10 Sun Safety Tips for Children: Expert Advice to Keep Them Safe

Keeping children safe in the sun is one of the most important responsibilities for parents, especially during warmer months or holidays.

Babies and young children have more delicate skin than adults, which makes them far more vulnerable to sunburn and long-term UV damage.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical, expert-backed sun safety tips for children, so you can enjoy sunny days with peace of mind.

How To Keep Your Children Safe In The Sun

1. Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight

The No.1 rule for sun safety for babies under 6 months is to keep them completely out of direct sunlight, as their skin is extremely delicate and more vulnerable to UV damage.

At this age, sunscreen is not generally recommended as the first line of protection, as babies’ skin is thinner and more sensitive, making it more prone to irritation.

Instead:

• Use a pram shade, parasol, or canopy
• Stay in shaded areas whenever possible
• Dress your baby in lightweight, covering clothing

Even short exposure can lead to sunburn, so prioritising shade is essential.

2. Use SPF 50 sunscreen for children

Always choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or 50 sunscreen (ideally SPF 50) to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

For best protection:

• Apply generously to all exposed areas (ears, neck, hands, feet)
• Don’t forget commonly missed spots like the back of the neck
• Use a child-friendly, fragrance-free formula

Wondering what SPF is? Read our expert guide and find out!

3. Reapply sunscreen regularly

Sunscreen does not last all day. To maintain protection, it must be reapplied consistently.

Make sure to reapply:

• Every 2 hours
• Immediately after swimming or sweating
• After towel drying

We’ve created a fun, easy-to-follow infographic below to help children remember when to reapply sunscreen:

4. Dress children in protective clothing

Clothing is one of the most reliable forms of sun protection, especially for younger children.

Choose:

• Lightweight, long-sleeved tops
• Loose, breathable fabrics (e.g., cotton)
• UV-protective (UPF-rated) clothing where possible

It’s also best to choose a wide-brimmed or legionnaire-style hat, as these provide better protection for the face, neck, and ears, compared to standard hats like bucket styles.

5. Use sunglasses with UV protection

Children’s eyes are more sensitive to sunlight, and UV exposure can affect them over time.

Look for:

• UV400 protection
• CE-marked lenses
• Wraparound styles for better coverage

This is especially important at the beach, near water, or in bright environments.

6. Avoid peak sun hours

UV radiation is strongest between 11am and 3pm, making this the highest-risk time for sunburn.

To reduce risk:

• Plan outdoor activities earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon
• Take regular breaks in the shade
• Avoid prolonged exposure during peak hours

This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect children from excessive sun exposure.

Take a look at the child-friendly infographic below to help your little one understand when it’s safest to be outside:

7. Seek or create shade wherever possible

Shade significantly reduces direct UV exposure, but it doesn’t eliminate it entirely.

Here are some practical ways to create shade for your children:

• Use umbrellas, beach tents, or sun shelters
• Sit under trees or in covered areas
• Position prams away from direct sunlight

Keep in mind that, even in shaded areas, sunscreen is still necessary, as UV rays reflect from surrounding surfaces.

8. Stay hydrated in hot weather

Children are more prone to dehydration, especially in warm or sunny conditions.

To keep them safe:

• Offer water regularly, even if they don’t ask for it
• Avoid sugary or caffeinated drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration
• Watch for signs of dehydration (dry lips, tiredness, irritability, etc.)

Proper hydration helps maintain body temperature and supports your child’s overall well-being in warm conditions.

9. Choose gentle, child-friendly sunscreen formulas

Children’s skin is more sensitive, so choosing the right sunscreen is important. Look for:

• Fragrance-free formulas
• Hypoallergenic or sensitive-skin labels
• Cream or lotion formats for better coverage

If your child has sensitive skin, mineral (physical) sunscreens may be a better option.

If you’d like to learn more about sun protection, explore our guides:

• Which Sunscreen Should You Use? A Simple Guide to SPF Types
• Worried About Sunscreen Ingredients? Which Ones to Avoid and Why

10. Educate your children about the UV index

Explaining the UV index to your children can help them understand why sun protection is important and encourage safer habits from an early age.

The UV index shows how strong the sun’s rays are on a given day. As a simple guide:

• UV index 3 or above → sun protection is needed
• Higher UV levels → greater risk of skin damage

How To Deal With A Sunburn

If your child gets sunburned, it’s important to act quickly to soothe the skin and prevent further damage:

• Move them out of the sun immediately
• Cool the skin with cool water (not ice-cold)
• Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser or aftersun
• Keep the skin hydrated by encouraging fluids
• Dress them in loose, soft clothing
• Avoid further sun exposure until the skin heals

Seek medical advice if:

• Blistering is severe
• Your child develops a fever
• The sunburn covers a large area

Explore all our sunburn relief options to soothe and heal your kid’s skin.

Sun Protection Tips For Children — Conclusion

Sun safety for children plays an important role in protecting their skin now and supporting long-term skin health. 

By following simple, consistent habits, you can significantly reduce the risks associated with UV exposure.

Explore Weldricks’ wide range of high-quality sunscreens to keep your family protected all year round!