Sun care for kids

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 younger than six months out of direct sunlight whenever possible.

Top 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.