Tools: Sun Protection Gear

Although we’re looking forward to a summer calendar booked with pool dates, camping trips (if you can call a luxe cabin getaway that) and (if we’re lucky!) an off-season value trip to a gorgeous Caribbean beach, sun protection for our bebe is top of mind. And rightly so: Although one in five Americans will develop skin cancer, it's more than 90% preventable. So here are my sunny day must-haves for wee ones:

KidCo PeaPod: This tent-like indoor/outdoor travel bed is perfect for poolside lounging, hanging at the beach or simply looking after your little darling while you mend your garden. Not only does it offer UV protection, but it also includes a wind screen to protect him from the elements and mesh panels to keep the bugs off. I’m not very good with my hands, to put it nicely. So I love that it’s easy to assemble sans dad (even the mattress on the new model is self-inflatable!), and also folds up into a neat, light, little tote bag for all our play dates.

UV Skinz: Especially great for babies under 6 months, who shouldn’t be wearing sunscreen anyway, and those with sensitive skin, UV Skinz produces UPF 50+ UV swim shirts for babies, kids and adults, blocking more than 98% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. And in honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, UV Skinz is promoting awareness of sun protection and skin cancer prevention by donating up to 3,000 Baby Skinz swim shirts. Place an order this May, and UV Skinz will include a free Baby Skinz swim shirt that you can pass on to a baby in need, be it at a local women’s shelter, YMCA or even neighbour. That’s what I call sharing the love!