Tips for protecting children from the sun

1. Avoid sun in the middle of the day

• Plan the day’s activities to reduce your your own as well as your baby/child’s exposure to the sun. The sun’s radiation levels are at their highest in New Zealand between the daylight savings months of September – April.

2. Keep babies out of the sun

• Aim to keep babies out of the sun as much as possible especially during the times of peak UVR.
• Where possible keep babies and young children out of the sun and in the shade.

3. Dress children in sun protective clothing

• Cover as much of your baby's skin as possible with loose-fitting clothes made from closely-woven fabrics. Choose a hat that protects your baby's face, neck and ears. Legionnaire style hats are good.

4. Keep little ones in the share

• Encourage children to play in shaded areas. If good natural shade is unavailable consider portable shade or building a permanent shade structure. The structure should be big enough so that children can play comfortable within the shadow. Provide shade for your baby's pram and stroller with material that casts a dark shadow and shields them from UVR that reflects off surfaces. Be aware that babies can easily overheat in a covered pram.

5. Always use sunscreen

• For toddlers and older children SPF 30+ broad spectrum sunscreen should be applied prior to going outside to areas not covered by clothing. We have lots more information about sunscreen and babies and toddlers: http://www.cancernz.org.nz/HealthPromotion/SkinCancerControl/InformationSheets/. 

6. Protect your baby from sunburn in the car

• Glass reduces the transmission of most UVR, but not all, therefore your baby will still need protection in the car. Window shades or tinting provide extra protection.

7. Remember the Slip, Slop, Slap, Wrap rule.

This information has been provided by the Cancer Society of New Zealand

For more information see Baby sun care or Baby Care.