Guru Review Lisa and Sophie: Warm In One

Guru Reviews: UV Floatsuit, Sun Hat & Rash Tops

Reviewer: Emma Mitchell

We’ve just been on holiday to Cornwall and decided it was the best time to try out our new Splash About goodies! (As well as few that we’ve already reviewed!)

Firstly we decided to get the bucket hat in white, we went for the slightly bigger size as although the smaller size fit her perfectly I thought the bigger would fit her for longer and I’m so glad I did, I had to fold the front over slightly so that she could see where she was going but it was big enough that it covered the back of her neck, with her fair skin I really worry about her burning in the sun but this provided piece of mind. It’s lovely and soft and she actually kept it on all week! Any parent of a toddler will know that that’s an achievement!

We spent one day on the beach and Eva wore her UV Rash Top in the Flora Bimbi design. It’s so pretty, I fell in love as soon as I saw it and Eva was excited to wear it! Again, we went for the slightly bigger one purely because Eva is currently in between most 1-2 and 2-3 clothes and we decided the bigger one would last longer. The length of sleeves and body fit her perfectly with plenty of room to grow. The zip fastening makes it really easy to take on and off. We went for the long sleeve option to keep her that little bit more covered and as it’s UV protected, again, I had that piece of mind that she was protected. The top kept her cool on a really hot sunny day but equally warmed her up again after being in the cold British sea!

Eva wore her Apple Daisy UV floatsuit when we went into the sea, we’ve already done a detailed review of the floatsuit for you to have a look at (long story short - best thing ever!). And throughout our beach day she wore her Happy Nappy in the Nina’s Ark design, which we’ve also reviewed, it’s worth mentioning that we’ve now had this Happy Nappy for a few months, it’s been used at least once a week and it still looks brand new!

Thanks to Splash About for keeping Eva safe and stylish on her holiday!

Featured Product:

UV Floatsuit Apple Daisy

UV Rash Top Long Sleeve Rash Top Flora Bimbi

Bucket Hat White

New Happy Nappy Nina's Ark 

Guru Reviews: Happy Nappy Costume

Reviewers: Samantha Humphreys

Both of my babies have been in swimming lessons since around 8 weeks old. As a requirement of most baby swimming lessons is the double nappy system - a swim nappy and then a happy nappy over the top to contain leaks - we have had a variety of Happy Nappy designs and brands over the last 5 years. As any second child will know, being given hand me downs comes part and parcel from your sibling, so when I had my Evie girl, she simply wore a Happy Nappy underneath a normal swimming costume for her swimming lesson or sometimes just the Happy Nappy on it's own. I had seen a couple of baby girls in the Navy Splash About Happy Nappy costumes and just couldn't wait to try one out. We picked the Garden Birds design as I loved the blue for girls with the bright yellow for the summer.

There are certainly many pretty designs to choose from, you can see all of them in more detail on the Splash About Website.

The first thing I noticed about the Happy Nappy costume was how much easier it was to get on over Evie's chubby thighs and pull straight up and on her. My first born, Logan, was a skinny little baby and I never had any trouble with a Happy Nappy over his thighs but miss Evie has always had chunky legs and the battle to squish them in and up over her bum was a tough one. The costume makes it easy to pull up using the top of the costume over their arms and then you can adjust around their legs as required. The bottom stretches with them and I've never had any problems with the fit around her chubby thighs. 

The bottom of the costume is soft neoprene and lovely against their skin, while the top part of the costume is super soft nylon-lycra and doesn't irritate or blotch the skin and loose enough for them to be comfy and not mark the skin. We have washed our costume many times since March and it still maintains its beautiful colour and shape and always dries quickly.

We use our costume for our weekly Waterbabies swimming lessons and I find the material easy to hold in the water and not too slippery at all. It's great to know that any nappy incidents are contained and after a certain paddling pool incident at home, we use our costume for garden playing too!

We recently took a trip to our rather stoney local beach and I loved that the bottom of the happy nappy was that bit of extra padding to with stand Evie's flop downs on her bottom while she mastered her walking and it helped keep sand out of all the wrong places too. We've had lots of compliments on the design of her swimming costume and I can't wait to add more to our collection.

Every Happy Nappy I've had in the past has always lasted us many weekly swimming lessons, I've only replaced them because my babies have grown out of them! No fading or wearing away like traditional swimming costumes and when Evie sees her bright coloured costume she knows it’s time for another Swim Day! We highly recommend the Happy Nappy Swimming Costume for both its practicality and its beautiful designs.  

Sam & Evie

Featured Product:

Happy Nappy Costune Garden Birds 

As scientists highlight the extent of DNA damage that children experience from even small amounts of sun exposure, new questions arise as to how much is too much, how optimum vitamin D levels can be achieved and how best to protect children’s delicate skin from the sun.

Just how dangerous is the sun for our children’s skin? As we enjoy an unprecedented yet welcome summer heatwave across the UK, basking in a long overdue dose of natural vitamin D production, it’s easy to forget — or overlook — the damage the sun’s rays can cause, particularly for delicate young skin.

But new research from scientists at King’s College London serves as a timely reminder. The study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, looked at 32 children aged 10 and under at a 12-day summer camp in Poland, measuring levels of vitamin D alongside a urine biomarker of DNA damage that can lead to skin cancer, known as CPD.

At the end of the 12-day period, during which the weather was not particularly sunny, the researchers found a 25% increase in average vitamin D concentrations in the children’s blood but measured nearly 13 times more CPD on average in comparison to levels at the start. This could suggest that children are even more sensitive to the damaging effects of the sun than previously thought, or that their bodies are better at repairing the damage, the researchers concluded.

A careful balance

In light of these findings, how do parents strike a balance between the beneficial effects of the sun as our main source of vitamin D and the risks of overexposure? Since sunburn is a well-known risk factor for skin cancer in older age, there perhaps needs to be clearer warnings around the impact of ultraviolet (UV) rays on children’s skin, even when the weather isn’t sunny.

Lead researcher for the study Professor Antony Young, from the St John’s Institute of Dermatology at King’s College London, agreed “it can be a confusing message” when trying to ensure children remain healthy and produce sufficient levels of vitamin D by playing outside, , while also staying protected from the sun. “Our study suggests that only small amounts of exposure to the sun are needed to ensure vitamin D sufficiency so we should make sure that children always have ample sun protection when playing outside for long periods,” he said on the paper’s publication. “This should be in the form of sunscreen, clothing and hats and the use of shade, even when you may not judge the weather to be that sunny.”

Smart sun safety

The NHS advises that babies and children need to have their skin protected between March and October in the UK, with infants under six months being kept out of direct sunlight completely.

Other NHS recommendations include:

• covering exposed parts of your child’s skin with sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 and is effective against UVA and UVB rays — even on cloudy or overcast days
• encouraging your child to play in the shade, particularly between 11am and 3pm
• covering your child up in loose, cotton clothes and a floppy hat with a wide brim
• taking care to cover your child’s shoulders and the back of their neck when they’re playing, since these are the most common areas for sunburn
• giving babies and young children aged six months to five years a daily supplement containing vitamin D

Abi Cleeve, skincare expert and managing director of sun protection brand Ultrasun, says the amount of sun cream and the timing of its application is also key to protecting children’s skin properly: “Always apply sun protection to cool, clean, dry skin in the shade 15 to 30 minutes before you or your children go into the sun. It’s important that this step is followed regardless of what sun cream brand you choose as in direct sunlight, sun cream applied to skin can evaporate before it has a chance to bond with the skin and therefore becomes less effective.

“As a rule of thumb, use a teaspoon of sunscreen for each arm, leg, front, back and face — including neck and ears,” she adds.

And if your child is swimming, the NHS advises, a waterproof sunblock should be used and reapplied after towelling. UV protective wetsuits are also available, which enable your child’s skin to be covered and protected at the same time.

Bernadette Spofforth, managing director at children and baby swimwear specialist Splash About, says: “Although the findings of the King’s College study read as quite alarming, parents needn’t panic so long as they’re ensuring their children’s skin is properly protected from the damaging effects of UV rays, even on seemingly cloudy days.

“All the guidance is there, although there is perhaps not enough emphasis on how much more vulnerable to sun damage children’s skin is when in water. Using a high-factor, water-resistant sunblock is a must, but this protection should be reinforced with a UV-protective garment that covers the arms and legs.

“This means that, even if the sunscreen has washed or rubbed off, your child’s skin is protected,” Bernadette adds.

Although the latest research provides a timely warning, there’s no reason why families cannot enjoy this spell of good weather safely — while it lasts.

Guru Reviews: UV Sun & Sea Suit Garden Birds

Reviewer: Isabelle Summers

The UV Sun & Sea Wetsuit is perfect for the cooler British summer. Protecting from those harmful sun rays whilst keeping your child warm. I couldn’t believe how warm Alyce was after splashing around for over an hour! She was able to move freely and look stylish at the same time.

The super cute bird print made her truly stand out from the crowd. It is so easy to take on and off too so no messing around with a wriggly baby or toddler. I would recommend this product to everyone! Thanks again team Splashabout.

Featured Product:

UV Sun & Sea Wetsuit Garden Birds

Guru Reviews: UV Floatsuit Apple Daisy

Reviewer: Emma Mitchell

We had the opportunity to test out Splash Abouts UV Floatsuit in the Apple Daisy design and we put it to the test during a beach trip to Broad Haven South in Pembrokeshire.

I really like the design and look of the product, Eva is wearing age 2-4 years and she’s not quite 2 yet, it’s fits perfectly and definitely has plenty of growing room so I’m sure we will get lots of use out of it. The new zip feature is a massive improvement on the previous poppers, not only is it quicker to do up with a wriggly toddler, the zip also comes down a lot further, to the bottom of the floats which makes getting it on and off so much easier.

I did wonder whether the floats might restrict Eva’s movement a little but they didn’t seem to at all, she was able to run, jump, splash about just as much as without them. Another worry was whether on a hot day she might get too hot around her waist but again, didn’t seem to be a problem at all. Each float can be taken out one by one and although we didn’t go into particularly deep water, I do have some children use these in their swimming lessons with me and the floats are a big confidence booster for them, it’s brilliant to be able to take them out one by one as swimming and confidence improves rather than it being all or nothing as with other swim products.

My only slight annoyance with the Floatsuit is that sand seems to really get stuck into the material, after this one use the material around the legs and floats is quite full of sand and while some can be wiped away, a lot of it is ingrained into the material and being so light in colour, it’s quite obvious. But maybe that’s just the perfectionist in me! It certainly wouldn’t stop me using it, I love that the floats are there for added piece of mind and the massive bonus, it being UV protected, I really worry about her delicate skin in the sun so this was a great piece of mind!

Another brilliant product from Splash About!

Featured Products:

UV Floatsuit Apple Daisy

Guru Reviews: Baby Wrap, Nappy & Splash pal review

Reviewer: Lucy Theaker

So we was given the Garden Birds Happy Nappy and Baby Wrap to try out on Isla. Sooooooo happy I have been lusting over this pattern for a while and it's even more beautiful in the flesh!

We have used Splash About Happy Nappies on Isla since she started her swim lessons at around 14 weeks.

They have always fit her lovely and allowed her movement in the water. We have never needed to wear a wrap during her swim lessons because the pool is lovely and toasty. I am loving the new designed Happy Nappy, the fit is lovely, and appears a nicer fit than her previous happy nappies. This Happy Nappy is a large (6-12 months) and the wrap (6-18 months) which is a true fit for my now 7.5 month little lady.

The nappy has a deeper waist band that rises higher on her tummy and back which provides confidence incase of little leaks. Luckily we have haven't been in the situation yet to test this out??. The Happy Nappy stayed put in the water, it didn't twist or roll down. I love that the wrap will grow with her so will last a long time (until 18 months) such good value for money for parents.

Isla appears comfortable in her Happy Nappy and wrap, she is able to wriggle, kick and splash wish ease. This is really important in her swim lessons.

Oh and Isla is loving her new penguin Splash Pal. The packaging shows there is 4 to collect, a seal, turtle, platypus and the penguin. We need them all . Our splash pal joins us in the bath, pool, paddling pool, car seat- everywhere really. His feet are especially great for chomping on. It doesn't feel like a typical bath toy- it's squidgy, and it's brilliant at floating. My pet peeve with bath toys is that they don't float how they are supposed to, Isla's Splash Pal (yet to name) self rights in the water to float on its back perfect.

Featured Products:

Baby Wrap Garden Birds

New Happy Nappy Garden Birds

Splash Pal Penguin 

 Next week, we see the beginning of the annual Drowning Prevention Week campaign, and to support the Royal Life Saving Society’s aim of reducing the number of drowning and near drowning instances in the UK, we’re cutting all our buoyancy product prices by 15%! Your child can safely learn all the valuable life saving skills needed when splashing about in and near the water at a lower the cost, just use code DPW18 at checkout to redeem. (see below for full T&Cs).

Does my child need to learn to swim?

Simple answer, YES! Over 700 people drown in the UK and Ireland every year and many more suffer injury, some life changing, through near-drowning experience.

“More people die from drowning in the UK and Ireland than from domestic fires or cycling accidents”- source rlss.org 

You can easily protect your child from suffering from the same fate by simply teaching them to swim, either by regularly going to swimming classes or by teaching them to swim yourself. Learning to swim is the best preventative against drowning and the sooner everyone learns to swim the safer we will be.

How to stay safe around the water?  

1. Stop and think; Look for the dangers and always read the signs

   Is there a life guard on duty? Is the environment safe to swim in? Is the environment easily accessible if you need to get help? If the answer is no to any of these questions, just stop and think if this is the best and safest place for you and your family to swim in.

2. Stay together

   There is truth to the saying ‘safety in numbers’, the more of you there are, the more eyes can be watching for dangers and the safer your family will be. It only takes a few seconds for someone, adult or child, to go from happily splashing about to finding themselves struggling. Stay together and stay aware.

3. Stay calm and get help

   If you ever find yourself or your family in trouble when in the water, the most important thing to do is stay calm. Simply float, don’t waste valuable energy thrashing about and struggling against the water, we all have a level of natural buoyancy in our bodies that can keep us above water. Simply float, and reassess how to safely get yourself out of the water.

4. Call for help

   Call 999 or 112 in emergencies and always shout for help so others are aware that there is someone in need of help.

How can I help prevent my child from drowning?

Drowning is preventable and the best way to prevent your child from drowning is to make sure they can swim strongly and confidently.

Here are some very simple ways in how you can help your child become water safe;

1. Take them to swim classes as early as possible.

   There are hundreds of swim schools in the UK that offer fantastic swim classes for babies and children. Use our Find a swim school feature to find your local school- https://www.splashabout.com/swim-schools

2. Swim as a family

   Don’t stop swimming after lessons, taking your child swimming can not only build their water confidence and strengthen their swimming skills but it can also build yours too. We have an entire range of swimwear to help take baby, toddler and children to the pool much easier; from our swim school approved Happy Nappy swim nappy range to our pool and changing products that ease changing room tantrums and can get your baby warm, clean and dry in no time, including our Splash Mat Changing Mats and Apres Splash towelling.

3. Use buoyancy aids to build and strengthen confidence.

   Young children often feel scared when in the water, our range of adjustable buoyancy Floatsuits are designed to support your child when in the water by keeping them in the correct position for swimming. Floats can gradually be removed until your child can swim confidently unaided. All our buoyancy products are currently 15% OFF when using the code DPW18 at checkout.

4. Be aware and understand the water code;

   Stop and think, stay together, float and always call for help (999/112)

The RLSS do an amazing job at keeping everyone safe in and around the water, for more information on how you can keep your family safe or to support the RLSS go to https://rlss.org.uk

*Terms and conditions; 15% off buoyancy products DPW18 code: only valid on buoyancy products. Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. UK delivery only. Offer ends at midnight 25/06/18

Shop 15% off buoyancy now>

Guru Reviews- Board Shorts and Short Sleeve Rash Top

Reviewer: Jess Lathan and Woody

6^thNovember 2017

I’ve never received a more adorable delivery than when I opened a parcel containing a tiny pair of board shorts for my tiny little dude. Made from the softest blue fabric and featuring a super sweet turtle design, I knew that these would be well worn on our holiday.

The fabric is UPF 50 which ensures you aren’t worrying about the suns harmful rays whilst your little guy hits the pool. The shorts, teamed with the super sweet short sleeved rash top made the perfect pool side outfit. Again, the UPF 50 fabric provides sensitive skin with the highest level of protection.

Woody looked completely adorable in his Splash About outfit and was so comfortable whilst playing in the sand and by the poolside. I wouldn’t hesitate to buy this set for our next summer holiday.

Guru Reviews- Swimming Costume and Rash Top

Reviewer: Jess Lathan and Nora

6^thNovember 2017

We received the beautiful de birdie print swimming costume and rash top for Nora for our long awaited summer holidays. The pieces fit Nora perfectly and she said they were super comfy to wear.

Not only did the top provide Nora with protection from the suns rays, it proved to be even more useful as a rash top. Poor Nora ended up with prickly heat all over her chest and back due to a high factor suncream and lots of pool time but having the rash top meant we could leave her without the high SPF cream on her itchy parts and allow the rash to calm down without worrying about her getting burnt. It really was so useful for us.

I know when I was a child on family holidays, there wasn’t such an emphasis placed on sun protection but now, it is in the forefront of everyone’s mind. Our children’s skin is so precious and sensitive and having something to use like the Splash About rash top and costume is so helpful to us parents, anything to make us worry a little less is a huge plus in my books.

Featured Products:

Board Shorts Turtle Mania

Rash Top Short Sleeve Turtle Mania

Rash Top Short Sleeve Birdy

Swimming Costume Birdy

Guru Reviews- UV FloatSuit

Reviewer: Isabelle Summers

28^th June 2017

The float suit is incredible! It was absolutely amazing to watch our 20 month old daughter swimming solo on holiday without any fear. She would stand at the side of the pool, jump in, swim to the other side and repeat and would not let me or her father help her!

It is so amazing to see her so independent and confident in the pool and having so much fun too. Definitely a recommended product. In fact, a necessity for all summer holidays!

Featured Products:

UV Floatsuit Flora Bimbi

Guru Reviews- FloatSuit and UV FloatSuit

Reviewer- Jess with Woody and Nora

6^thNovember 2017

No matter how many swimming lessons your children take, no matter how many certificates they earn and no matter how confident they become in water, that nagging doubt you have in your mind about their water safety never leaves. Despite the fact Nora achieved her 50m Swimming certificate at age 4, the idea of her being in and around water for an extended period of time makes me so nervous.

As we were headed off to Mallorca for a family trip this summer and we were staying in a villa with a beautiful private pool, I knew that water safety would be something we would have to address. When the lovely Splash About team sent us two Floatsuits to try out, I knew my worries would instantly be dampened.

The floatsuits feature a revolutionary adjustable buoyancy system which provides your little swimmer with enough buoyancy to keep them afloat, but little enough to ensure that they’re practising their new fangled swim skills in the correct position without relying on the flotation device. The adjustability means you can remove floats to suit your child’s swimming ability as their confidence grows.

These suits were so perfect for Nora and Woody whilst on our holidays. Not only did the buoyancy provide them with that extra pool safety I so desperately hoped for, it also allowed them to practice their swim skills all whilst protecting them from the suns harmful rays with its SPF 50 protection fabric. The zip down fastening made for super easy changing too, which is great when you have two indecisive children with 24 hour access to a swimming pool.

I would definitely recommend the floatsuit to anyone headed off on holidays, and for swimmers and non swimmers alike. They provide a much more comfortable learn to swim method than traditional armbands and they are available in the most beautiful array of patterns.

Featured Products:

UV Floatsuit Turtle Mania 

Floatsuit Garden Birds