Other Information and Guidance You Might Also Want to Look At
- Songs, activities, and lots of teaching and learning ideas for very young children about being Smart in the Sun
- Shade in Centres and Planning Considerations for Sun Protection, Safety, and Children's Learning
- Sun Protection Policy Template for ECE Services and Tips
- The Responsibilies Service Managers and Owners have toward Child and Staff Sun Protection and Frequently Mentioned Issues
Practical and best sun protection measures for babies, toddlers and young children in home-based and centres
© ChildForum
Always use sun protection measures during peak UVR times between September and April, especially between 10am and 4pm (or Terms 1 & 4 in early childhood services).
During the winter months and outside of these hours sunhats and other sun protection measures are usually not necessary and can be harmful for children's health. It can be harmful because some UV radiation exposure through being outdoors is important for vitamin D production. Vitamin D is really important for young children's bone, muscle and brain development.
When the UVR levels are high or there is high reflectivity (e.g. off snow) then measures need to be taken to protect children's skin and eyes.
The basics of sun protection for young children include:
- Protective clothing
- A suitable hat
- Broad-spectrum SPF30+ water resistant sunscreen
- Shade when outdoors
- Sunglasses when a hat cannot be used
This article brings together and details the accepted best practice recommendations of health experts, WHO and the Cancer Society for each of the above and relates these to the context of early childhood education and care and what you can do.
Then the article discusses special considerations for infants and toddlers.
READ MORE
Oops ... you are attempting to view an article or a resource in the member-only area for Educators. This is available exclusively to our Educator members.
To keep reading, you need to login with your Educator membership login
Not a member? Look below ↓ for the click here button ↓ It will take you to the membership page to sign up and choose your own unique username and password.