Travel Tips: Family Emergency Kit

Did you know that sunburn in childhood can double the chances of skin cancer in adult life? So protect the future of your kids by protecting them now – on heads, shoulders, knees and toes, and almost everywhere in-between.

Suncream here, a sunhat there and UV-protection garments are only part of the picture. We asked our friends at The Beach Factory to share their advice for families on holiday, particularly when it comes to suncare.

"Baby's skin can burn in an instant", says Beach Factory, who 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 space for outdoor feeding and changing, as well as shade for swim-weary kids.

Childen can burn in less than 10 minutes too. The whole family should take particular care between 11am and 3pm, or hide out in a UV suntent. Other gear available includes wetsuits, swimwear, sunglasses and floppy hats, swim nappies, aqua shoes and goggles. There are also funky lifestyle lines including picnic rugs, towels, travel games and beach bags. 

Top tips for safe fun in the sun.

• Don’t forget sun hats, at home or abroad.

• Invest in sun-protection swimwear, as then sunscreen only has to be applied on exposed areas.   

• Try to stay out of the sun at least between 11 and 3pm by hiring or buying a big parasol or investing in a UV tent to shield you all from harmful UV rays.

• Make sure everyone has enough to drink. If self catering, pop mini juice cartons and ¾ full bottles of water in the freezer so you’ll have cold drinks throughout the day. Invest in an insulated cool bag with plates, cutlery and cups.

• 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. But remember to keep safe in the sun – the sun in the UK can be surprisingly strong.

The Beach Factory was up by two mums frustrated that fashionable and wearable UV swimwear for their older children was impossible to find on the high street. Their one-stop shop offers sound advice and a complete range of UV-protective products, tried-and-tested by parents.  

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