Luxury Family Holidays in the Sun

• With younger children, choose gentle sun over intense heat – and hence destinations not very far from home. In fact, it's great with any age of kids not to have to travel very far – whether flying or taking the ferry/car or train, summer sun is accessible without your having to subject your kids to long flights and the risk of jet-lag.

• Remember that sunburn in childhood can double the chances of skin cancer in adult life. Keep babies less than 6 months old out of direct sunlight. From 6 months, liberally apply a SPF15+ sunscreen every 2 hours when outdoors, even if it’s cloudy (a ‘broad-spectrum’ brand with a 4/5-star rating, formulated for babies’ and children’s skin). Use waterproof formulations in or around water, but reapply it after they’ve towelled.

• Invest in UV-protection garments and perhaps also a portable UV-protection pop-up tent for shade, outdoor feeding and changing.

• Take particular care between 11am and 3pm anywhere the sun is shining, even if it doesn't seem strong.

• Wear cool cotton clothing and hats (with wide brims, plus under-chin straps if necessary). When in the sun for prolonged periods, ensure kids wear long-sleeved top and trousers, and apply sunscreen to areas not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, backs of hands, and feet.

• Be wary of reflective surfaces, which can bounce back up to 85% of the sun’s damaging rays – not just water, but also sand, snow and even concrete. Buy your children good-quality wraparound sunglasses as soon as they can wear them.

• Ensure a constant supply of fluids – take an insulated cool bag to the beach, filled with mini juice cartons and bottles of water (if you're self-catering, put them in the freezer before going out).

See also our features on the best sun products for mums, dads and kids.