Top Summer Safety Products for your baby

Sun cream

Sun cream really is a must, because children’s skin is so vulnerable.

Babies under six months old should be kept out of the sun whenever possible, and older babies and children should only be allowed in the sun for limited periods and if they are well protected.
It is important to remember that:

• sun can burn from early spring onwards, not just in high summer
• the sun’s rays can penetrate the clouds
• the sun’s rays can penetrate light cotton clothing.

You can read about the sun creams tested by babyworld readers and check out our sun cream product information for tips including:

• sun protection products come in lotions, milks, mousses and creams. It's important to choose a make that is quick and easy to apply on to a wriggly baby or toddler, and that gives good, thick coverage. Remember that there should be a layer left on the surface of the skin
• some makes of sun cream are now also available in roll-on applicators, which are quick and easy to use on children. Lipstick-style applicators are useful for lips, nose and ears
• don’t hoard old bottles of sun cream - they need to be replaced each year. The cream's effectiveness is likely to start to reduce after about six months. This process will be speeded up if the bottle has been left in the heat of the sun, so try to keep it in the shade while you're on the beach

Sun creams we like:
Proderm Transdermal Kids Sun Block Mousse - SPF 30 £8.66
Maws sun cream for babies and children SPF 45 £8.99
Ambre Solaire Factor 60 for sun intolerant skin £9.32
Boots Soltan Factor 50 Sun lotion for babies £6.59
Johnson’s Suncare Baby 30 Ultra Sun Block lotion/facial cream £6.56

Aftersun

Although adults associate after sun with helping cope with sunburn, it’s important to have some on hand for baby, to moisturise skin and counteract the effects of any sun exposure as much as possible. It can be very soothing and is often easier to apply than sun cream because small children like the cool feeling!

Aftersuns we like:
Proderm After Sun Rejuvenating Mousse £5.99 Maws Aftersun & Insect Repellent £4.99
Boots Soltan aftersun lotion for babies £4.99

First aid kit

It’s worth taking a first aid kit on holiday to make sure you can tend to minor problems without having to cope with a language barrier at the pharmacy.

Look for a kit that includes useful items including plasters, antiseptic cream and at least a crepe bandage if not also a triangular bandage.

First aid kits we like:
Metro First Aid Kit £15.00
First Aid Direct Travel Kit £14.35 incl postage
Boots medium First Aid Kit £19.95
St John Ambulance Holiday First Aid Kit (very comprehensive) £22.17 incl postage (020 7278 7888).

Insect repellent

Depending on where you are travelling to, you may want to consider insect repellent. It is heart-breaking to see your baby covered in little bites just because you only have adult repellent, so make sure you read the back of the spray or lotion to ensure it is safe for babies and children. If you are going further afield think about mosquito bands or patches, if you are just traveling within the UK you might want to take advantage of a top tip from a babyworld reader, below.

Insect repellents we like:
Maws Aftersun & Insect Repellent £4.99
Boots Repel Plus Spray Lotion for Children £4.75
Mozzie Patch £6.95

Top tip:
If you just want to repel midges, try using a liberal amount of hairspray – it’s a little-known secret but it works for lots of people!