Sun Safety Tips for the Whole Family

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Sunshine is brilliant for boosting moods, encouraging outdoor play, and giving us that glorious golden-hour glow. Let’s be honest—British skin isn’t exactly built for blazing UV. Whether you’re headed to the beach, out for a walk, or spending the day in the garden, following sun safety tips for families is a must.

From baby-soft skin to too-cool-for-suncream teens, here’s how to keep the whole gang safe while soaking up the summer rays (without turning into lobsters).

1. Make Sun cream Non-Negotiable

It’s the rule everyone rolls their eyes at… until someone ends the day looking like a tomato in a bucket hat. Apply broad-spectrum suncream (UVA and UVB protection) with at least SPF 30, ideally SPF 50 for young children.

Apply 20 minutes before going outside
Don’t forget the easy-to-miss bits: ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, and the scalp (especially with thin or fine hair)
Reapply every 2 hours, and always after swimming or towel drying—even with “water-resistant” brands

Pro tip: Spray bottles or roll-ons work well for wriggly little ones. If they’re old enough, let them help apply it for extra buy-in.

2. Time It Right

The sun is strongest between 11am and 3pm, which is often the exact time children seem to want to run around like it’s sports day. Try to plan shady activities, indoor games, or a chilled-out lunch during peak hours.

If you’re out and about:

Take plenty of breaks in the shade
Use trees, parasols, or pop-up tents to create your own shelter
Encourage water play in shaded areas rather than full sun

Planning your outdoor time wisely is one of the easiest sun safety tips for families to implement—and one of the most effective.

3. Dress Smart

Clothing is your first line of defence, and it doesn’t have to mean head-to-toe cover-ups in 30-degree heat. Choose:

Lightweight, long-sleeved tops and trousers
Wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, neck and ears (baseball caps don’t quite cut it)
UV-protection swimwear or rash vests for beach and pool days
Sunglasses with UV protection for kids and adults alike

Breathable, loose fabrics help keep everyone cool and covered, without constant reapplication of suncream on every limb.

4. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration

Even mild dehydration can lead to headaches, grumpiness, and a serious case of the summer sulks. Make sure everyone’s drinking regularly—even if they say they’re not thirsty.

Tips to keep fluids flowing:

Give each child their own fun bottle (consider insulated options to keep water cool)
Add fruit slices, cucumber, or mint to jazz it up
Use frozen juice cubes or diluted squash as a treat

Dehydration can sneak up on little ones quickly—especially if they’re active—so regular water breaks are essential.

5. Be Beach and Pool Savvy

If you’re by water, be extra vigilant. UV rays reflect off surfaces like sand and water, increasing the chance of sunburn.

Reapply sun cream more often when swimming or splashing
Set up shade with a windbreaker or pop-up shelter
Bring light cover-ups for when they’re out of the water
Keep wet clothes off after swimming—damp fabric can reduce UV protection and cause chills

Beach days are brilliant, but they come with added sun exposure—stay alert and keep everyone topped up, shaded, and hydrated.

6. Check the UV Index

A sunny day doesn’t always look dangerous, especially in the UK. Even overcast skies can lead to sunburn if the UV index is high.

You can check the UV index easily via most weather apps. As a general rule:

UV 1–2: Low risk – basic precautions
UV 3–5: Moderate – suncream and hats essential
UV 6–7: High – stay shaded during peak hours
UV 8+: Very high – take extra precautions and minimise direct sun exposure

Make checking the UV part of your daily routine when planning outdoor activities.

7. Model the Behaviour

Let’s be honest: it’s hard to convince your child to wear a hat if you’re out there squinting with no hat, no shades, and a burnt nose. Kids copy what they see—so show them what sun safety looks like.

Put on your sun cream when they do. Wear your hat. Sip your water. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference.

Sunshine Done Right

The British summer can be glorious—but it can also be sneaky. With these simple sun safety tips for families, you can make sure the only red faces at the end of the day are from laughing, not burning.

So go on—get out there, soak up the good weather, and enjoy those long lazy afternoons… safely, stylishly, and sun cream in hand.