Outdoor play is one of the best parts of childhood, and in Victoria it comes with a little planning. Good sun safety for kids is about simple habits you repeat every day, so they become second nature. Here is what the SunSmart advice says and how you can put it into practice.
Why UV matters more than temperature
Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation, not heat. That means a mild, cloudy spring day can still have high UV, while a hot day in late afternoon may be lower. Young children’s skin is delicate, and sun exposure in childhood adds up over a lifetime, so protecting them early makes a real difference.
SunSmart recommends using sun protection whenever the UV Index is 3 or above. In Victoria, this is usually from mid-August to the end of April. The easiest way to check is the free SunSmart app or the daily sun protection times in the weather forecast.
The five ways to protect your child
SunSmart describes five steps that work best together. No single step is enough on its own.
- Slip on clothing that covers as much skin as possible, such as tops with sleeves and collars and longer shorts or skirts.
- Slop on sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum and water resistant. Apply it 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, or after water play.
- Slap on a broad-brimmed, legionnaire or bucket hat that shades the face, neck and ears. Caps do not protect the ears or neck.
- Seek shade, especially in the middle of the day when UV is often at its highest.
- Slide on sunglasses if your child will wear them, choosing a close-fitting style that meets the Australian Standard.
Babies and sun safety for kids under one
Babies need extra care. SunSmart advises keeping babies under 12 months out of direct sun when the UV is 3 or above, using shade, clothing and hats as the main protection. Widespread use of sunscreen is not usually recommended for babies under 6 months. If you have questions about your baby’s skin or a reaction to a product, talk with your Maternal and Child Health nurse or GP.
Everyday tips that make it easier
Getting a toddler to keep a hat on is a challenge many parents know well. A few small routines can help:
- Make sunscreen part of the morning routine, like brushing teeth, before you leave the house.
- Let your child choose their own hat, or help put sunscreen on a teddy first.
- Wear your own hat and sunscreen. Children copy what they see.
- Keep a spare hat and sunscreen in the car or nappy bag.
- Plan park visits for early morning or later afternoon in summer, and look for playgrounds with shade.
- Remember that sunscreen does not last all day. Reapply often.
If your child is starting care, our what to pack guide explains what to send each day.
How we keep children sun safe at Nest
Outdoor play is a big part of every day at Nest, so sun protection is built into our routines. Sunscreen and a summer hat are included for every child, which means one less thing for you to remember in the morning rush. Our educators help children apply sunscreen, encourage hats outdoors and use shade during play when the UV is high. Over time, children learn to reach for their hat themselves, a habit that will serve them well at school and beyond.
If you would like to see our outdoor spaces at our Keysborough centre and hear more about our daily routines, we would be happy to show you around. Book a tour or get in touch with our team on 03 9969 7057.
