Safe fun under the sun: 5 tips for toddlers!

Toddlers love playing outdoors and it’s great to watch them learning all about the natural world in the sunshine. Still, the sun can be harmful to your toddler’s sensitive skin, and no one wants to risk sun damage. Little ones can be fussy when it comes to putting on sun cream, so it’s always best to plan ahead. Here are a few sun safety tips to keep your little one protected on holiday.

Go for a high SPF

Toddlers have ultra-sensitive skin, so it’s best to be safe rather than sorry. Choose a sun lotion with a SPF that provides broad spectrum UVA-UVB protection. Ombrelle Kids SPF 50+ is a water-resistant lotion specifically formulated for a child’s delicate skin. The sunscreen should be applied thickly; pay special attention to the ears, nose, the back of the neck and the shoulders, which are more prone to sunburns.

Apply in advance

Sunscreen should always be applied at least 15 minutes before going out in the sun to allow enough time for it to absorb into the skin. This way, the protection will be ready when you get to the beach. We recommend applying it at home, before you arrive at the beach. By applying it just before leaving the house, you save yourself a lot of time and energy, and your toddler will be able to swim and play as soon as you get to the beach.

Reapply, Reapply, Reapply

Sun protection should be reapplied as often as possible; with the water, perspiration and sand, the lotion may come off faster and lose its effectiveness. As a general rule, sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours, for water resistant sunscreen after 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating and immediately after towel drying.

Plan extra protection

Even when generously applied and reapplied throughout the day, sun lotion alone isn’t enough to protect your toddler from the sun. Toddlers are less able to cope with the heat, and are vulnerable to heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Make sure your little one drinks plenty of water and spends ample time in the shade to stay happy and safe. Take a robust umbrella with you for days at the beach, and plan activities to avoid being in the sunshine between 11 am and 3 pm. Keep a sun hat, light layers of clothing and sunglasses on hand for your toddler, as well as plenty of water.

There’s nothing more magical than a family vacation; make sure you keep your toddler happy and safe for endless fun under the sun!