Experts Say Sunscreen Is Not a Suit of Armour, Are Your Kids Fully Protected?

Experts have been firm on their sun-safe guidelines for babies.

This is the warning that the Australasian College of Dermatologists and Cancer Council released in their updated guidelines on sunscreen and sun protection for babies – it is not a suit of armour.

The guidelines followed after a recent study showed that 85% of people apply sunscreen incorrectly, which makes them and their loved ones at risk of sun damage.

Dr Andrew Miller, president of the ACD, said that some people either do not use sunscreen properly or they rely on it fully to protect themselves from the sun.

“There is a lack of understanding about the proper use of sunscreen and an over-reliance on this as the principal form of sun protection,” he said.

He added that the idea of “slip slop slap” when putting sunscreen is not enough. There are two more crucial steps that people should take.

“To be properly protected from UV, all five forms of sun protection should be used: slip on clothing, slop on sunscreen, slap on a hat, seek shade and slide on sunglasses,” Dr Miller says.

Heather Walker, Chair of Cancer Council Australia’s National Skin Cancer Committee, agreed and said that people should not see sunscreen as the all end all-in sun protection. 

“It is important to never rely on sunscreen to protect the skin,” she said.

“Cancer Council recommends using a water-resistant, broad-spectrum, SPF 30+ or higher sunscreen and other forms of sun protection.”

Here’s how you can actually protect your kids’ skin under Australia’s strong sun.

Sunscreen Still Matters

Sunscreen isn’t useless, but it shouldn’t be treated as a suit of armour. When used correctly it reduces the amount of UV radiation reaching the skin, helping lower the risk of burns and long-term damage.

Tips for proper sunscreen use:

• Choose a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen
• Apply at least 20 minutes before going outdoors
• Use enough to cover all exposed skin
• Reapply every two hours, and after swimming or sweating

Helpful product suggestions:

• Kids’ SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreens in lotion or cream format (easier for full coverage)
• Sunscreen sticks for face, ears and noses (quick and mess-free)
• Water-resistant formulations ideal for pool or beach days
• These help make sure sunscreen is used correctly, not just thrown on and forgotten.

Layered Protection Your Kids Need

Experts all agree that multiple forms of protection give the best defence against harmful UV rays.

UPF Clothing Is a First Defence

Sun-protective clothing blocks UV rays from ever touching skin.

Look for UPF 50+ kids’ sun shirts and leggings, which are lightweight but block harmful rays while kids play. Long sleeve swim tops and rash vests are excellent for beach or pool days.

These physically block UV, rather than absorbing it like sunscreen does, and are especially helpful for toddlers who rub off sunscreen while playing.

Hats Make a Big Difference

A wide brimmed hat can protect faces, ears and necks, the areas children often miss when applying sunscreen.

Try:

• Wide brim hats with chin straps for toddlers
• Legionnaire hats with neck flaps for maximum coverage
• Bucket hats with UPF fabric for casual outdoor wear

Hats are one of the simplest ways to add a strong physical barrier to UV rays.

Sunglasses for Sensitive Eyes

One area of sun safety that often gets missed is eye protection.

Children’s eyes are more vulnerable to UV damage than adult eyes because their lenses are clearer and allow more UV radiation to reach the back of the eye. Experts recommend introducing sunglasses from around six months of age, when babies start spending more time outdoors.

Choosing sunglasses designed specifically for babies and young children, with 100 percent UV protection, soft flexible frames, and BPA free materials, can help protect their eyes in the same way hats and clothing protect their skin. Starting early also helps children get used to wearing sunglasses, making it easier to keep them on as they grow.

Shade Is Not Optional

Whenever possible, keep kids under shade, especially between 10am and 4pm when UV is highest. Even the best sunscreen or UPF clothing can’t replace the protection offered by shade.

Helpful shade-boosting products include:

• Pop-up UV protective beach tents or play shelters
• Large UPF beach umbrellas
• Pram sun covers with built-in UV protection

These provide a physical break from direct sunlight and make outdoor play safer and more comfortable

What About Babies?

For babies under 12 months, sun exposure should be minimised, especially when the UV hits three or above. (Check the UV in your local area here at the Cancer Council or here at the Bureau of Meteorology.)

Sunscreen is generally not recommended for infants under six months, so physical protection like clothing, shade and hats become even more important for little ones.

Wrap-around hats with soft chin straps and full-coverage UPF outfits can help protect delicate skin when you are outside.

Experts say sunscreen is important, but it is not a stand-alone solution to sun protection. To truly protect your kids, combine sunscreen with UPF clothing, hats, sunglasses, shade products and sun-smart planning.

This layered approach gives your family the best possible defence under Australia’s harsh sun.

Source: Essentialbaby.com.au

Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney, she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

See Full Bio