Children and sun – Practical information for parents

Children are more likely to stay in the shade if they can play there. This may mean taking them to an attractive play area in the shade, or creating a new one. You may find a shady playground – then the sun protection problem will solve itself. If not, you could put a paddling pool under a tree, or something else for them to play with. If you can’t find any natural shade, a sunshade, parasol or big umbrella can help.

Sometimes children are happy to take it a bit slower around noontime, when the sun is particularly intense. Then you could do a quiet activity like reading a book to them in the shade. If their need for movement is too strong, though, a hat and clothing will offer additional protection.

Hats and caps provide good protection from the sun, especially for the face. Nevertheless, many children tend to take them off their heads. They often take their clothes off too because most children like being naked. The following tips might help here:

• Choosing their own hat: If children are allowed to choose their own hat, they will often be happier to wear it. A broad rim and cover for the back of the neck provide the best protection.
• Well-fitting hat: In very young children, tying the hat is often the only thing that helps. In older children, well-fitting sun hats or caps will be less likely to fall off when they are jumping about.
• Clothes with built-in sun protection: If you’re going to the beach or swimming outdoors, your child can wear special functional clothing that can also be worn in water. It dries quickly and means you don’t have to put sunscreen on the skin that it covers.
• Choosing their own clothes: Long-sleeved T-shirts, trousers and dresses might be more attractive if they are thought of as pirate, fairy or fireman clothes. Darker and more closely woven fabrics provide better protection, as do clothes made out of polyester or denim fabric (jeans).

It is easy to think of everyone and everything, but forget about yourself. Children are very aware of whether or not their parents use sun protection. Mothers and fathers can set a good example here.

And despite all the concerns about their wellbeing: Children want to play and move about – if possible without any restrictions. It is almost impossible to stop them from being exposed to a little too much sun every now and then. Although you might feel bad if your child does get a sunburn, it is not the end of the world, as long as you are generally careful in the sun. As is often the case with children, a relaxed attitude also helps when it comes to sun exposure.