How to Practice Sun Safety for Outdoor Fun with Kids

Sun protection can go a long way in maintaining good overall health for young children. With so many fun outdoor activities to explore, it’s crucial to ensure your children are always protected from the sun — whether playing cricket, netball, rugby, or out on water activities.

According to the BBC, severe cases of sunburn can double the risk of developing melanoma for children or teenagers, which is the most severe form of skin cancer, later in life. Sunburn in children can also lead to dangerous health conditions, such as heat stroke, so adequate sun protection is essential.

Of course, there are many effective skin protection measures we can take. Most of these can be learned from Australia, which has the highest rates of skin cancer globally — double that of the UK and the US. Below, we’ll share some crucial tips for practising sun safety so kids can have outdoor fun without worrying:

Wear sunglasses

Sunglasses are known to protect and shade your eyes from bright lights such as sunlight and other sources. Having a pair of shades handy for both parents and children can help block harmful UV rays and even reduce the risk of cataracts.

For kids who also need vision correction, parents can invest in prescription sunglasses that come in various tints and styles. By wearing prescription sunglasses, kids won’t have to constantly alternate between shades for sunlight and normal prescription glasses for vision clarity. This prevents sunglasses from getting lost, misplaced, or dropped and damaged mid-playtime. Glasses Direct carries a number of brands with varying price points, so you can easily find and invest in a pair of sunglasses or two for yourself and your child.

Apply sunscreen

Another sun safety essential, of course, is sunscreen. For parents, sunscreen on young children can be challenging as they may be distracted or too excited to get in the pool or play on the beach. However, kids’ skin is tender and more sensitive to UV damage than adults’.

Applying at least factor 30 sun protection before heading outdoors is essential. This should be applied between 15 to 30 minutes before going out and reapplied every two hours, especially after exercise, swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. It would be best to watch how kids’ clothing interacts with their skin, as these may rub off the much-needed sunscreen during play.

Cover up with clothing

Your children’s clothing can also protect against harmful sun rays. This can be done by dressing children so that as much of their skin is covered as possible. As the shoulders are a crucial area vulnerable to sunburn, it’s important to avoid vest tops and sleeveless clothing if your child will be outdoors for an extended period.

Opt for light, loose-fitting cotton clothes to keep your children cool while safe from sun damage, like the gender-neutral shirts and outerwear from Futuro Bambino. You can also find many children’s clothing brands today that offer specialised sun-protective clothes. These dry quickly and have UPF ratings — much like sunscreens and their SPF ratings. For outdoor activities like water sports and games, don’t forget to pack a change of clothes so your children stay comfortable and dry.

Stay under the shade

Finally, another effective way to stay protected from the sun is by staying under some shade. In the UK, the sun is especially strong around midday, so you and your children should remain in shaded areas as much as possible between 11 AM and 3 PM.

If there aren’t any trees or canopies nearby, you can also use a parasol or umbrella as shade. The NHS also warns to take extra sun safety care of babies and younger children. Children under six months, for example, should always be kept out of direct and intense sunlight.

Ultimately, while outdoor activities are undoubtedly fun and educational for kids, it’s essential not to overlook adequate sun safety. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and sun-protective clothing are necessary for outdoor time. Ensuring your children aren’t overexposed to harmful UV rays from the sun can help prevent sunburns and other health conditions down the line.