Keeping children safe from the sun: The importance of sun protection for children

The sun’s UV rays can cause cumulative damage over your lifetime. However, children’s skin, is highly sensitive and more susceptible to damage from the sun, making it particularly vulnerable.

Exposure to the sun in the first 15 years of life greatly increases the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. This underscores the urgent need for early sun protection in children.

So what are some ways to protect children from the sun?

Babies’ skin is especially sensitive to the sun. Therefore, babies under the age of 12 months should not be exposed to the sun when UV levels are at 3 or higher.

Sunscreen provides an important source of sun protection for children. For maximum protection, it’s crucial to choose a waterproof sunscreen rated SPF 30 or higher. Sunscreen should be applied to the child’s arms, face, hands and any other skin that is not covered.

It should be applied 20 minutes before going outside and re-applied every two hours, or more frequently if washed or wiped off.

Sunscreen products that are gentle and sensitive on the skin of babies and toddlers are available.

However, the Royal Australian College Of Dermatologists recommends that sunscreen is not used on infants under the age of six months. If sunscreen is applied to infants, it should only be used on small areas of the skin that can’t be covered by hats or clothing.

It’s crucial to remember that sunscreen, while a significant source of sun protection, does not provide complete protection from UV. However, when used in conjunction with other sun protection measures, it significantly enhances children’s overall protection.

Shade provides a vital source of protection for children. Prams and strollers should be shaded, and covers should be adjusted to ensure shade is maintained. When playing outside, children should do so in areas that are shady. While trees can offer good protection, shade sails can provide maximum protection. Not all shade sails provide the same level of protection, so it is important to choose a quality custom-made product.

However, shade will not provide complete protection from the sun. Therefore, children’s exposure to the sun should be minimised when UV levels are at their highest between 10am and 2pm or 11am and 3pm during daylight saving time. Consider moving any activities that occur during this time of day inside.

The sun’s UV rays can also damage your eyes. Therefore, eye protection is critical for children. Children should wear wrap-around sunglasses that are labelled category 2, 3, or 4. Sunglasses labelled Category 1 will not provide sufficient protection. It may be challenging to keep sunglasses in place for babies and toddlers. A soft elastic strap can help keep sunglasses in place for babies and toddlers.

Hats are also an important source of sun protection for children. Children should wear hats that cover their face, the back of the neck, eyes and ears. Hats should be a suitable size for your child’s head. Broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket hats are best. For babies, hats that crumple when they put their head down are available.

Children should wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible without making them too hot.

Remember, while the sun’s UV rays are harshest in summer, UV levels remain above 3 for most of the year, including on cool or cloudy days. Therefore, protecting children from the sun all year round is important.
Sun protection is crucial at every age.

However, the cumulative impact of damage from the sun’s UV rays and the sensitivity of children’s skin mean that sun protection must start at an early age.

Article References

Cancer Council (2020) Sun protection for babies and children Cancer Council, accessed 9 August 2024.

Royal Children’s Hospital (2020) Safety: Sun protection, Royal Children’s Hospital, accessed 9 August 2024.