Seasoned travelers have long extolled the wisdom of dressing in layers for protection from the elements in cold weather. With the recent proliferation of garments and accessories packing ultraviolet sun protection, the advice works well in warm weather, too. Protect your keiki from the sun with swim diapers, beach socks, neoprene vests and so much more via fabrics with UV protection.

Layer protective clothing over sunscreen and park your beach mat under a light-reflecting umbrella or tent, and sun protection for the family becomes quick and easy for a day at the beach.

Sunglasses

As adults, few would spend a day outdoors without their sunglasses, yet eye protection is often overlooked for kids. Keep youngsters’ sensitive eyes safe with keiki-sized sunglasses. Baby Banz ($14.99, Ohana Daze or $16.98 to $19.98, Baby Emporium) is the most popular brand for infants too young to keep over-the-ear glasses in place. The brand gets its name from the neoprene band that straps UV protection right over baby’s eyes. A Velcro adjuster keeps them tightly in place as your child grows.

For older boys and girls, the Stephen Joseph line of sunglasses at Baby Emporium offers UV 400 protection in a variety of patterns and colors sure to satisfy budding fashionistas and opinionated toddlers.

Target also offers Circo sunglasses in both over-the-ear and banded styles for $8.49.

Swimsuits / cover-ups

It’s not enough to slip on a T-shirt over your keiki’s swimsuit at the first sign of a sunburn. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the average white cotton T-shirt packs sun protection of about 5 UPF, or Ultraviolet Protection Factor, the measure of UV filtering in a garment. Pink or blue terry cover-ups from i play have a 50+ UPF ($24.95, Maui Water Wear). Most UPF clothing has a strong nylon/Spandex feel, but Patagonia carries a line of polyester hoodies that have the feel of light cotton while still packing 20 UPF.

Beach socks

It’s not just the sun burning little ones at the beach; the sand gets scorching hot, too. Protect little feet from both types of burn with UV Beach Socks ($11.99, Target). Like the rest of the line, these socks made by Speedo give UV protection of 50. Made of nylon-spandex with rubbery neoprene soles, the socks will keep kids’ feet safe from the sun and slippery pool decks, too.

Bonnets

If you’re searching for a sunhat that provides shade with style, look no further than local mom Anna Karsin’s vintage-inspired creations for MamanuKids. Karsin sews reversible bonnets ($33) and unisex conductor hats ($25) in fun prints. Available at Baby Awearness and on etsy.com.

Sunscreen

Powders, sticks, gels, creams, towelettes and sprays — the sunscreen aisle can be overwhelming. The FDA is seeking to make things easier with new labeling regulations, which take effect in June, that will standardize terminology throughout the industry.

Once you pick a formula that suits your family’s needs, be sure to apply the American Academy of Dermatology’s recommended 1 ounce (about a shot glassful) every two hours. This means a family of four should use up a 7-ounce bottle on a single three-hour visit to the beach.

The academy also recommends choosing a water-resistant, broad-spectrum (meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or greater. For full protection, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before heading outdoors and include lipstick or lip balm with an SPF of 30.

The Environmental Working Group, an independent, nonprofit group based in Washington, D.C., recommends products that provide protection with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, while avoiding oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate (sometimes listed as vitamin A).

Some products that meet this criteria: Thinkbaby from Livestrong ($16.99, Ohana Daze), Banana Boat natural reflect ($13.39, Longs Drugs), orange-scented Kiss My Face White Sun Stick ($10.99, Whole Foods Market), Badger Baby Sunscreen ($17.99, Whole Foods Market) and eco Baby ($13.99, Down to Earth, also available at Baby Awearness and Whole Foods Market).

The group evaluated and rated 1,700 sunscreen products. View the 2012 guide, released Wednesday, at breakingnews.ewg.org/2012sunscreen.

For more tips on proper sunscreen use and brands that protect well, visit:

>> Consumer Reports
>> American Academy of Dermatology

Tent

When it’s time to get the kids out of the sun, but no one is ready to leave the beach, let little ones escape to the Kelgar Sun Stop’r Kwik Cabana, a 40-inch-tall tent with a nearly 4-foot square base. Breeze-friendly mesh panels are great, as are the built-in pockets, but its real selling point is the ridiculously easy setup and take-down process. To pop open the tent, merely tug on two knotted strings at the top of the structure and the whole tent pops open. To close, tap a circle at the top of the tent and the structure collapses. Roll up and stow the tent in a carrying case. The UPF 50+ tent is also available in a smaller size, 36 inches tall with a 39-inch square base, $49.99. Both are available at Ohana Daze.

Swim vest

The Speedo UV Neoprene Swim Vest ($23.99, Target) helps to keep new swimmers afloat while adding another thick layer of sun protection. Available in a choice of colors and sizes, the vest packs UV protection of 50+ for kids ages 2 to 6, up to 60 pounds.

Swim diapers

The words “swim diaper” conjure images of hideously padded underwear, but toddlers can fit right in with the big boys in Speedo’s UV Swim Diaper ($11.99, Target). Little guys trying to keep up with an older brother will love the shark design; the allure for parents is the water-resistant diaper with the UV protection of 50. Maui Water Wear at Ala Moana offers the frilly pink Ultimate Swim Diaper by i play, with 50+ UPF protection, for $17.95. A matching hat (UPF 50+, $19.95) and rash guard (UPF 50+, $24.95) are also available.

UV bracelet

Most sunscreens recommend reapplying every two hours, sooner if swimming or sweating. But on the beach with no watch, it’s easy to get distracted by all the fun and end up with a nasty burn. The UVSunSense bracelet provides a visual reminder to be diligent about reapplication. The bracelet starts out lavender, then darkens to a deep purple once a first layer of sunscreen is applied over the band. When the bracelet fades back to lavender, it’s time to reapply. If the bracelet fades to white, your sunscreen has worn off again, and it’s time to find some shade. Available at Don Quijote for $4.99 to $6.99 for a package of seven bands or $6.26 at amazon.com.

Umbrella

A mainstay on the sidelines of the soccer field, the 8-foot Sport-brella umbrella is just as effective at the beach, with enough room to protect an entire family from sun or rain. The UPF 50+ oversize umbrella includes wind vents and zippered windows and collapses to 54-by-4-by-4 inches. Available at Home Depot for $39.88.

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Nina Wu contributed to this report.