While we are all delighted when the temperatures rise, it can also be a worrying time for mums of toddlers as they try to ensure they are adequately protected from the sun.
While the best and most effective way to keep your little one safe from harmful UV rays is to keep them inside, this is neither realistic when you've got an active toddler nor is it healthy.
To ensure you lower their risk of getting sunburnt, have a read of the following five tips.
1. Seek shade
One of the best ways to keep your toddler protected is to keep them in the shade when it is very hot. Not all shaded areas will adequately protect your little one from the sun; the bigger the shade the better the coverage so, for example, choose trees with large dense foliage.
2. Wear proper clothing
- Linen and cotton prevent UV rays getting through to the skin
- Dark clothes block more rays than any other colours
- Buy UVP clothing to help protect the skin from dangerous rays
- Remember, wet threadbare or stretched fabrics can let UV rays hit the skin.
3. Limit exposure at peak time
If possible, avoid going out between 11am and 4pm when the sun is at it's hottest, or seek shade.
4. Be generous with your sun cream
Apply sun cream on your child 20 minutes before you go into the sun and reapply every two hours, or more if swimming or sweating a lot.
5. Invest in a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses
A wide-brimmed hat with a neck cover is one of the most effective ways to keep your little one's neck and head protected from the sun. Wrap-a-round sunglasses will protect their eyes which can also be damaged by UV rays.
