This itty bitty baby bikini shocked the Internet but is the outrage misplaced?
It may not have polka dots. But that hasn’t stopped the Internet from arguing over this itsy-bitsy, teenie-weenie, yellow bikini – for babies.
The controversy began when Brooke Cornell, 32, from Southern California, posted a video on TikTok about how a bathing suit company mixed up her online order. Instead of receiving adult-sized swimsuits for herself, the video creator received bikinis for 12- to 18-month-olds.
At first, she didn't think anything of the mix-up, Cornell said in the video that has accumulated over 5 million views. But then she opened the package and saw they looked just like adult bikinis – only much smaller.
“It’s weird. What baby needs scrunch-butt bottoms and little, tiny string bikini tops?” she said. “Call me a prude, I guess, but this to me is so crazy.”
Although Cornell didn’t mention the company’s name in the viral video, its owner took to TikTok to address the mix-up without mentioning the controversy.
The brand owner has yet to respond to Paste BN’s request for comment. Cornell told Paste BN the company hasn't reached out to her since issuing her refund.
TikTok users flooded the comments with mixed reactions. Many argued the swimsuits were inappropriate for babies while others criticized Cornell for judging how parents dress their children.
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However, doctors are more concerned about how these bikinis can expose babies to the sun's dangers.
Babies and toddlers are at an increased risk of sunburn and should wear protective clothing instead of “mimicking adult fashion trends,” said Dr. Christopher Culler, a pediatric primary care physician at Nemour Children’s Health in central Florida.
Baby skin is thin and delicate, which makes it vulnerable to ultraviolet rays that can cause DNA damage to the skin, according to UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital.
It not only makes them more sensitive to sunburn but it can also increase their lifetime risk of melanoma, or skin cancer, said Dr. Yasmine Kirkorian, division chief of dermatology at Children’s National Hospital in Washington D.C.
Melanoma on the chest, back and legs has been linked to frequent sunburns in childhood, according to the American Cancer Society.
“Childhood is an important, privileged time when we really want to protect against the risk of sunburn,” she said.
During water activities under the sun, dermatologists recommend babies and toddlers wear long-sleeve swimwear with high UPF, or ultraviolet protection factor, which typically features clothing with a tighter weave that blocks out light. They also recommend a head covering that protects the eyes, face and neck.
Sunscreen is also another method to shield little ones from the sun. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are ideal for babies and toddlers because they’re less likely to irritate their sensitive skin, Culler said.
Mineral sunscreens have a heavier texture than chemical sunscreens and work by reflecting the sun’s harmful rays away from the skin, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb the sun’s rays and deactivate them.
While mineral sunscreens are preferred, Culler said any sunscreen is better than none. He also recommends re-applying every two hours and opting for lotion instead of spray sunscreens.
In general, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies younger than six months out of direct sunlight. Sunscreens aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration for babies under six months, but the AAP says parents can still put sunscreen on small areas of the body not covered by protective clothing.
If the little ones are out in the sun, full coverage swimwear is "by far the best way to protect against the sun," Kirkorian added. "Opt for protection over fashion.”
Adrianna Rodriguez can be reached at adrodriguez@usatoday.com.