Family Travel
   
 
How to protect your child in the sun
 
From Aisling O’Donoghue at Baby Travel Shop
 
It's that time of year again, so whether its at home or abroad, you need to consider the sun and protect your kids where possible.
Clothing
 
At the beach or in the garden, pop on sun protective clothing, choose clothing that:
  • Covers as much skin as possible eg. long sleeves and high necks/collars.
  • Is made from close weave materials such as cotton, polyester/cotton and linen.
  • If used for swimming, is made from materials such as lycra, which stays sun protective when wet.
Use SPF 30+ sunscreen at a minimum
 
Make sure your sunscreen is broad spectrum and water- resistant. Sunscreen should not be used to increase the amount of time you spend in the sun and should always be used with other forms of protection. Apply sunscreen liberally to clean, dry skin at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours.
Wear a hat
 
A broad rimmed, legionnaire or floppy style hat provides good protection for the face, nose, neck and ears. Caps and visors do not provide adequate protection. Choose a hat made with closely woven fabric – if you can see through it, UV radiation will get through. Hats may not protect you from reflected UV radiation, so also wear sunglasses and sunscreen to increase your level of protection.
Shade your family
 
Make use of trees or bring your own UV beach shade. Staying in the shade is an effective way to reduce sun exposure. Whatever you use for shade, make sure it casts a dark shadow and use other protection (such as clothing, hats, sunglasses and sunscreen).
Sunny sunglasses
 
Sunglasses and a broad brimmed hat worn together can reduce UV radiation exposure to the eyes by up to 98 per cent. Choose close-fitting wrap-around sunglasses that meet Government Standards. Sunglasses are as important for children as they are for adults. Remember to take extra care between 10am and 3pm when UV radiation is most intense.
Essential sun protection products:
 
UV Infant Play Shade €30
Full Sunshade attachment €49
UV Sunsuit and Hat set €25
Toddler roll-on suncream 50+ €10
Polaroid sunglasses for kids €14.95
Sunsplash hats €15
Autoshade €39
 
Visit Baby Travel Shop for more Travel Tips and Products!
 
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