A few minutes of gentle sunlight is good for children, and helps them produce vitamin D, which plays an important role in keeping bones and organs healthy. However, children can burn quickly in the sun as their delicate skin is vulnerable to sunburn. ‘Gentle’ sunlight is the light during the early morning and later afternoon through the summer months, and at most times during the winter.

Sunburn can be painful for anyone, but children are just a bit more at risk. Apart from the discomfort, it can also lead to long term skin damage and higher risk of skin cancer later in life. It is best to keep your child out of direct sunlight as much as possible – and remember that even when it’s cloudy you can still get burnt. Babies should be kept in the shade at all times.

You can protect your child from sunburn by:

•             making sure young children always wear a hat when they are outside - a hat with a minimum 5mm brim, or caps with flaps so that face neck and ears are covered.

•             keeping them protected with clothes that cover their arms, legs and body.

•             restricting the amount of time spent in direct sunlight. The hours between 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. are the most dangerous.

•             covering prams and buggies to protect from direct sunlight, material used should cast a dark shadow. It’s also important to make sure it doesn’t get too hot inside - use a UV protected sun shade on the buggy whenever possible.

•             Setting a good example! Don’t forget to wear your hat and sunscreen too.

What you need to know about sunscreen:

•             Talk to your pharmacist about the most suitable sunscreen for your child.

•             Be cautious about using sunscreen on babies under one – it is best to keep your baby out of strong sunlight.

•             An SPF30+, broad spectrum sunscreen will give maximum protection.

•             Test a small amount on the skin to avoid reactions and talk to your pharmacist if your child does show any signs of allergy to the sunscreen.

•             Apply the sunscreen to all exposed parts of the body not covered by clothing – and areas that might become exposed as your child plays and moves around.

•             Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside and re-apply every two hours, especially after swimming.

•             Sunscreens do have an expiry date, so check before using and follow the instructions.

Around water…

Young children love playing with water and this is the perfect time of year to let them burn off energy and have some good outdoor fun.

To keep children safe around water there are some simple steps you need to take.  Whether it’s at the beach, a public pool or in your own home it is important to be there with children, helping them to become confident in the water.

Did you know that a child can drown in water as little as four centimetres deep?  This is  less than the length of your little finger.  That’s not much water which is why adult supervision is so important.  Children are naturally curious and always need to be supervised in and around water up until they are at least five years of age.

Swimming pools

•             If you have a pool or spa pool it must be securely fenced and comply with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987.

•             Teach your child water safety rules such as waiting until an adult can get in the water with them, and not to run near pools.

•             Always stay with your child in and around the pool .

•             Floatation aids such as water wings and inflatable rings do not prevent drowning – you still need to supervise young children by keeping them within reach.

•             Empty paddling pools when they aren’t in use.

Beaches and other swimming holes

•             Be aware of possible hidden dangers such as rips and deep holes. Always stay in the water with young children.

•             Watch children carefully – keep them within reach as they are paddling or playing at the waters edge.

•             Everyone on a boat needs a life jacket.  Young children always need to wear a life jacket and a harness.

•             Water troughs and natural pools, fish ponds, creeks and ditches are a drowning danger. 

•             A fenced off play area will help keep children safe.

Water confidence

Water confidence classes are offered around the country and are a great way to introduce babies to water in a supervised way.  Once baby reaches six months of age, you can make inquiries about classes near you. This is when their immune systems will be developed enough for them to be around potentially large groups of people using the pool without the risk of getting sick.  

Like any experience, remember to encourage children to learn water skills at their own pace, allowing them to gain confidence in one skill before moving on to the next.

Being safe in the water means having fun being with children and enjoying the experiences together. 

Remember - keep young children within reach when they’re around water.

For more information or advice you can talk to your local Plunket Nurse or call PlunketLine 0800 933 922 24 hours, 7 days a week.

For more information on parenting and the services Plunket offers, visit www.plunket.org.nz or call your local Plunket, listed in the white pages.

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