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Toddler Sun Safety in Summer

Company News

13 May 2025

Toddler Sun Safety: Your Summer Survival Guide

Smart protection tips and fun ways to stay hydrated in the heat.

Whether you’re a sun-cream-in-the-handbag-at-all-times kind of parent, or someone who’s only just realised it’s nearly 30 degrees, this one’s for you!

Sunshine can do wonders for our mood, but young children are far more vulnerable to heat. The signs of dehydration or sunburn aren’t always obvious until it’s too late. From smart sun protection tips to fun ways to stay hydrated, we’ll walk you through the small things that make a big difference to your toddler’s safety and comfort.

☀️ Dressing for Sunshine

It’s tempting to strip little ones down when the sun’s out, but summer safety is about protecting delicate skin from harmful UV rays, even when it’s cloudy. (Tip: You can check your local UV index on the Met Office website).

What to dress your toddler in:


Loose, lightweight layers: Think breathable cotton or bamboo.

Long sleeves and longer shorts: For extra skin protection without overheating.

A wide-brimmed hat: Or one with a flap at the back for neck coverage.

Toddler-sized sunglasses: Ensure they have 100% UVA and UVB protection.

Parent Hack: If your child is prone to pulling their hat off, turn it into a game! Pretend it turns them into a “sun warrior” who needs their magic hat to stay strong and ready for adventure.

Toddlers playing safely in the sunshine

🧴 Sunscreen: The Golden Rules

Sunscreen can feel like a faff when your toddler thinks it’s a game of chase, but it’s essential. The NHS recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4-star UVA protection. Look for ones designed for babies, as they are kinder to sensitive skin.

When to Apply

Apply generously 15–30 minutes before heading outside, even for short walks. Reapply every two hours and straight after water play – even if it’s labelled ‘water-resistant’.

Sneaky Spots

Don’t forget the ears, the back of the neck, the tops of feet, and hands. Even with sunscreen, it’s best to keep little ones in the shade where possible.

🧃 Hydration: Make it Fun

Toddlers are busy explorers, and drinking water isn’t always their top priority! Staying hydrated is key to avoiding overheating, tiredness, and grumpy moods.

Offer small sips of water often, keeping a toddler-friendly bottle nearby.
Add fruit slices (berries, cucumber, orange) to water to make it exciting.

Offer hydrating snacks such watermelon, cucumber, or homemade ice lollies made with diluted fruit juice or coconut water.
Take a yoghurt pouch, dot it onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper, and freeze!

Note: Avoid sugary or fizzy drinks, which can dehydrate and aren’t great for teeth. Check out our baby-friendly ice pop recipes on TikTok!

🌳 Safe Outdoor Play: Sunshine & Shade

At Kids Planet, we love outdoor learning, from free-flow gardens to our Udeskole programme. But we always take extra care in warmer weather.

Timing is Everything

Try to avoid the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm. Stick to shaded areas under trees, parasols, or pop-up tents.

Cool-Down Corners

If your little one wants to run wild, set up a cool-down corner with a paddling pool, water table, or damp flannels. Add scoops and bowls for sensory fun!

🛑 What If My Child Gets Too Hot?

Even with the best intentions, accidents happen. Hats get ditched, sunscreen rubs off, and toddlers don’t always tell us when they’re too hot.

Signs of heat exhaustion or mild sunburn:

Flushed skin, tiredness, or irritability.
Headache or dizziness.
Feeling hot to the touch but sweaty or clammy.
Dry lips or fewer wet nappies than usual.

Action: Bring them into a cool space, offer water, and use a damp cloth on their skin. If symptoms don’t improve quickly, call 111.

🚨 Severe signs like confusion, vomiting, or very hot/dry skin require urgent medical attention.

Keeping Summer Safe and Special

At Kids Planet, our colleagues are trained to spot signs of overheating and make outdoor play safe and fun. Got questions about how we keep children safe outdoors every day?

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