How and where do you apply it?

Make sure you apply sun lotion to clean, dry skin 15-30 minutes before your child goes out in the sun. Use a generous amount and reapply every two hours through the day, or more frequently if washed, rubbed or sweated off. Apply the lotion to clean, dry skin and use generous amounts. Make sure you cover your child all over as strong sunlight even penetrates clothing.

Don’t store sunscreen in very hot places as extreme heat can ruin their protective chemicals.

Is sun cream enough?

No - don‘t rely on sun cream alone. It’s best to keep babies completely in the shade on hot days. If you’re out, a parasol or umbrella attached to a pushchair will offer some protection. If you’re going to the beach you could consider buying a small beach tent. These are becoming popular and are a good way of protecting babies from the sun.

Try to avoid being outside during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm) when the sun‘s rays are at their most intense.

A sunhat with a wide brim or back flap (French legionnaire’s style) to protect the face and neck is essential. You could also consider sunglasses for older children to protect their eyes.

If you’re going to the beach, sun protective clothing’s a good idea. These clothes are made from fabric so tightly woven together that it blocks out the sun’s rays and protects delicate skin. The suits can become less effective if the fabric’s stretched.

If you’re in the car, make sure it’s fitted with blinds or shades where children sit and that they have plenty to drink on the journey. Sun penetrates the glass of a car window and heats air inside the vehicle.

Aren’t we overdoing it? If children are completely protected from the sun are they at risk of lack of lack of vitamin D?

Sunshine does bring the feel good factor. But it’s important to recognise the dangers too. There is no evidence to suggest that there is a problem with Vitamin D deficiency among children in the UK. The vast majority have plenty of exposure to sunlight and this enables them to make the Vitamin D they need.

Vitamin D has several functions and plays an important role in the absorption of calcium. It is produced when the sun’s rays react on the skin, making a preliminary form of the vitamin. This is converted in the liver, and activated by the kidneys into its active form.

There are a small number of children who, for cultural reasons, are always covered from head to foot in clothing and these children could be at risk of Vitamin D deficiency. Babies who are breastfed after the age of six months can sometimes be at risk too. The Department of Health advises that these babies should be given Vitamin D drops.

In summary:

Children are especially at risk of sunburn and skin damage through exposure to the sun, with well documented effects in late life. It’s vital to take sun protection seriously.

For more information:

Cancer Research UK runs SunSmart, the UK’s national skin cancer prevention campaign. For more information on skin cancer and how to stay safe in the sun visit www.sunsmart.org.uk