Contains some gifted and some purchased items, but all from brands we trust and have previously purchased from.

Whether you’re heading on holiday, to the park, a festival or a garden, we all know the importance of keeping kids’ skin protected from the sun, however this doesn’t need to be easier said than done.

Wriggly kids, those not wanting to wear a hat, or those who may not like to get messy – whatever the reason, there are many ways to keep your kids’ skin protected when out and about.

Yes, it’s better to use them all together, but ahead of Sun Awareness Week, we hope some of these ideas from some of our favourite brands may help – just remember the 5 S’s – suncream, swimwear, sun hat, sunglasses, shade!

Please note, we are no experts on suncare and are simply sharing what works for us. For further information and advice, check out this blog from Child’s Farm here or visit the NHS website here.

1. Suncream

Our preferred brand: Child’s Farm (gifted but also previously purchased)

We always make sure Lily is wearing an SPF50+ suncream, but, being honest, noone likes the idea of suncream and sand!

This is why we’re huge fans of Child’s Farm, as they’re not only a sustainable brand and suitable for her sensitive skin, but also have a wide variety of different options for suncreams – cream, spray or roll-on.

I’ve always loved a spray suncream, but the roll-on blew my mind – not only is it great for wriggly kids who don’t like being smothered in suncream, but it feels lighter than a cream, and Lily loved ‘painting’ herself with the roll-on.

It’s also great to slip in the beach/pool bag or your backpack for a day out – it’ll definitely be coming on many adventures with us this summer!

What’s more, all the Child’s Farm suncreams are water resistant to make sure you’re protected in the pool too – just remember to always reapply when you get out too.

2. Swimwear

Our preferred brand: Bonnie Pop Makes

Rather than a traditional swimsuit, we love sunsuits for beach or pool days, even when running around our little garden with a hose!

Sun suits can be bought with SPF 50 coverage and in different arm/leg lengths to keep your kids’ skin protected from the sun, even when in water.

We love the Bonnie Pop Makes swimwear as it comes in unique designs, is great quality, SPF 50, and even the first one we bought has lasted 3 years… Plus the two-piece design is great for easier toilet trips too!

3. Sun hat / cap

Our preferred brand: Dinoskiwear

Kids don’t always like to wear a hat and I’ve lost count the number of times I’ve said ‘put on your hat’, but we finally cracked it by finding caps that Lily loves to wear – even more so, in the pool too!

The Dinoski sun caps were our favourite on holiday this year – not only are they made from recycled bottles, but they fit kids up to the age of 10 years old too.

They are SPF 50+ with a neck protector and quick drying too, so Lily could wear them in the pool, keeping her head and neck covered from the sun, then they would dry super fast when she was out.

Plus, they have ears, transforming your kid into a dino / lion / panda, meaning they’re even more likely to wear them!

4. Sunglasses

Our preferred brand: Babiators

Sunglasses are also super important to keep kids’ eyes protected as well as their skin. Find some that are comfy for your child that are fully UVA/UVB protected, plus brands like Babiators often come with straps for the littlest of faces to make sure they stay on their face.

You can find out more about eye protection for kids here.

5. Shade

Our preferred brand: TREES!

It’s important to stay out of the sun for the hottest parts of the day, but whatever time you’re out, try to find a shady spot or make some shade. If you can’t find a tree or shelter, then why not use a scarf, towel or light blanket to make your own little den? Lily loved her shady trailer rides at festivals last summer when I made a little roof for her in the trailer!

Just always remember to not cover babies / children in carriers/prams so they don’t overheat and keep drinking water to stay hydrated!

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