Intro
If there’s one thing Kiwi kids love about summer, it’s going to the beach and having fun in the water.
As much fun as it is to get out and about in the summer sunshine, it isn’t without its risks and it’s important to ensure your kids are kitted out with the right gear to keep them safe in and around the water, and protected from the sun.
Swimwear
These gorgeous, retro style one piece bathing trunks from Nature Baby will not only protect your little ones, but the environment too! They are made with their ECONYL® regenerated nylon swimwear, which repurposes plastic waste rescued from oceans around the world.
ECONYL® is comfortable and flexible to wear, dries quickly, perfect for long sunny days at the beach
Available in sizes 6-12 months to 4 years
Crywolf Long Sleeved Swimsuits are designed in New Zealand and are made from 85% recycled polyester blended with 15% spandex fabric with 4-way stretch for a super comfy fit on your little ones.
For extra sun protection, these swimsuits come with a UVP Sun Protection Factor of 50+, and long sleeves for optimum coverage.
Comes in sizes to fit 1 year up until age 10.
Yes, you read that right, these Band of Boys board shorts have been made from light-weight, quick-drying, no-stretch recycled polyester.
These cool boys' boardies are perfect for hanging out on those long beach days. They are made to fit true-to-size for ages 8 to teen and please note that as there is no stretch in the fabric, so we recommend sizing up if your mini is above average in size.
Poncho Towels
The Crywolf hooded beach towel is a summer essential. Made from 100% cotton towelling fabric, this poncho towel is super soft! Just slip over the head after a swim and they’ll be dry and cosy in no time. The hood helps dry salty, damp hair and keeps those ears protected from the breeze as they dry off. It comes with a handy front pocket too, perfect for carrying interesting rocks, special driftwood pieces and pretty shells!
The Hello Stranger poncho towels are another must-have item this summer season. A 100% cotton surf style poncho towel with sewn up sides and hood to keep them warm in the wind and giving extra sun-protection whilst playing on the beach.
These towels may not come in a poncho style, but they are the perfect size for bigger kids to wrap around them as they cool off at the beach, and to sit on to enjoy a picnic lunch, read a book or reapply sunscreen.
Headwear
Bucket hats provide excellent protection from the sun and they look super cute too! You’ll be spoilt for choice with the hundreds of styles of bucket hats available at Bambini.
With so many styles, patterns and colours available you’re bound to find something to suit your mini me. If bucket hats aren’t their thing, choose from a selection of trucker hats to find that perfect fit!
Crywolf’s first ever summer collection includes bucket hats in five fun patterns! They come with quick -release drawstring ties to keep hats on little wolf cubs' noggins, designed with an anti-catch quick release clip that pulls off immediately if the hat is accidentally caught / pulled.
Perfect for wearing on summer adventures or for long days at the beach
Toshi sunhats are classic and stylish and come in gorgeous patterns. The broad and well-structured brim offers increased sun protection. A head tie creates adjustable sizing for the most flexible fit and the chin tie with toggle secures the hat and offers ease of wear.
Their hats are crafted from the finest quality cotton and are fully lined for extra comfort. An ideal sunhat for children of all ages.
Footwear
For the perfect beach sandals look no further than the Sailor, Salt-Water’s newest sandal for little feet. These first walkers have a fisherman sandal style lattice across the front of the sandal, making them a closed toe sandal perfect for toddlers taking their first steps.
Salt Water Sandals are made from specially treated, high-quality leather and vulcanised rubber making them sun, sea and sand resistant, and a smart addition to any summer wardrobe.
(Plus, they look awesome with everything!)
Protection from the Elements
While summer is the perfect season to spend outdoors, it is also the season for insects and sunburn from the harsh New Zealand sun.
Here are some products we recommend (and use ourselves) to keep your little one’s skin extra protected from the elements:
Zoe’s Kawakawa Body Balm is made in New Zealand with locally sourced kakakawa leaves.
It is a great 100% natural, multi-purpose soothing balm, which has insect repelling properties, while also being highly effective for healing the skin including rashes, chafing, minor burns, nappy rash and insect bites.
For even more effective insect repelling, and a higher concentration of the active ingredient kawakawa, we love Zoe’s Bugs Away Kawakawa Spray. It is DEET-Free and incredible at deterring those bugs. Sorry, we only sell our Bugs Away in store - in 100ml glass bottles. If you’re reading this and live in NZ, just jump on Google to find your nearest stockist.
Made right here in New Zealand, Babu Water Safe 30+ SPF Sunscreen is perfect for covering up any exposed areas of your little one's skin. Once applied, they’ll be protected while in and around the water for 80 minutes to 2 hours before having to reapply! It’s perfect for all skin types, even for babies from 6 months.
With a high SPF factor (30+SPF), zinc, and natural ingredients of almond oil, and beeswax; Babu™ water resistant sunscreen soothes and protects your baby’s delicate skin against UVA and UVB rays.
Please note that while sunscreen does provide effective protection from the harsh New Zealand rays, it is not a substitute for covering up and seeking shade during our hot summer days.