If you’re anything like us, the moment the sun comes out you’re already packing the car with towels, buckets and enough snacks to feed a small army. But before you head off, it’s worth having a proper plan for how to keep kids safe in the sun, whether you’re spending the day at the beach, by the pool, or just playing in the back garden.
Children’s skin is thinner than adult skin and produces less melanin, which is the pigment that provides some natural defence against ultraviolet radiation. Dermatologists estimate that around 25% of our total lifetime UV exposure happens before we turn twenty, and research shows that even one blistering sunburn during childhood can significantly increase the risk of developing melanoma later in life. The good news is that up to 90% of skin cancer cases in the UK are considered preventable with the right protection.
This guide covers everything from what to pack for a beach day to how to protect babies from the sun, with practical advice you can actually use.
What Should Children Wear in the Sun?
The British Association of Dermatologists recommends that clothing, not suncream, should be your first line of defence against UV rays. A lightweight long-sleeve UV top, a wide-brimmed UPF hat that covers the ears and neck, and a good pair of sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays will protect far more skin than suncream alone.
Legionnaire-style hats are particularly good for younger children because they shield the back of the neck, one of the most commonly missed spots. Standard bucket hats leave this area completely exposed.
Not all clothing offers the same level of protection, though. A standard cotton t-shirt typically has a UPF rating of around 5 to 7, which means a significant amount of UV still gets through, and even less when the fabric is wet. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and measures how effectively a fabric blocks UV radiation. Clothing with a UPF 50+ rating blocks over 98% of UV rays, making it far more effective than ordinary fabrics for any outdoor activity, whether that’s a morning in the garden, a day at the park, or a full afternoon at the beach. According to equatorsun, a UK specialist in UPF sun protective clothing, this high level of sun protection stays consistent throughout the day and doesn’t diminish in water or need reapplying like suncream does. Their guide to sun protection swimwear brands for children in the UK compares the main options available and explains what to look for.
Do Kids Need UV Swimwear for the Beach and Pool?
This is a question that comes up every summer, and the short answer is: it makes a genuine difference, especially for children who spend long stretches in and out of the water.
The problem with relying on suncream alone during water play is that it washes off quickly, even the water-resistant formulas. In practice, with excited kids running between the sea and the sandcastle, keeping on top of reapplication is tough. A full-body sunsuit or a rash shirt paired with swim leggings means you only need to apply suncream to the face, hands and feet.
Water and sand both reflect UV rays back onto the skin, which means children at the beach or pool receive significantly more UV exposure than they would playing on grass in the garden. equatorsun, who have been making UPF 50+ sun protective clothing and swimwear for families since 2006, point out that this reflected UV is one of the main reasons children burn faster near water, even on days that don’t feel particularly hot. Their children’s UPF 50+ clothing and swimwear range includes everything from everyday sun tops and polo shirts to full-body sunsuits for the beach, so you can cover both daily outdoor play and holiday swim sessions.
When and How to Apply Suncream on Children
Even with protective clothing, exposed skin still needs suncream. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures how well a product shields skin from UVB rays, while the UVA star rating (one to five) tells you how well it blocks the deeper-penetrating UVA rays. For children, use a broad-spectrum suncream rated at least SPF 30 with four or five UVA stars.
Apply it generously twenty to thirty minutes before going outside so it has time to absorb. The areas parents miss most often are the ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, and backs of hands, so pay extra attention to those spots.
If your child fights suncream application (and honestly, what child doesn’t at some stage?), try a stick or spray format and let them do it themselves. Making it part of the getting-ready routine rather than a last-minute chase around the house helps too.
How to Protect Babies Under 6 Months from the Sun
The NHS advises keeping babies under six months out of direct sunlight altogether. Their skin hasn’t yet developed enough melanin to offer any natural protection, and suncream isn’t recommended at this age.
Use a clip-on parasol on the pram (never drape a blanket over the top, as this traps heat and can cause overheating), dress them in lightweight long-sleeved clothing, and pop a wide-brimmed hat on them. If you’re at the beach, a pop-up UV tent gives you a reliable shaded area for feeds and naps. From six months onwards, you can start using a high-factor, fragrance-free suncream on any exposed skin.
What’s the Best Time of Day for Outdoor Play in Summer?
In the UK, UV rays are at their strongest between 11am and 3pm. If you can, plan the bigger outdoor adventures for early morning or late afternoon and use the middle of the day for indoor play, lunch, or quiet time in the shade.
That said, this isn’t always realistic during the school holidays. If you are out during peak hours, make sure you have access to shade. A pop-up tent, a large parasol, or a spot under a tree will give everyone somewhere to take regular breaks. Getting children into the habit of coming back to the shade for a drink and a snack every so often is one of the simplest things you can do.
Sun Safety Checklist for a Family Day Out
Before you head out the door this summer, run through this list:
- Broad-spectrum suncream, SPF 30 or above, with high UVA protection
- A wide-brimmed or legionnaire-style hat for each child
- UV-blocking sunglasses
- A lightweight long-sleeve UV top
- UPF 50+ rated swimwear for beach and pool days
- A portable shade option like a pop-up tent or parasol
- Plenty of drinking water and a refillable bottle for each child
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children get sunburned on a cloudy day?
Yes. Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate cloud cover, so children can burn even when the sky is overcast. The UV index, which is available on most weather apps, tells you how strong UV radiation is on any given day. If it’s 3 or above, sun protection is needed regardless of how the weather looks.
How often should I reapply suncream on my child?
Reapply every two hours as a minimum. If your child has been swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel, reapply straight away, even if the product says it’s water-resistant. Water-resistant suncream maintains its SPF rating for around 40 to 80 minutes of water exposure, depending on the product, but not indefinitely.
What is UPF 50+ and how is it different from SPF?
SPF is a rating applied to suncream and measures protection against UVB rays. UPF is a rating applied to fabric and measures how effectively it blocks both UVA and UVB rays. UPF 50+ is the highest available rating. According to equatorsun, who specialise in UPF 50+ clothing and have been independently testing sun protective fabrics since 2006, UPF 50+ fabric allows less than 2% of UV radiation to reach the skin. Unlike suncream, UPF protection does not diminish over time or wash off in water, making it especially useful for children during swimming and water play.
How do I get my child to keep their sun hat on?
Letting children choose their own hat helps. If they like the look of it, they’re more likely to wear it. For toddlers, hats with chin straps are a lifesaver. And leading by example makes a real difference. If they see you wearing yours, they’re much less likely to pull theirs off.
Enjoy the Summer Without the Worry
Sun safety comes down to three things working together: shade, clothing, and suncream. Get those right and your children can spend the whole day outdoors with their skin properly protected. None of it needs to be complicated. A decent hat, a good bottle of suncream, and a bit of planning around shade and timing will get you a long way. Here’s to a brilliant summer with the family.