At Green Sprouts, we’re all about protecting your little one at every stage of their development, and that includes protecting their delicate skin from the sun’s harmful rays. You’ve probably seen the term UPF on swimwear and sun hats, but what does it actually mean? And why should you care? Let’s break it down.
What Is UPF?
UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It’s a rating system used for clothing, similar to how SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is used for sunscreen. UPF measures how much of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation a fabric can block.
For example, a shirt with a UPF rating of 50 allows only 1/50th (or 2%) of UV rays to pass through it, meaning it blocks 98% of the sun’s harmful rays.
Why Is UPF Important?
Babies have thinner, more sensitive skin and less natural melanin to protect against UV damage. While sunscreen helps, it needs to be reapplied often and doesn’t always reach every spot. UPF clothing provides consistent, all-day protection without the mess or stress.
How Green Sprouts Incorporates UPF
Our sun protection clothing is thoughtfully designed with UPF 50+ fabric, the highest level of UV protection available in clothing. This means our swimwear, rash guards, sun hats, and more are made to block at least 98% of UV rays, offering serious sun safety with a soft, comfortable fit.
We also make sure our sun protection gear is:
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Lightweight and breathable to keep your little one cool
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Quick-drying and water-friendly for active play
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Designed with full-coverage styles, including long sleeves and wide brims, for maximum protection
And because we're committed to sustainability, many of our UPF pieces are made from recycled materials, helping protect your child and the planet at the same time.
Added Protection, Not a Replacement
UPF clothing is an important part of sun safety, but it’s not a replacement for sunscreen. Be sure to apply baby-safe sunscreen to exposed areas and seek shade during peak sun hours.
Ready to gear up for a safer summer? Explore our full collection of UPF 50+ swim and sunwear.
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