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Baby Swimwear: UPF Swimwear is a Must Have

By Stacie McClintock, About.com

Baby swimwear will be one of the staples outfits of many babies in the very near future. As the sun gets warmer though, we all need to be aware of the risk we take if we don't properly protect ourselves against the sun's harmful rays.

Baby's skin is especially delicate when it comes to sun exposure, and it's a known fact that early sunburns increase the risk of skin cancer. Be sure to protect your baby this summer with swimwear that carries a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating of 40 or higher.

The UPF rating system is used for clothing and swimwear, while the SPF ratings that we're all so familiar with, are used in sunscreens and lotions. The UPF rating system was designed so consumers could better determine the protection that their garments could provide.

As a parent, this is especially useful to know. All summer long, you will be diligent about applying sunscreen, I'm sure, but it's hard to tell if the baby clothes and swimwear that we dress our little ones in are providing enough protection for the areas that aren't covered in sunblock. Lucky for us, clothing and swimwear manufacturer's have taken that in to consideration.

Play it safe, buy baby swimwear that has a UPF rating of 40 or higher and enjoy the sun all summer long.

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