Staying safe in the sun

With the weather becoming warmer, children are becoming more exposed to the sun than what they are usually used to which is why it's important to make sure they are properly protected. 

In England we never know which way the weather will turn but between the months of March and October you should take particular care of your child’s skin as your child's skin is so delicate that even on a cloudy day the sun can still potentially do damage.

Below are some sun safety tips that will help you protect your children from harmful rays meaning you can enjoy the summer with fewer worries. 

Shade

When spending time enjoying the sun its important to try and keep your little one in as much shade as possible, especially during the hours of 11am-3pm as this is when the sun is at its strongest. 

You can still sit outside and catch a tan or go for a nice long walk but instead of having your child exposed to the sun you could use a sunshade or pram umbrella when out and about or play tents and parasols are brilliant for when you're sat in the garden or on a beach. 

Clothing 

On sunny days your child is at risk of overheating and clothes can play a big part in keeping your child cool. The best material to dress your child in is cotton as its lightweight, lets air reach the body and helps sweat evaporate.

Hats and sunglasses are great for protecting your children from the suns UV rays, encourage them to wear a hat that covers their face and neck. If they are reluctant to wearing a hat or sunglasses, you can buy ones that wrap around the head or chin. 

Suncream 

Suncream is crucial when trying to protect your little ones skin from UV rays and should be applied at least half an hour before they are exposed to the sunshine. When choosing a suncream chose one that is at least SPF 30 and make sure it protects against UVA and UVB rays.

Suncream should be applied at least every 2 hours and immediately after getting out of water, even if the suncream is ‘water resistant’ 

Make sure you use plenty of suncream and cover all exposed areas of the skin, especially areas such as behind the neck and tops of the ears and nose.

Less is definitely not more when it comes to suncream. 

Fluids

It is so important when taking your little one into the sun to keep them hydrated throughout the day. Children are more at risk of becoming dehydrated than adults so give them constant access to fluids to prevent this risk.

Its never too early to begin teaching your children about how to stay safe in the sun as it is an important life lesson which will always come in handy. 

By following these steps you will be able to keep your children safe and enjoy your summer to its fullest.