What's the point of rash guard suits?

SeaSoul

I assume it's for optimum SPF protection, without having to reapply sunscreen?  That's cool and all, but aren't they hot??  I know I wouldn't want to be wearing a body suit in 80 degree weather.  On the other hand, I don't want a sunburned kid.  But we need to figure this out b/c we've got some serious beach time coming up.

What do you you-all think?

ETA:  silly me.  SPF protection = entirely redundant!!  Such a pet peeve of mine!

alison43

maybe if they're in and out of the water frequently it's not too hot?

do they dry quickly?

other than that, i'm not really sure.  i guess keeping sand out is a plus, too, if they do that....i just have memories of my sisters and me with bathing suit crotches hanging precariously low, full of sand... 

emmyloustu

It's the only kind of suit I bought for Eliza this year - the tops only. She is so young and so fair, I thought it best to keep her completely covered in the sun. She has worn it once in my mom's pool and seemed comfortable. All the kids (of various ages) around here wear them all summer long, even just while playing in between pool dips.

ETA: Yes, it did dry very quickly! It is SPF 50, so I only sunscreened her legs and other exposed bits. 

ESTH2000

We used it once this already and she seemed quite comfortable. It dried pretty quickly.

DavezWife

Ava's always worn them. I like how we use less sunscreen (be sure you get SPF ones, the cheapie target ones don't have that????) and that means less chemicals. Less skin to forget to cover, and less places to accidently get burned. And makes for sitting on the hot sand better. And she doesn't seem to think they're hot at all, but I do dump water on her, or take her in the pool, etc. on a regular basis. We're usually in the shade anyways, I hate the sun now.

I got some at Once Upon a Child, and others at REI and Ebay. We're in the sun the ENTIRE summer (boat, beach, etc) and she's never had a tan line. I'm pretty proud of that ;-)

GuitaristsGirl

DavezWife:

I like how we use less sunscreen (be sure you get SPF ones, the cheapie target ones don't have that????) and that means less chemicals. Less skin to forget to cover, and less places to accidently get burned.

I've only deliberately had DS in the sun once, and it was evening, but I still bought a rash guard for these reasons.  Not sure if they're scientifically sound, but it made sense to me  

Mrs.Reem

I have these for both of my girls. It covers those tummies and shoulders that often get burned. I agree it's also less sunscreen to wrestle onto them and less body covered in zinc that makes it hard to sweat effectively for a baby. 

The material wicks water and sweat away from the child's body so they are fairly cool.

I'm also not a prude but tend to flinch when a 2 year old walks by with two tiny triangles covering her booblets.  

SeaSoul

Mrs.Reem:

but tend to flinch when a 2 year old walks by with two tiny triangles covering her booblets.  

eek.  me too.

emmyloustu

DavezWife:

Ava's always worn them. I like how we use less sunscreen (be sure you get SPF ones, the cheapie target ones don't have that????) and that means less chemicals.

One of E's is from Target and it says it is SPF 50. Not sure if it as good as some of the others, but it does have it. 

skoorbnibor

my kid is so pale he glows in the dark. His rash guard shirt as well as trunks are SPF 50, so that helps keep him safe. I also believe his said UVA and UVB protection

mommystyle

I know. I thought the same thing. But my little guy is very fair and I thought all the suits were too bulky and not cute. I just found this amazing company that does amazing quality SPF suits and they are so stylish too.Here are a few pics

https://su.pr/2sU6s8 

smittendorff

We use it for the SPF.  Less are to re-apply.  It does dry quickly.  But I use Halo's Technical Comfort clothing for DS2 (they don't make it in sizes big enough for DS2 anymore).  The Halo clothing is so much better!  Not only does it hae spf 30, but the fabric is very breathable and actually helps regulate his body temp by keeping him cooler when it's hot out and wicking away moisture.