How to keep young children safe in the sun
A moderate amount of sun is good for everyone and it is recommended by the Department of Health.
Covering up
Hats are really important as children’s hair is really fine and doesn’t offer much protection. Ask the parents to provide you with a hat with a longer piece of fabric that keeps their neck and ears well covered.
It is also important that you ask parents to bring their children in loose-fitting clothes during the summer months.
Healthy and hydrated
It is important that you ensure that the young children in your care stay hydrated in the heat by drinking plenty of fluids.
Sunscreen
Ensure you cover exposed parts of young children’s skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy days. The NHS recommends children wear at least factor 15 or higher and use products with a four or
Play in the shade
Encourage young children to play in the shade, for example, under trees. Remember the hottest part of the day is between 11am-3pm; this is when the sun is at its strongest.
Babies under six months
It is important that babies under the age of six months are kept in the shade at all times. Sunscreens are not recommended for babies of this age.
Sunglasses
Over the summer months ask the parents to bring sunglasses for their children as children’s eyes are more sensitive to UV light than those of adults.
EduCare offers a range of early year’s specific training courses to help you ensure the children in your care are safe.
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