How to keep your baby safe in the sun.

As the nation gears up to celebrate the King’s coronation this weekend, many of us will be hoping for a spot of sunshine.  

Come rain or shine, to coincide with The British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) Sun Awareness Week, held from the 1st -7th May 2023, we give you some tips on how to stay sun safe with your baby.  

So even if temperatures don’t soar this weekend, at least you’ll be prepared for summer!  

What is National Sun Awareness Week? 

Sun Awareness Week is part of the British Association of Dermatologists’ annual campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer and prevention methods.  

What damage can the sun cause? 

Over-exposure to the sun’s rays can cause serious damage, from painful burns to cancer. Babies are particularly vulnerable to skin damage. Their skin contains too little melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour, and provides some protection from the sun.  

To keep them safe, The NHS offers the following advice: 

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Babies less than 6 months old should be kept completely out of direct sunlight.  

Older babies  

Babies older than 6 months should also be kept out of the sunshine when possible, particularly in the summer and between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest.  

How else can I protect my baby? 

There are several measures you can take. Apply a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 50 to your baby's skin. Check the product to ensure that your sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.  

Many brands produce sunscreen specifically for babies and young children, which are less likely to contain additives that might irritate the skin. Some of these sunscreens also offer additional benefits like water resistance. However, whatever the product claims, you do need to reapply it regularly, particularly if your child is in and out of the sea or a paddling pool.  

As well as sunscreen, make sure your child wears a sunhat with a wide brim or a long flap at the back to protect their head and neck from the sun and keep their body covered. For the beach or pool, you can buy sun swimsuits that protect from UV rays with special jackets, long trousers and hats. 

Save your own skin 

 Don’t forget to protect yourself too! Last year alone, 35% of people in the UK were burnt at least once, with 28% of those being burnt more than three times during the year. 

Though it’s quite easy to be safe when playing outside with your baby or walking in the sunshine, the British weather is not always predictable! 

Protect yourself like you would your baby – wear a hat, cover your skin and keep reapplying sunscreen. We recommend keep hats and sunscreen, for yourself and your baby, in your change bag next to your Pura essentials. That way you’re prepared if the sun does decide to make a sudden appearance.  

The content contained in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken to represent professional or medical advice. Always seek advice from a medical professional when deciding on what is best for you and your baby.