We get this question a lot... and it’s an important one. Short answer: no garment (including ours) is 100% sun-proof or bug-proof, but the Little Fisho UV Defender Onesie is designed to give real, practical protection during everyday Aussie adventures by using coverage, breathable fabric and thoughtful details.

How the protection works: coverage first

The main way our UV Defender Onesies reduce sun exposure and insect bites is simple: coverage.

They’re full-length (arms and legs) and have fold-over cuffs for hands and feet. That means far less exposed skin than you’d get in a short-sleeve top or standard swimwear... and less exposed skin = less chance of sunburn and fewer opportunities for mozzies to bite. This is the same public-health advice you’ll see from expert bodies: clothing that covers skin is one of the most effective sun-protection measures. 

Key takeaway: the protection comes from the fabric covering skin, not from any chemical treatment.

No chemical treatments, purely physical protection

Our UV Defender Onesies are not treated with insect-repellent chemicals or sun-blocking coatings. We deliberately avoided chemical treatments so the garments are suitable for sensitive baby skin and to avoid any issues with long-term wash-out or skin irritation. The barrier is the fabric itself... that physical barrier is what limits UV exposure and reduces direct skin contact for biting insects. (If you need insecticide-treated clothing for higher-risk travel, public health agencies advise using permethrin-treated clothes but that’s a different, specialist product.) 

Lightweight, breathable & quick-dry: designed for real Aussie conditions

We designed the material to be ultra-light, breathable and quick-dry because we started Little Fisho while living in Port Douglas, Far North Queensland. Heavy fabric or clingy materials would be unbearable in humid, tropical weather... so we use a fishing-shirt style fabric that lets air move, dries fast after water play, and keeps babies comfortable while still covering them. That combination of breathability + coverage is critical in hot climates. 

What the science and public-health advice says

• Sun protection: Health authorities consistently recommend clothing that covers skin as a primary sun-protection strategy for babies and children, especially for infants under six months where sunscreen use is limited. Clothing + shade + hats are the foundation of sun protection outdoors. 
• Insect protection: Public health guidance for mosquito bite prevention highlights covering skin with loose, long clothing as an effective method to reduce bites and disease risk. For higher risk scenarios, permethrin-treated clothing or repellents (used per label instructions) are recommended. 

Honest expectations for parents

We always say this up front and honestly, because transparency matters... We can’t promise “100% sun-proof” or “bug-proof” ... nothing can! 

• What we deliver: a well-designed, fully-covered outfit that measurably reduces exposed skin, is breathable for hot weather, quick to dry after play, and practically lowers the chance of sunburn and insect bites in everyday outdoor use.
• Complementary measures: for best protection, use shade, hats, covers for prams, appropriate sunscreen and repellents where recommended (follow government guidance), and supervise little ones closely near water and at peak sun times. 

Why we made the Little Fisho UV Defender Onesie this way!

When Kyra was born and we were out on boats and camping in FNQ, there wasn’t a full-body, breathable option that covered babies from head-to-toe without overheating them. So we created the Little Fisho UV Defender Onesie to solve that exact problem: coverage, comfort, practicality... designed by parents who actually live the outdoor lifestyle. The design has been tested over many real family adventures and we’ve seen the difference it makes, firsthand!

Practical tips for parents using our UV Defender Onesies

1. Use the fold-over cuffs when you want extra hand/foot protection; open them up for play and exploration (we suggest sizing up when using this feature frequently to make sure your Little Fisho is comfortable).
2. For very long exposures or high mosquito risk areas, consider additional measures (nets, child-friendly repellents, or permethrin-treated gear for older kids/adults - follow official guidance).  
3. Rinse/air the garment after salty water or mud for longevity; fabric is quick-dry and easy to wash.

Final thoughts...

Little Fisho UV Defender Onesies are a practical, evidence-aligned way to reduce sun and insect exposure for babies and toddlers because the biggest win in real family life is clothing that lets you get outside together, comfortably and safely. We’re careful with our claims because we want parents to make informed choices — and that’s why we always recommend a layered approach to protection.

Our onesies help keep babies and toddlers sun safe and protected from insects because they cover full arms, legs and have fold-over cuffs for hands/feet — the protection comes from the fabric coverage itself (no chemical treatments). They’re lightweight, quick-dry and were designed after countless hot, humid days in Port Douglas when I needed something that actually kept my little one comfortable and covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the Little Fisho UV Defender Onesie treated with insect repellent or sun filters?

A: No, the protection is physical (coverage). We don’t treat the fabric with chemicals, so there’s no risk of repellent or coating being on baby skin.

Q: Do they help protect against sunburn?

A: Yes, Little Fisho's UV Defender Onesies reduce the chance of sunburn because they cover skin and provide a first line of defence. For infants under six months, clothing and shade are the primary protection (sunscreen guidance varies by age). Use layered protection during long sun exposure. 

Q: Does the UV Defender Onesie stop mosquito bites completely?

A: No product is 100% effective. Long coverage helps reduce bites, and we recommend combining clothing with other measures in high-risk areas such as age appropriate insect repellants. 

Q: Can my child swim in the UV Defender Onesie?

A: Yes, our fabric is quick-dry and suitable for water play. The UV Defender Onesie is outdoor/adventure wear optimised for every adventure, including the beach, boat, park and pool! 

Q: Are they suitable for sensitive skin?

A: We designed our UV Defender Onesie to be gentle and chemical-free. If your child has severe skin conditions, always patch test and consult your health provider.

Q: What should I do if bitten/sunburnt?

A: For bites, wash area, apply soothing treatments and seek medical care if allergic reaction occurs. For sunburn in babies, seek prompt medical advice. (Public health sites have practical advice.)