Which sun protection for children?

Sun protection is an important topic, especially for children. Finally, after the winter, it is beautifully sunny and you just want to be outside. My children in particular are drawn to the garden all the time. Of course, they don't stay under the parasol and are constantly running all over the garden. So, as a concerned mother, I ask myself: what sun protection should I offer my children?

General tips for the sun:

Children's skin is very sensitive; it is only comparable to that of an adult at the age of 6, so here are some general tips:

• No midday sun for infants and toddlers
• Children should avoid the midday sun
• Never let children into the sun without headgear
• Use headgear with UV protection
• Clothing is good sun protection
• Avoid sandals (the top of the foot is not protected!)
• Use sunglasses with a UV filter
• Do not forgo sun protection even when it is cloudy
• Apply sunscreen in good time and regularly
• Reapplying multiple times does not extend the time in the sun!
• Prefer waterproof and mineral sunscreen
• Choose a high sun protection factor (the higher in the mountains and the closer to the equator, the higher the sun protection factor must be)
• Be a role model: Apply sunscreen to yourself too and avoid the sun at certain times yourself.
• Make sure your child does not get a sunburn
• If the first signs of a sunburn appear, get out of the sun immediately and into the shade or even into the house!
• Also apply an after-sun lotion to your child; they contain skin-soothing ingredients

Sun hat, sun cap

Your child must not go into the sun without a sun hat or sun cap. There are so many beautiful designs available now that it's hard to choose. It is important that the sun hat offers extended protection for the eyes and the neck.

If your child is older, let them help choose; maybe they will prefer to wear the hat then? Does your child want to keep taking the hat off? Then try using ribbons; when my children were younger, I only used hats with ribbons. There was some crying at first, but gradually they accepted it. Especially since we wore hats too, so be a good role model.

I bought my children (now 2 years old) sun hats with UV protection at jako-o and both of mine love wearing their sun hats.

Mineral or synthetic sunscreen

Sunscreen for children absorbs faster and contains fewer fragrances. Furthermore, they have a very high light protection filter, they are greasier, and the sun protection factors are very high (usually between 18 and 35).

Preferably, use sunscreens that have mineral and synthetic sun protection filters. Mineral sun protection is a physical filter that reflects UV rays. A synthetic sun protection consists of chemical substances that can absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. But here it depends on the ingredients: Make sure that no allergy-inducing fragrances, polycyclic musk compounds, or chemical UV filters are included.

It is best to choose a mineral sunscreen, which contains titanium oxide and zinc oxide, as these work immediately. This means you can apply them and go into the sun immediately; the UV rays are reflected instantly.

At synthetic sun protection factors you should wait about 30 minutes and only then go into the sun. Reapply after about 2 hours. Reapplying does not extend the time you can be exposed to the sun; the sun protection factor always applies for the whole day.

If your sunscreen is also labeled as waterproof, you should still reapply after every swim.

Extra tip: Does your child not like being greased up? Try a colored sun spray, or let your child apply sunscreen to mom or dad. Maybe pretend at first that your child isn't allowed to have the cream; usually, they want it even more then. My children are always crazy about creeeeme!!!

Sun protection clothing

If your child is very fair-skinned, or you are going on vacation, then you should perhaps buy sun protection clothing for swimming. Nowadays, these are available everywhere and in fun designs. Of course, light cotton clothing also helps to protect your child from the hot sun rays. Check your child's skin again and again. Especially if they are constantly coming into contact with water at the beach. Better to apply sunscreen more often or wear a T-shirt than to risk a sunburn.

Other protection & catering

Offer your children shady spots: Set up an umbrella by the sandbox or the paddling pool. Look for places with trees where your child can stay in the shade. I know, however, that children don't like to stay in one place; I also regularly set up many umbrellas, but they want to romp through the whole garden. But I can steer them a little bit. If we already have full sun in the garden, we go behind the house and occupy ourselves there; at noon, we are usually in the house. Both of mine always need a change of scenery, so that works very well.

It is also important to always offer the children plenty to drink. Offer cups or straws, so drinking becomes a new experience. Snacks like fresh fruit or yogurt are also a soothing refreshment for the little ones in summer.

If you follow these tips, the summer will be a beautiful experience for you and your child; there is nothing like a carefree summer!

Read also: Beach shelters – perfect sun protection for children

Photo by Sabine, meinhaushalt.at