Backyard Safety

When children spend time in the backyard, they often spend time in the sun. Children need to be protected from the sun. Too much sun during childhood can cause skin cancer as they get older. The younger any sunburn occurs, the greater the risk.

So, to stay safe in the sun:

• Stay out of the sun during the hottest times of the day, in general between 10am and 3pm
• Provide good quality shade in the backyard so that children can play out of the sun. This may be a verandah, a pergola, a large leafy tree or a children’s cubby.
• Children need clothing that gives them a natural protection from the sun. Hats, with a neck flap and a brim or visor, and long-sleeved shirts are  good. Cottons and lycras are good sun-protective materials.
• Use an SPF 30+ sunscreen on parts of the body that are exposed to the sun. Mild sunscreens are often better for young children with sensitive skin.
• Young babies have very sensitive skin and are best kept out of the sun until they are at least 12 months old.