Children's Sun Protection

common sense sun protection advice from the
Department of Health

Never leave your baby in the sun

• Babies burn faster than children or adults. Use an umbrella, beach tent, the shade of a tree.
• Remember they can burn in the shade from reflected light.
• Don't put sunscreen on them, as their skin is extremely sensitive and may not be able to flush out chemicals.

Get into the hat habit

• Nothing beats putting something between sun and skin.
• Always put a broad-brimmed hat on children. Add a flap down the back.

Cover up with clothes

• Loose-fitting clothing keeps them cool.
• Put children in long sleeves.
• Tightly woven fabrics and dark colours absorb more UV. A wet, white T-shirt lets through nearly as much sun as no shirt.
• At the beach, dress them in sun-protective swimsuits or (even better) wetsuits.

Put sunscreen on children, and keep putting it on

• Apply sunscreen half an hour before they get outside.
• Don't wait till it's getting hot. In the cool air of 10am the sun burns as fiercely as at 2pm.
• Put more on after they've been swimming - whether or not it says it's waterproof.
• Apply at least every two hours - so if they're out all day, apply it four times minimum.
• Use a factor 15 or higher sunscreen, and a broad spectrum type.
• Apply it generously. A rough guide is a teaspoon for a baby, a dessert spoon for a child.

Sunscreen isn't enough

• Don't let sunscreen lull you into a sense of false security. Don't let them stay out all day even if they've got sunscreen on.

Put sunglasses on children

• Use 100% UV-blocking sunglasses, with wrap-around protection.

Remember, most damage occurs during normal day-to-day activities

• It's not just the beach you need to worry about.
• Cloudy days are dangerous if you take no precautions - a lot of UV still gets through cloud.
• Watch out for cool winds or water - they can make you think burning isn't happening.

Get kids into good habits

• Plan trips outdoors that avoid 10am to 2pm peak intensity time.
• Make sure there will be shade if you're going out.
• Have picnics in the shade. Play in the shade. Enjoy the woods!
• Make dressing in hats and long sleeves standard practice.
• Give children regular drinks to keep them hydrated and cool.

What To Do If A Child Gets Sunburn - Netdoctor.co.uk

• Always consult a doctor if a small child or baby has been sunburnt.
• Consult a doctor if blisters or a rash appear.
• Consult a doctor if the skin is very red and painful. Consider calamine lotion to cool sunburn.
• Cool the sunburnt area in tepid water (approximately 25ºC) for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Be careful the child does not get cold.
• A pharmacist will be able to provide advice about aftersun products, some of which may be useful for cooling and remoisturising the skin.

Other Children's Sun Protection Resources