Children burn more easily than adults and sunburn in childhood can lead to skin cancer in later life. Here are a few handy tips to keep kids safe in the sun.

•    Keep kids covered to avoid sunburn. On days out, put kids in t-shirts and wide-brimmed hats.  At the beach or pool, take along a spare t-shirt in case the first one gets wet, as wet fabric lets through more ultraviolet (UV) rays.

•    Make sure children wear hats. Legionnaire style or wide-brimmed hats cut out around 50 per cent of UV radiation to the eyes, face and neck.  It’s a good idea to get babies and young children used to wearing a hat – they will be less likely to resist when they’re older.

•    Use plenty of factor 15+ sunscreen. It should be applied 15-30 minutes BEFORE kids go outside. (It doesn’t work immediately).  Re-apply it half an hour or so later.  That way you’ll be less likely to ‘miss a bit’ and kids will be better protected.

•    Sunscreen should then be re-applied every few hours – especially after swimming or towelling – whether or not it says its waterproof.

•    Babies burn even faster than children and toddlers.  Keep babies under six months out of the sun completely.

•    Encourage kids to wear sunglasses (eyes get sun damaged too).  Wraparound styles are best as they cut out more UV and ensure they offer a high level of UV protection.  Toy sunglasses can do more harm than good.

•    Buy a parasol for the buggy.  The extra cost is minimal, but the sun protection considerable.

•    On sunny days, try to organise outdoor activities in shady areas, and try to spend some time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.

•    Be a role model.  Children will mimic the behaviour of those around them, so lead by example.

For more information, visit www.sunsmart.org.uk.