Young babies and children are very vulnerable in the summer and extra care needs to be taken with protecting them.
Babies under 6 months should be kept out of the sun whenever possible, and older babies and children should be allowed in the sun for a limited time and be well protected.
Safe Fun in the Sun
 Apply a minimum of Factor 15+ sunscream, there are many high factor creams and sun blocks available, but it is recommended that below 15+ does not give adequate protection.Even adults should never go below a factor 15 and children ideally Factor 30+. Some creams claim to provide protection immediately, but ideally apply 15-30 minutes before they go out. Many sun-creams wash off so try to use waterproof sun cream, especially when they are playing in swimming pools, and reapply after towelling them dry.
Even during term-time, you need to remember that children are outside at school for break and lunch times. It is worth looking at the 10 hour protection creams and putting it on the children before school. A lot of schools allow the children to take sun-creams in but they cannot apply it on the children. If you are unable to get the longer lasting cream, at least send them in with a layer of the highest protection you have.
Try to encourage your children to wear a hat. There are so many styles around it is worth trying to find one they really like, as you are half way through the battle if they like it!. A wide brim hat is preferable, but any hat is better than no hat at all.
Encourage your children to cover up. Baggy cotton clothes are the most comfortable. The sun can still penetrate thin clothing, so ensure you cream them all over.
Kids love sunglasses. Don't be tempted to buy too cheap. We all know that children easily lose and break sunglasses but cheap ones can do more harm than good.
Use the shade as much as possible, especially for babies. Under trees, parasols and canopies make lovely areas that the children can play under.
SUN FACTS
- babies burn faster than children or adults
- you can burn in the shade from reflected light
- a wet t-shirt lets through nearly as much sun as no shirt
- don't wait till you feel hot, 10am sun burns as much as 2pm sun
- always reapply suncream after swimming even if waterproof
- apply sun cream at least every two hours
- cloudy days are dangerous if you take no precautions - a lot of UV still gets through cloud
- watch out for cool winds or water, it can make you think you are not getting burnt
TIPS
- plan your trips to avoid being in the heat of the day 10-2pm
- check out if there is any shade where you are going
- have picnics in the shade and play in the shade
- enjoy the woods
- encourage dressing in hats and long sleeves
- give children regular drinks of water or fruit juice to keep them hydrated and cool
June 2007 | 
Beach Safety Tips
