Being Sun Safe on holiday
Did you know that sunburn in childhood can double the chances of skin cancer in adult life?
And as cancer research would agree, we should be protecting the future of our children by protecting them now – on heads, shoulders, knees and toes, and almost everywhere in between.
Sun cream here, a sunhat there and UV-protection garments are only part of the picture, and things to remember. We decided to ask friends at 'The Beach Factory' to help us by providing advice and their top tips for families on holiday, and how they can get the very best sun care, in addition to regular application of sun lotion.
"Baby's skin can burn in an instant", say Beach Factory. That’s why they offer UV-protection garments that start at just 3 months, with nappy-friendly fastenings. Their ingenious portable UV-protection pop-up tents and play tents can create a fantastic space for outdoor feeding and changing, as well as shade for swim-weary kids.
Childen can burn in under ten minutes too. The whole family also should take particular care between 11am and 3pm, or perhaps hide out in a UV sun tent, where you are all protected. More gear includes wetsuits, swimwear, sunglasses and floppy hats; swim nappies, aqua shoes and goggles, as well as funky lifestyle lines comprising picnic rugs, towels, travel games and beach bags. From clobber for adventurous urchins to stylish swimwear for teenagers - A great way to promote sensible, but way cool, sun care amongst the whole family.
The Beach Factory's Top Ten Tips to have more fun in the sun.
- 1. About 15 bags per 1000 passengers go missing so spread the packing across two suitcases, so that if a piece of luggage goes missing, you still have something to wear until the missing suitcase arrives.
- 2. Don’t forget sun hats whether you are at home or abroad.
- 3. Nothing can spoil a family holiday quicker than sunburn! Sun protection swimwear is a great products as sunscreen only has to be applied on exposed areas. We have a wide selection for teens and adults too.
- 4. Try to stay out of the sun at least between 11-3pm by either hiring or buying a big parasol or investing in a UV tent which will shield you all from harmful UV rays.
- 5. Make sure everyone has enough to drink. If self catering, pop mini juice cartons and ¾ full bottles of water in the freezer so that you’ll have cold drinks throughout the day. Invest in an insulated cool bag complete with plates, cutlery and cups.
- 6. At theme parks, airports and when shopping kids can wander off so get them tagged. Buy a couple of Child Safety Velcro wristbands or attachable tags on which a mobile number can be written, so if the worst happens you can be reunited quickly. Do remember to pack your phone charger though, so that you’re ready to receive calls.
- 7. Pack a couple of travel games from GoPlay or keep a pack of cards in your handbag, a long wait for meals in busy restaurants can leave hungry and tired kids fractious, so keep them occupied.
- 8. Keep the family active this holiday with pool toys and frisbees.
- 9. Don’t forget the favourite cuddly toy or the adaptors and chargers for electronic games. It’s easily done!
- 10. If you can’t make it away on holiday make sure you get some time together as a family doing fun stuff – put a tent up in the garden, take a Frisbee or kite to the park and have a picnic. Remember to keep safe in the sun though – the sun in the UK can be surprisingly strong.
The Beach Factory: Set up by two mums who were frustrated that fashionable and wearable UV swimwear for their older children was impossible to find on the high street.
This one-stop shop offers sound advice and a complete range of UV-protective products, tried-and-tested by parents. The best UV products out there are there; with fast home delivery so parents needn’t delay when it comes to damaging rays.