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Sun care for kids

Get advice from Cancer Research UK on protecting young skin from the sun damage

Young skin is delicate and very easily damaged by the sun. All children, no matter whether they tan easily or not, should be protected from the sun's harmful rays

Children (like adults) with fair or red hair, pale eyes or freckles are at most risk. It is best to keep babies under six months old out of direct sunlight whenever possible.

12 tips for protecting children in the sun

• Use shade Keep babies in complete shade: under trees, umbrellas, canopies or indoors.
• Cover them up Dress children in cotton clothing that is baggy, close-weave and cool. Oversized T-shirts are good for covering most of their skin.
• Use dry clothing Remember that wet clothing stretches and can lose up to half of its UV protection - put children in dry clothing after playing in water.
• Protect shoulders and necks Don't put children in vest tops or sundresses if they are spending a lot of time outdoors - shoulders and backs of necks get easily burned.
• Wear sunglasses Buy good quality, wraparound sunglasses for children, as soon as they can wear them. Sunglasses don't have to be expensive brands, but toy sunglasses can do more harm than good.
• Find hats they like Encourage children to wear hats with brims, especially if they are not wearing sunglasses. The wider the brim, the more skin will be shaded from the sun.
• Use sunscreen wisely Apply factor 15+ sunscreen 15-30 minutes before children go outdoors. Then reapply generously once outside to be sure of good coverage. Don't forget their shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks and tops of feet.
• Remember sunscreen washes off Always use waterproof sunscreen (factor 15+) when children are swimming or playing outdoors with water. Reapply after towelling.
• Don't forget school times Remember play times and lunch breaks on summer school days too. Give children a hat to wear and, if they can't apply sunscreen at school, cover their exposed skin with factor 15+ before they go.
• Remember you can burn in the UK The Great British sun is quite capable of burning your child! Take extra care at home as well as abroad.
• Know the shadow rule If your shadow is longer than you are, then you are safe from the sun. When your shadow is shorter than you are tall, the sun can burn you.
• Set good habits for the future Remember, children spend much more time outside than adults do.

By putting these tips into practice you will protect your children now and reduce their risk of developing skin cancer in the future.

Teaching children safe sun habits while they are young sets a good pattern for later life.

In association with Cancer Research UK. Registered charity number 1089464.

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