Staying safe in the sun

Share this guidance with your families!

We’ve reached that coveted time of year where the sun is shining and the days are warming up, with many families venturing outdoors to make the most of the beautiful weather. However, even in spring – when the sun is often accompanied by a cool breeze – staying safe in the sun is essential.

Not only can sunburn be painful and uncomfortable for children, but it can lead to more serious problems later in life. Melanoma skin cancer is the fifth most common form of cancer in the UK, with 19,712 new diagnoses recorded in 2022.

Dr Anton Alexandroff, expert consultant dermatologist, explains: “It’s very important to protect young children from excessive sunlight exposure, as it catches up with them years later and can cause problems later in life.”

He also explains that children need to be even more careful than adults when it comes to protecting their skin due to children’s skin being thinner and, therefore, more sensitive to the sun.

The most important thing to remember, though, is that babies younger than six months old should always be kept out of direct sunlight, particularly around midday.

One of the best ways to avoid sunburn is staying out of the sun during the hottest hours of the day – between 11am and 3pm.

Keeping children’s play to shaded areas can also keep them safe, as can sun-protective clothing such as wide-brimmed hats, loose, long-sleeved tops and long skirts or trousers and sunglasses.

Oversized t-shirts can provide great protection, while there are swimsuits available with longer sleeves and shorts in UV-protective fabric for any water-based activities.

Dr Alexandroff recommends lotions with SPF 30 or 50 for very sunny days, saying that creams with Sun Protection Factor (SPF) are safe to use on children from age six months and above: “It’s important to use sunscreen with a high SPF for young children to reduce the risk of sunburn at the time of exposure, as well as the risk of skin cancers when children are older.

“Sunscreen should be reapplied every two- to-four hours – or more often if children have been swimming, sweating or playing in water. Be sure not to forget certain parts, such as the ears, back of neck, hands and feet!”

Most suncreams have a shelf-life of up to three years, but NHS Choices recommends replacing yours each year.

Parents should also be sun-safe, applying suncream, wearing sun-hats or covering up, too, as well as showing children how to properly apply suncream to themselves. It may be tempting to ‘catch a few rays’ on a sunny day, but remember that, as ‘role models’ to young children, we should always lead by example.

Children with very fair skin will need to be more careful in the sun so, first and foremost, dress them in protective clothing that covers their arms and legs, while also using a high SPF sunscreen. You should also keep them in the shade during the hottest hours of the day.

Children with Black and Brown skin tones also need to be careful in the sun, as there is still risk. Sunburn on darker skin may not look red but could instead be tender to touch, or feel tight or itchy.

This article is for information purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical help. If you or your child are unwell, please consult a medical professional.

• Babies under six months should never be left in direct sunlight.
• Keep children out of the sun between 11am-3pm.
  
• Keep children playing in the shade as much as possible.
  
• If your outdoor space has little shade, put up tents, gazebos or awnings to allow for play in the shade.
  
• Children should wear brimmed hats and loose, long-sleeved clothing.
  
• If splashing or paddling, children should wear longer-sleeved UV-protective swimwear. Oversized T-shirts can also provide good coverage.
  
• Apply a high-factor sunscreen (30 plus or 50 plus) every two-to-four hours – remember necks, ears, hands and feet!
  
• Don’t forget to lead by example and wear a hat and suncream yourself.