How to keep your baby safe in the sun

Top tips for keeping them cool, protected and comfortable when the temperature rises

Looking after your little one when the temperature rises is vital – especially when it comes to protecting them from sun damage. Babies and children have much more sensitive skin than adults, so it’s important to take precautions early to avoid damage that could lead to problems later in life. According to the NHS, children under the age of 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight completely.

How to protect your baby from the sun

Keeping your little one cool and safe from the sun is especially important during their first six months, when their skin is at its most delicate and sensitive. In this guide, you’ll discover simple, practical tips to help protect your baby and keep them comfortable when temperatures rise.

1. Keep babies in the shade

One of the most important ways to keep baby cool in the hot weather, as well as protected from the sunshine, is to keep them in the shade. Attaching a sun parasol to your stroller will ensure your baby is shaded and cool whilst you’re out and about, whilst still allowing airflow as you stroll. It is not recommended to use a muslin or blanket over your stroller, as this stops the air flowing and can lead to a risk of overheating, according to The Lullaby Trust. Pop-up tents are great for providing constant shade at the beach, and thanks to their lightweight design, they’re easy to carry and store.

2. Dress for protection

Dressing your child appropriately for warmer temperatures helps prevent overheating and keeps them safe. Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton in light colours to reflect the sun. Avoid layering too much and choose wide-brimmed hats to shield baby’s face from direct sunlight. For more guidance on dressing your child according to the weather, visit the NHS website.

3. Use sunscreen for babies over six months old

According to the NHS, sun cream should only be used on babies aged above six months old. Babies should be kept out of direct sunlight and in the shade where possible, but if you are using a sun cream, ensure it is a baby-specific product with SPF50+ on any exposed areas. It is advised to reapply sun cream regularly – every two hours. If your child is older and is therefore spending time swimming, sun cream should be reapplied straight away afterwards.

4. Keep your car cool

Cars can heat up very quickly in warm weather, so it’s important to keep your vehicle cool before travelling.

• Pre-cool the car: Run the air conditioning for a few minutes before fastening your baby in.

• Protect the seat: When not in use, cover the car seat with a light-coloured muslin to help keep the fabric and buckle cool.

• Block direct sunlight: Use a window sunshade to reduce heat and glare.

Never leave your baby alone in a parked car, even for a short time – especially in hot weather.

Common sun safety mistakes

Following the guidance set out above will keep your baby safe in the sunshine, but there are some common sun safety mistakes that you should also be sure to avoid:

• Assuming short sun exposure is not harmful: The NHS advises that babies under 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight completely. Older babies should also be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible, especially during the summer and between sun’s strongest period of day between 11am and 3pm.

• Covering pushchairs with blankets: Placing a muslin or blanket over your stroller should be avoided at all costs as it reduces the airflow to your child and can lead to overheating. Instead, attach a sun parasol to your stroller to keep them out of direct sunlight. Be sure to regularly check on your little one.

• Dressing baby in too many layers: Choose loose, lightweight clothing in breathable materials like cotton and linen to keep your baby cool and comfortable. You should also dress them in a wide-brimmed hat, or a hat with a long flap at the back to protect their head, neck and ears from the sunshine.

Silver Cross products are designed for sun safety

For extra peace of mind on sunny days, Silver Cross prams and strollers are designed with your baby’s comfort and protection in mind. They feature breathable fabrics with a UPF50+ finish, extendable hoods with pop-out sun peaks, and airflow ventilation panels – creating a shaded, cool, and comfortable environment for your little one from day one.