-free. In both lightly scented and unscented formats, like most sunscreens that contain high levels of zinc, applying the sunscreen will result in a white film, but rubbing it in will help reduce the ‘Casper' effect. With sunscreen in hand, now it'll be your turn to badger them to put it on. (Look for the Badger Zinc Oxide Face Stick too, perfect to throw in your purse for those days you forgot to lotion them up.)

Rash shirts are all the rage, and rightfully so. Originally dubbed ‘rashies' by surfers who wore them to prevent rashes from sun, wind, salt water, etc., the term has become mainstream. Baby Banz, the Australian company known for its rigorous sun protection testing, delivers with this great, long-sleeved hoodie. Perfect for throwing on the kids after the pool or lake, or for just running around in the sun, they're like, totally sick, dude.

The mullet makes a welcome comeback (but only in baby hat form) with fashion-forward sun safety. Kooringal Heidiho's Baby Cakes Legionnaire hats (for babies 3 to 12 months) offer a quick-drying microfabric, long flap for back of neck protection—the most commonly forgotten place to apply sunscreen—and a curved front for good sun shading. Your little Billy Ray or Susie Q will beat the heat in style and safety.

Whatever they're doing out there in the sun (ants, beware of the magnifying glass), boys or girls will be protected with The North Face's simple T with a UPF of 30 and wicking material to keep them dry but not hot. It's perfect for wearing as a stand-alone shirt on sunny days, or as the top to swim trunks or bikini bottoms.

What a burn. Despite our best intentions, sometimes skin gets too much sun, so have a remedy on hand that is naturally soothing. Califlora Calendula Gel promises to soothe burns, cuts and minor skin irritations. Free of petroleum or animal products, the active ingredients are marigold, witch hazel, purified water and ethyl alcohol.

Sunshine Kids Cool Shades may be the simplest solution for in-car shade we've ever seen. The infuriatingly non-suctioning suction cup holders on other products have been replaced by a roll-on application that clings to the window and yet can be peeled on and off as needed. The company also states it reduces UVA and UVB rays. Maybe sometimes being clingy is a good thing.

Cotton shirts cover skin, but don't necessarily offer full UV coverage. Our kids' summer wardrobes, and their epidermis, will benefit with the addition of regular UPF clothing (not just swim-related wear) like these NoZone shirts. Designed like any long-sleeve pull over, the elbow panels offer great flexibility and are made of fabric that offer full UPF protection and come in a range of colours. They're comfortable too—just try and peel it off them at the end of the day.

Pucker up, kiddo. Green Beaver's certified organic SPF 15 lip moisturizer is Canadian made and contains Canadian-grown, antioxidant-rich raspberry extract. Offering broad spectrum protection, it's made with 100% natural mineral zinc oxide and is non-whitening, hypo-allergenic, fragrance and gluten-free. It's probably good enough to eat (but don't tell the kids that, because you know they'll try it).

It nets out that an investment in a Sunveil Prampopper pays off. This lightweight, elasticized cover fits over most strollers and playpens and offers the infant inside full protection from the sun (and insects too). Because of the patented weave, the baby can still see through the fabric and keep cool. A must-have for any baby (and mother, father or caregiver) on the go.

Two little peas won't fit, but a single sprout will be snug as a bug in the PeaPod Travel Bed, perfect for taking anywhere and ensuring sun protection (and a sleeping spot) for delicate babes. The portable playpen/crib is meant for both outdoors and indoors, offering UV protection, wind screens, inflatable mattress and washable sleeping pad. Easily set up and taken down, it may become your constant (and easiest to care for) travelling companion.