When you have kids, summertime means family holidays in the sun. Whether you’re jetting off to the Med or staying closer to home, it’s important to take some precautions against sunburn, especially for sensitive kids’ skin. Seasoned travellers know that packing plenty of sunscreens is key when hitting the beach or pool. But did you know that there are other ways to avoid getting burnt? Check out these tips to ensure you and your kids avoid sunburn on your next holiday in the sun. This way you can be sure to enjoy your summer holiday without worrying about skin damage.
Our top 5 tips to avoid sunburn on holiday:
1. Apply sunscreen regularly, even if you’re not spending much time in the sun:
It’s important to apply sunscreen even if you don’t think you’ll be in the sun for very long. For example, if you’re going on a hike or walk, make sure to put sunscreen on before heading out even if you are walking through woods and shaded areas. You will be surprised how quickly you burn in the shade, especially when you and the kids are active. It’s also a good idea to reapply sunscreen every few hours, even if you’re not sweating or swimming.
Sunscreen is key to protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, but it’s only one part of the puzzle. In addition to using sunscreen, you can also take some other steps to protect yourself and your family from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
2. Seek shade whenever possible:
Try to stay in the shade as much as possible when you’re outside. This will help protect your skin from direct sunlight. Look for shady spots beneath trees or parasols, or bring your own shade with you in the form of a hat or sunscreen. If you can’t find any shade, make sure all family members wear a hat or other clothing that covers their skin. And when all else fails, remember that there’s no shame in taking a break indoors to enjoy the air conditioning for a while.
3. Get a beach tent
Beach tents are becoming increasingly popular, especially with families – and for a good reason: Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight because their body produces too little melanin to protect their skin, which is still very thin. In additions, sunburn in babies and young children can be very serious. Beach tents provide a shady spot to relax in for babies and young kids, and they can also help protect their delicate skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
If you’re going to be spending any time on the beach this summer, make sure to get a beach tent. You can find beach tents in a variety of sizes, so make sure to choose one that’s big enough to fit your entire family, such as the WolfWise Beach Tent, which has an SPF of 50+ and can accommodate to four people.
4. Wear clothing that covers your skin:
If you’re going to be in the sun for a long period of time, make sure to wear clothing that covers your skin. This includes long-sleeved shirts, trousers, and skirts. When choosing clothing to wear in the sun, it’s important to look for dark, loose-fitting fabrics. Light colours and tight-fitting clothes tend to be less effective at blocking out the sun’s rays. And remember, you don’t have to sacrifice style to stay safe in the sun – there are plenty of fashionable options that will help keep you cool and protected from the sun’s harmful rays, yet ensure you are a mum who looks her best on the beach.
You can also find clothing made of special sun-protective fabrics that offer ratings for UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor, the standard used to measure the effectiveness of sun protective fabrics). These fabrics are designed to block out the sun’s harmful rays. There is a lot of choice on the market, especially for babies and children. As both parents and single parents know, getting sun lotion onto several kids before and after swim time, can be a real struggle. Long and even short sleeved UV protective suit can really help in getting your impatient little ones ready for the pool.
5. Stay hydrated:
It’s important to stay hydrated when you’re in the sun. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic beverages. Did you know that alcohol not only dehydrates your body, but also makes you more susceptible to sunburn? In addition to drinking plenty of water, it also helps to eat foods with high water content. These include fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumber, and tomatoes.
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and soak up some Vitamin D. But it’s important to take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from the sun’s harmful rays. Remember: Prevention is always better than cure. By following our tips, we hope that you and your kids will be able to avoid sunburn this summer and have a safe and healthy holiday!
About the author:
Single Parents on Holiday is a specialised tour operating offering family holidays for single parents, including beach, farm, and ski holidays in Europe as well as city breaks in Marrakesh and solo ski holidays for mature solo travellers.
