A baby’s delicate skin is easily damaged by the sun. Whether you are on holiday abroad or at home in the UK you must protect your child … even if you consider their skin to be the type that should tan. Children are particularly at risk if they have red or blonde hair, freckles or pale eyes.

Keep babies who are less than six months old out of direct sunlight, especially around mid day.

Dress your baby in baggy but close weave cotton clothing and shade them either under a canopy, an umbrella, a tree or indoors. Remember that little shoulders and necks are very vulnerable especially if your child is wearing a strappy style top.

Today there is a wide variety of wrap around baby sun glasses available, you don’t have to buy an expensive branded pair but keep in mind that toy sun shades will not work.

Legionnaire style caps with protective flaps that cover the back of your baby’s head are ideal. Try to encourage your baby to wear a hat every time you go out in the sun, start at an early age before your baby is old enough to object so that they get used to wearing something on their head.

Check that any sun creams you buy are safe for a baby’s skin and make sure that it is factor 15 or above. Vulnerable places to pay particular attention to when applying the lotion are your baby’s ears, cheeks, nose and feet … and remember that sun screen washes off in the paddling pool.

The shadow rule is a great tip to remember … if your shadow is shorter than you are tall you can burn in the sun.

For further information on sun safety click here to visit the Cancer Research site