Summer break has already started for my kids, and will soon for the rest of you all who are still dealing with daily drama of homework and packing lunches. Our first day was spent at the pool. Mom win, right? Well, sort of. Because my youngest — also, the squirmiest who hates getting sunscreen slathered on him — got burned, badly. And all too quickly I remembered it’s hard to trust your eyes in the bright sun to see if your kids are getting too pink and need to reapply their sunscreen.
Well, if you’ve got any pre potty-trained kids in your house, you’ll be happy to know you may have one less thing to worry about this summer, because the new Babyganics swim diapers with UV protection alert parents when their littlest kids (with the most sensitive skin, to boot) have been in the sun too long. How? By changing the picture on the diaper — so, how’s that for some high-tech baby gear?
Related: The EWG 2016 safest sunscreens for kids: which are most affordable?
Like any swim diaper, this one keeps messes in without looking like a massive saggy bottom as your toddler runs and plays around the pool. But unlike most swim diapers, these have special UV-sensing technology built into the design. As you are out in direct sunlight, the frog gains a sun and waves behind him — and eventually he turns pink if your baby has been in the sun too long and it’s time for a break, some shade, or at the very least some reapplication of sunscreen. So smart!
One thing I loved most about these when I tested them out: after your child has been in the shade for a while, the image goes back to the original, so you don’t have to switch to a new diaper if it’s mess-free just because the frog got a little too pink. But there’s also this to think about: if the diaper is covered up in a cute swimsuit or swim trunk, it won’t work, so your baby has to play in their diaper only (well, that, and maybe a rash guard or T-shirt too). However, the swim diaper itself does have UPF 50 protection to keep those buns from burning.
That said, we’d go ahead and slather on that sunscreen, too. I’ve been restocking my pool bag with a family favorite, Babyganics sunscreen, even though it only got a moderate rating from the EWG this year, because I think it works great and is free from harsh chemicals. But you can check out our guide for a price-comparison of the EWG’s top recommended sunscreens for kids for 2016 to help you find one that works best for you.
You can find the Babyganics color-changing disposable swim diapers at their website, at any Target, or at our affiliate Amazon. Thanks Babyganics for the samples!
