14 sun safety mistakes parents don’t realise they’re making – and how to fix them fast

Many parents think they’re doing the right thing by slathering their children with a high SPF or popping a blanket over their baby’s pram, but not all sun protection strategies are created equal.

Some common parenting habits, like using sun cream on under-six-month-olds or relying on cloudy skies as cover, can actually do more harm than good. And others, like forgetting to reapply sun cream or using last year’s bottle, can leave your child exposed to sun damage without you even realising.

We’ve collated some of the most common mistakes parents make when it comes to sun safety as well as how to avoid them. Whether it’s choosing the right kind of sun cream, understanding why shade trumps SPF for young babies, or knowing when it’s just too hot to play outside, we break down what every parent needs to know to keep their child safe in the sun.

1. Staying in the sun too long or at the wrong time

The hottest part of the day tends to be from 11am to 3pm, which is when levels of UV radiation from the sun are also highest.

This is the time to avoid playing in direct sun. Instead, keep outdoor play to the early morning or late afternoon, and stay in the shade during peak UV hours. Or swap any high intensity play for more relaxed activities in the garden, water play, or indoor alternatives.

Dr. Jonathan Kentley, a consultant dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson, tells MadeForMums that it’s best to encourage kids to take regular breaks from being in direct sunlight, especially in the middle of the day.

2. Allowing babies to be exposed to sun

Babies under six months shouldn’t be exposed to direct sunlight at all. Their skin is thinner, produces less melanin to protect against UV rays, and burns much more easily than older children or adults.

And sunscreen doesn’t mean they can go in the sun, either. It isn’t recommended to use sun cream on babies under six months old because their delicate skin is more likely to react to lotions, which can cause irritation or rashes.

3. Forgetting that kids still need sun protection on cloudy days

It might feel counterintuitive to get the suncream and hats out when the sun isn’t out, but it might be necessary.

According to Cancer Research UK, UV rays from the sun can be strong enough to damage your skin from mid-March to mid-October — even if it’s cloudy and cold. 90% of UV rays can pass through clouds, so it’s best to check the UV index on your weather app and use adequate sun protection whenever UV levels are at a three or above.

You can also use the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest, so you should take extra care to protect your family’s skin.

4. Thinking that kids with darker skin don’t need protection from the sun

People with darker skin are less likely to burn because their skin contains more melanin, a pigment that helps to protect against UV rays. Melanin absorbs UV and scatters it, providing some natural protection against sun damage.

However, this doesn’t mean people with more melanin are immune to the harmful effects of the sun. All skin types require sun protection to prevent long-term harm.

5. Using out-of-date suncream

Sun-protective ingredients in suncream can degrade over time, so using expired suncream can leave children unprotected.

Always check the expiry date on your sunscreen bottles — they tend to last for two to three years.

Check out. MadeForMums’ list of best suncreams for babies and children.

6. Not using enough suncream

The NHS recommends that adults should use six to eight tablespoons’ worth of suncream to protect their whole body, but most people use less than the recommended amounts, which limits the amount of protection they get.

Apply suncream generously, and top it up every two hours, especially if you and your children are swimming or sweating.

7. Thinking suncream alone is enough

Dr. Jonathan says that although sunscreen is essential, it shouldn’t be your only defence against the sun.

Protective clothing, especially those made from UV-blocking fabric, as well as hats and sunglasses are great to provide physical barriers from the sun’s rays.

“Suncream is an indispensable tool in sun protection, but it should be part of a layered defence, not the only line,” Jonathan says.

“Think of it like a seatbelt in a car: essential, but far more effective when combined with airbags and good driving practices. Using sunscreen alongside physical barriers helps ensure that children can enjoy the outdoors safely without compromising their future skin health.”

8. Not dressing your child or baby properly

Dressing children in dark, tight, or synthetic clothing can make them hotter and more prone to heat rash. Whereas light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes made from natural fibres are much better for keeping them cool in the sun.

Likewise, using a heavy blanket to shade a pram can cause the temperature inside to rise dangerously, putting babies at risk of overheating. It is safer to use a light, breathable cover or a purpose-made sunshade, and always check the baby’s temperature regularly.

9. Forgetting a hat

A wide-brimmed hat that protects the ears and back of the neck is important on hot, sunny days, Jonanthan says.

Whereas leaving children’s faces, ears, and necks exposed to the sun can increase the risk of sunburn on these sensitive areas.

10. Forgetting that eyes need sun protection too

“Sunglasses aren’t just a summer fashion accessory,” says Paramdeep Bilkhu, Clinical Adviser at The College of Optometrists. “They play an essential role in protecting eyes from harmful UV rays. Parents often remember to apply suncream and put a hat on their child, but they may not realise that UV rays can still reach the eyes and cause damage over time.”

Children’s eyes are very sensitive to UV rays, which can cause long-term damage and lead to conditions like cataracts and macular degeneration.

Plus, sunglasses can help to ease hay fever symptoms, because they physically block pollen from reaching the eyes.

11. Buying cheap, ineffective sunglasses

Even if you do remember to pop a pair of sunglasses on your child, they might not offer as much protection as you’d like. A recent report by Which? found that many cheap kids’ sunglasses bought online didn’t provide enough protection to make them safe to wear — and none of the pairs met the requirements for them to be legally sold in the UK.

Instead, buy your kids sunglasses from recognised brands, check for a CEO or UKCA mark or UV400 protection, and avoid cheap online products.

MadeForMums has a list of where to buy safe kids’ sunglasses here.

12. Letting their kids get a tan

Some parents believe that slowly exposing children to the sun will help them build up a tan to eventually tolerate sun better.

This isn’t a good idea — children’s skin contains less melanin than adults’, and gradual exposure can still cause burning which increases the risk of skin cancer later in life.

13. Forgetting to hydrate

Drinking plenty of water helps to avoid dehydration, which increases risks of heatstroke and heat exhaustion.

Try to give your child plenty of water and avoid juice and sugary drinks, if possible, for the sake of their teeth and sugar crashes.

If your baby hasn’t weaned yet, they don’t need water — the NHS says that breastmilk is the only food or drink babies need in their first six months. They may want more milk during hot weather. Formula-fed babies might need small sips of boiled (and then cooled!) water during hot weather, on top of milk feeds.

Once your baby has weaned, they can have sips of water, usually with their meals. This doesn’t have to be cooled, boiled water once they are over six months.

14. Not teaching kids about sun safety

If children don’t understand why sun protection is important, they are less likely to follow sun safety guidelines themselves as they get older and more independent.

Teaching them simple rules, like the shadow rule and how powerful the sun can be at peak times, helps them learn when to seek shade.

The sun is a great part of summer, but can be dangerous to children, leaving them vulnerable to sunburn, heatstroke, and dehydration. But by avoiding these common mistakes, you can keep your kids healthy and comfortable in the sun.