How can I protect my child from the sun?

Whether you’re heading to the park, enjoying a bike ride or playing in your own garden, it’s important to think about sun protection for little ones.

Keeping children safe and healthy is our top priority. During the hot weather, it’s important to remember that babies and children are more susceptible to the effects of heat. 

At Nurseries by Gymfinity Kids, our team have put together some helpful tips on sun safety for your family. So, we can make sure everyone enjoys the sunshine safely this Summer.

How to keep kids safe in the sun:

Stay in the shade

This is especially important for babies as their skin contains too little melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin, hair & eyes their colour. We suggest attaching a parasol or sunshade to your pushchair to keep them out of direct sunlight during these hotter months. A sunhat can also help protect the face and neck from the sun.

The sun is at its strongest in the middle of the day between 11 am and 3 pm. During this time, it’s a good idea to head indoors and keep children in the shade. At Gymfinity Kids we host pre-school classes from walking age in a sheltered gym with air-conditioning, so little ones can stay active too.

Use sun cream

Secondly, make sure your little one wears sunscreen that covers any exposed skin.

Many brands produce sun cream specifically for babies and young children, these products are less likely to contain additives that could irritate the skin. For babies, choose a sunscreen product that has an SPF of at least 30 and protects against both UVA & UVB rays.

Most importantly, remember to regularly top-up sunscreen throughout the day.

Stay hydrated

Whether your children are outside in the park or having fun on the gym floor, it’s important to keep hydrated.

Babies aged 0-6 months may need to be breastfed more regularly, try a little cooled boiled water if bottle-fed. For older babies and children. more regular drinks as necessary during hotter days.

Healthy snacks

At Gymfinity Kids one of our key pillars is nourishment. So, our team understands that the food your child eats is important during hot summer days.

For children on solid foods fresh fruit is a good way to get one of their 5 a day, as well as providing a great way to get extra fluids too.

Keep their bedroom cool

We all know how hard it is to sleep in the heat. To help keep their bedroom cool try closing the curtains during daylight hours and using a fan to circulate air. A nursery thermometer is always a good idea, an ideal temperature being 16-20C.

Choose appropriate clothing

In addition to seeking shade, dressing children in appropriate clothing can provide an extra layer of sun protection. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting garments that cover their arms and legs. Tightly woven fabrics, such as cotton, offer better defence against harmful UV rays.

Don’t forget about accessories like wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, neck, and ears. Hats with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating offer even more protection. By dressing children in sun-smart clothing, you can minimise sun exposure and keep your little ones comfortable and protected during outdoor activities.

Do not forget eye protection

While we often remember to protect the skin, it’s essential not to overlook the eyes when it comes to sun safety. UV rays can be harmful to the eyes and contribute to long-term damage. Look for sunglasses that are specifically designed for kids and labelled as providing 100% UVA and UVB protection.

Sunglasses with wrap-around frames offer better coverage and help shield the eyes from sunlight coming in from the sides.

At nurseries, we’re lucky to enjoy the air-conditioning during these hot days, as we teach our children about sun safety and weather. If you have any further questions or need assistance, you can reach out to the childcare experts at the nurseries located in Maidstone, Chatham & Walton on Thames.

For further information visit the NHS website or ask your health visitor for advice about any baby care issue, they will be able to tailor the advice to your baby’s needs.