Updated August 3, 2022
Summertime is here and that means trips to the beach!
If you are like me, you want to make sure your toddler is well protected from the sun.
Sunburns are no fun for anyone!
Today, we will answer the question: should toddlers wear rash guards at the beach?
We’ll look at what rash guards are, their benefits, and whether or not they protect from sunburn.
When it comes to toddlers and the beach, parents have a lot of questions.
Will my toddler be able to swim?
Should they wear a life jacket? What about sun protection?
One of the most common questions we hear is whether or not toddlers should wear rash guards at the beach?
So, what exactly is a rash guard?
A rash guard is a type of swimwear that covers the torso and sometimes the arms.
They are usually made from a quick-drying material like polyester or Lycra.
Rash guards can be worn by themselves or under a wetsuit.
Rash guards were originally designed to protect surfers from abrasion and sunburn.
But, they have become popular beachwear for people of all ages in recent years.
Rash guards are comfortable to wear and offer a high level of sun protection.
They are also ideal for playing in the sand or surf because they dry quickly and protect against harmful UV rays.
So, should toddlers wear rash guards at the beach?
The answer is yes! Rash guards offer many benefits for toddlers.
They are comfortable, protect against sunburn, protect from abrasions, and are ideal for playing in the sand or surf.
With all of these benefits, there is no reason not to put a rash guard on your toddler before heading to the beach this summer!
Related: 37 brilliant Toddler Beach Activities
Are toddler rash guards supposed to be tight?
Rash guards should fit snugly but not be too tight.
A good rule of thumb is that you should be able to slide two fingers under the fabric at the chest.
If you can’t, it’s too tight.
The question of a rash guard being too loose isn’t generally an issue for toddlers at the beach.
If your toddler is learning to surf then the fit of the rash guard is more important.
You’ll want to make sure that the rash guard is not too tight or your toddler will have a miserable day at the beach (and you will too!)
What are the best rash guards for toddlers?
There are a lot of great rash guards on the market for toddlers.
But, our favorite is the UPF 50+ Kanu Surf Platinum Rashguard
This rash guard is made from a quick-drying material and offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
It’s also been tested to block 98% of UV rays.
The Kanu Surf Platinum Rashguard is available in a variety of colors and patterns and fits toddlers sizes 12 months to 24 months.
Are toddler rash guards waterproof?
Most toddler rash guards are not waterproof.
They are made from quick-drying materials, but if you are looking for swimwear that will keep your toddler warmer in the water, you may be looking for a wetsuit.
Do toddler rash guards protect from sunburn?
Yes, toddler rash guards do protect from sunburn.
In fact, they are one of the best ways to protect your toddler from the sun.
Rash guards offer UPF 50+ sun protection and have been tested to block 98% of UV rays.
You’ll still need to put sunblock on exposed areas.
Don’t forget the back of their neck!
It is the one place I forget to apply sunblock all the time.
Photo: Maternity Comfort solutions – rash guard toddler girl – toddler girl rash guard two-piece
Rufflebuttstoddlergirlrashguard
Do rash guards keep toddlers warm in the pool?
Most rash guards are not designed to keep toddlers warm in the pool.
However, they can help protect against the wind and sun.
Most of the time it isn’t the water temp that bothers kids in the pool, it is the ambient air temp or wind.
I always bring thick beach towels to wrap our little kids up in as soon as they get out of the pool if it is cool out.
We have traveled to Disney both in Florida and California many times in the winter months and the outdoor pools were heated.
But the air temp was chilly especially if your kids like to get in a swim before bed.
Should I put sunscreen on my toddler before or after their rash guard?
You should put sunscreen on your toddler before putting their rash guard on.
Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of skin, including the face, neck, ears, and hands.
Be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
Keep an eye on your toddler’s skin.
Even with a really good sunblock, some children can still get a sunburn.
Don’t forget to bring a hat for the top of their head!
Do toddler rash guards stretch over time?
Yes, most toddler rash guards will stretch over time.
But I have found that they generally will fit snugly through the whole beach/swim season.
It can be beneficial to have more than one rash guard that way to can switch them out and not have to wash them as often.
We usually rinse them out and hang them up to dry, and the kids can rotate through a few different ones on vacation.
Do toddler rash guards have UV protection?
Yes, all toddler rash guards offer UPF 50+ sun protection.
This means they have been tested to block 98% of UV rays.
That is one of the reasons we love them so much more than T-shirts for the beach.
They have helped cut sunburns down to a minimum.
Can toddlers wear rash guards at water parks?
Yes, toddlers can wear rash guards at water parks.
In fact, we recommend it!
Rash guards offer UPF 50+ sun protection and will help keep your toddler from getting too much sun when at an outdoor water park.
Do all toddler rash guards have long sleeves?
No, not all toddler rash guards have long sleeves.
However, most do.
Long sleeve rash guards offer the best sun protection.
Get the long sleeve rash guard and put an end to the sunblock battle with your kids for good!
Can toddlers wear rash guards at Disney world?
Yes, toddlers can wear rash guards at Disney World.
Rash guards offer UPF 50+ sun protection and will help keep your toddler from getting too much sun.
Plus, they’ll be sure to stay cooler in the hot Florida sun.
Wearing a rash guard in the pools and water parks at Disney can also help prevent your toddler from getting abrasions from the side of the pool on the water slides.
Can toddlers wear rash guards at great wolf lodge?
Yes! Toddlers can wear rash guards at Great Wolf Lodge.
Rash guards are a good idea to wear when using the indoor water park slides.
It is a good idea for your toddler to wear swim shoes too!
Remember these indoor water parks are very crowded and can be great places for your little one to pick up any number of viruses and bacteria that can cause illness.
Rash guards and water shoes are a must when our family goes to the Great Wolf Lodge!
Final Thoughts
We hope we answered your question, should toddlers wear rash guards at the beach?
Rash guards offer many benefits for toddlers including comfort, and protection from sunburn, and are ideal for playing in the sand or surf.
With all of these benefits, there is no reason not to put a rash guard on your toddler before heading to the beach or water park.
