Each year, ultraviolet radiation causes about 95% of melanoma cases in Australia. So while going to the beach should be a fun activity; without the proper protection, that could change quickly.

Babies & children especially need extra protection. So, what steps should you take to keep them safe?

Read this guide on the best sun protection measures to keep your child safe outdoors...

The Best Types of Sunscreen for Young Skin

Whether on the go or at the beach, zinc sticks are convenient, quick, and fit in your bag to protect your babies. These zinc sticks use pigments naturally found in nature.

Your little one will stay protected during sandcastle builds, playing in the water, and more. Each zinc stick has a broad-spectrum 50+ mineral shield that's long-lasting. For eco-conscious parents, it's made with biodegradable and reef-safe ingredients.

Choose from:

• SPF 50+ Zinc Stick, Egyptian Blue
• SPF 50+ Zinc Stick, Tinted Light

They're dry to the touch, lightweight, and water-resistant. Each zinc stick has UVA/UVB shields to protect your child from perspiration, waves, and the weather.

Remember to reapply sunscreen on them every couple of hours too.

SPF 50 Sunscreen Vegan

The Candelilla plant is used instead of beeswax for this SPF 50 vegan sunscreen. It's a lightweight, gentle cream that provides UVA/UVB protection.

Children 3 months and over, plus adults alike, will enjoy this sunscreen. It's cruelty-free, sustainably made in Australia, uses low-carbon sugarcane tubes, and is kerb-side recyclable.

Sun Protective Clothing & Accessories

Cover your child's skin as much as possible with loose-fitting, cool clothing. 

Choose a broad-brimmed hat to protect them from the sun. It'll protect the ears, eyes, back of the neck, and face. Your child might fight wearing a hat, but let them know it's necessary. Choose fun hats to make it more exciting for them.

Good sun protection hats include:

• Broad-brimmed (at least 5cm)
• Legionnaire hats with a flap to protect their neck
• Bucket hats with a deep crown and angled brim (at least 5cm)

Other excellent clothing options include:

• Long sleeve tops
• Sunglasses
• Rash tops
• Wetsuits

Wetsuits help your child retain body heat and be comfortable in cold water. Being fully covered in a wetsuit is another way to shield your child from the sun, as well as offering some protection from jellyfish, rocks, bites & stings.

For babies, choose a long-sleeved shirt that's lightweight and pants, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat.

Tips on Keeping Your Child Safe Outside

If you're taking your baby for a walk, the UV rays are at their lowest before 10:00am and after 4:00pm. Use the stroller's canopy when you can, especially if out and about outside of these hours.

Try to stick to the shade whenever possible. Children and babies have very sensitive skin to the sun so using proper protection and hats, even in the shade, is a good idea. There are sunglasses you can get that are specifically made for babies too – don't ever use toy sunglasses.

Children under one year should stay out of the sun as much as possible. You can be exposed to UV radiation, even on a cloudy day, and the sun can reflect off snow, sand, water, buildings, etc.

Check the UV levels by visiting:

• The Bureau of Meteorology UV and Sun Protection Guide
• There's also the free SunSmart Global UV app

Getting Vitamin D Safely

Many Australians think they need to stay outside for Vitamin D. Even a few minutes when the UV levels are three or more will suffice.

Prolonged exposure could have the opposite effect and could increase your risk of skin cancer. 

Before heading outside, apply sunscreen that's at least SPF 30. You'll want to reapply it every two hours, after towel drying, sweating, or swimming.

Staying Safe While Playing Outside

If there's no shade at the playground where your child spends time, consider writing to a local council. Have your child take breaks from the sun and have an umbrella handy for them.

Be sure to avoid the hottest parts of the day to keep them protected too. 

Keeping Your Child Safe With Sun Protection

We hope this guide has given you some great tips and tricks on sun protection for your little one.

So, are you ready to buy reef-safe, Australian-made, and organic creams for you and your child? Shop our zinc sticks and sunscreens today!