Young babies and children are extremely vulnerable in the summer months, and extra care needs to be taken with protecting them. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of the sun whenever possible, and older babies and children should be allowed in the sun for a limited time and be well protected.

We have put together some tips and advice on having sun fun in safety

• Use of Sun Cream

  Apply a minimum of 15+ sunscream, there are lot's of high factor creams and sun blocks available, but it is recommended that below 15+ does not give adequate protection. I use the 15+, but the children use 40spf. Some claim it provides protection immediately, but to play safe try to apply 15-30 minutes before they go out. I do my children before they have their breakfast, so by the time they go out it has soaked in well.

• Sun Cream washes off

  If possible try to use waterproof sun cream, especially when they are playing in swimming pools, and reapply after towelling them dry

• Sun Cream and School

  Remember that children are outside at school for break and lunch times. It is worth looking at the 10 hour protection creams, as school will allow the children to have cream in the school and they cannot apply for you. If you are unable to get the longer lasting cream, at least send them in with a layer of the highest protection you have.

• Hats

  Try to encourage your children to wear a hat, there are so many styles around it is worth trying to find one they really like, as you are half way through the battle if they like it!. A wide brim hat is preferable, but a hat is better than no hat at all.

• Clothing

  Encourage your children to cover up, try to dress them in cool cotton clothing that is baggy and close-weaved. The sun can still penetrate thin clothing, so ensure you cream them all over.

• Sunglasses

  Kids love sunglasses so as soon as you can get them used to them. Don't be tempted to buy too cheap, I know the children break them and lose them, but the toy sunglasses can do more harm than good.

• Shade

  Use the shade as much as possible, especially for babies. Under trees, parasols and canopies make lovely areas that the children can play under.

Sun Facts

• Babies burn faster than childre or adults
• you can burn in the shade from reflected light
• a wet t-shirt lets through nearly as much sun as no shirt
• don't wait till you feel hot, 10am sun burns as much as 2pm sun
• always reapply suncream after swimming even if waterproof
• apply sun cream at least every two hours
• cloudy days are dangerous if you take no precautions - a lot of UV still gets through cloud
• watch out for cool winds or water, it can make you think you are not getting burnt

Some good habits to get into

• plan your trips to avoid being in the heat of the day 10-2pm
• check out if there is any shade where you are going
• have picnics in the shade and play in the shade
• enjoy the woods!
• encourage dressing in hats and long sleeves
• give children regular drinks of water or fruit juice to keep them hydrated and cool

Don't Forget! Do not forget to prepare your camera for the event. Here are some great photography tips.