Staying safe in the sun: what you need to know to keep everyone healthy

Many of us look forward to summer, but when we have really hot weather, especially with long periods of hotter-then-usual temperatures, it can start to feel like there are a lot of new worries to juggle.

Knowing your child is staying healthy is one of the biggest worries. Are they drinking enough? How will you know? What about suncream, how often do you reapply? What do the symbols on the bottle actually mean?

We've gathered the information you need to feel confident in this heatwave - and all future ones too. Read on for details about keeping hydrated when the weather is hot, advice about when to seek medical advice for dehydration, and plenty of detail about suncream - and how to apply it properly. 

Staying hydrated - at all ages

Babies aged 0 – 6 months

If you breastfeed, your baby might request more frequent, shorter feeds.

If your baby is breastfed, they don’t need water to drink – just let them feed when they want to.

If you are bottle-feeding, you may want to feed smaller amounts more often, or if your baby has had all their usual milk feeds you can offer them a little cooled, boiled water. Don't offer unboiled tap water, or bottled water, to young babies.

Babies aged 6 – 12 months

Offer some additional water to drink, although milk should still be their main drink. If you are breastfeeding, your baby might want some extra feeds.

From 12 months+

Water or milk should still be your baby’s main drinks. They might also like lollies made from plain water or very diluted fruit juice (only give fruit juice lollies at mealtimes to protect your baby’s teeth).

Fruit and salad can help to keep fluid levels up. The NHS advice is that undiluted fruit juice and smoothies should not be given to children under five, as they cause tooth decay.

You

Don’t forget to make sure you stay hydrated too – when it is hot, drink more than you would normally.

If you are breastfeeding, having a drink each time you feed your baby could be a good way to make sure you are drinking plenty – remember to be very cautious with hot drinks when you are feeding.

Eat plenty of fruit and salad, as these foods are high in fluids and can help you to stay hydrated. Try a fruit juice lolly or a smoothie if you fancy something different.

Remember time in the heat and alcohol can make you become dehydrated more easily. So, keep cool and seek shade when you can, and if you have an alcoholic drink, perhaps have some water too.

How do I know if my child is, or I am, dehydrated?

If you are dehydrated, you or your child might:

• Feel thirsty
• Have dark yellow and strong-smelling urine
• Feel tired – your child might feel tired when it has been hot because it can be harder to sleep but if you are concerned speak to a health professional
• Have a dry mouth, lips and eyes
• Wee fewer than four times a day – check your baby’s nappy is wet when you change them

When to seek help for your baby or child

You know your child best; if you are concerned that your baby or child is dehydrated, speak to a health professional for more advice.

The NHS suggests taking your baby or child urgently to Accident and Emergency or a GP if they:

• seem drowsy
• are breathing quickly
• have few or no tears when they cry
• have a soft spot on their head that sinks inwards (sunken fontanelle)
• have a dry mouth
• have dark yellow pee or have not had a pee in last 12 hours
• have cold and blotchy-looking hands and feet

Sunscreen for babies, toddlers and children

As the weather brightens up, it is more important than ever to ensure that your child is protected from the sun. Choosing the right sunscreen for your child can be tricky – they may have sensitive skin, or you might have to think about the practicalities of re-application. You may find you have to try a few different brands to get to one that works best for your child.

Here are a few tips for getting sunscreen right for your child.  

What does 'factor’ mean? 

The sun protection factor of sunscreen, or SPF, indicates how much protection you are getting from your sunscreen. It is recommended that children should wear an SPF of at least 30. The higher the number, the higher the level of protection. 

What is UVA and UVB? 

Ultraviolet (UV) refers to the types of light that sunscreen protects us from. UVA is longer wavelength rays, associated with skin ageing, and UVB is shorter wavelength. UVB is what burns the skin. Look for a sunscreen that has at least a four- star UVA rating. The SPF number protects against UVB rays. 

How much sunscreen is needed? 

For an adult, the NHS recommends applying approximately two teaspoons of cream to cover your face, arms and neck, and two tablespoons to cover your full body. Another easy way of knowing how much to apply to your face is using the finger method – two lines the length of your middle finger is plenty for your face and neck. 

When should I apply sunscreen? 

It is recommended that you apply sunscreen at least thirty minutes before you go outside. If you plan to be outside for a long time, put on a second application just before you leave.

Many children like the feeling of it being applied to their face using a make-up brush or sponge, rather than your fingers. Try this if applying can be a battle!

What about reapplying?

It will need to be reapplied through the day – around every two hours on a hot day. You should also reapply sunscreen after swimming.  

Even if you have chosen to use a long-lasting suncream, it is best to reapply throughout the day when you can. This is to prevent the risk that a small patch might have been missed in the first application, and then left without protection all day. By reapplying you are likely to catch that and cover it the second (or third) time.

Sun safety tips 

Babies under the age of six months should be kept out of direct, strong sunlight.  

Find shade between 11am and 3pm, and if possible stay indoors when it is very high UV during this time. 

Remember to protect your child’s eyes from the sun with a wide brimmed hat or sunglasses.

Information from:

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/ 

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/first-aid-and-safety/safety/safety-in-the-sun/