Share your tips for staying safe in the sun - £200 voucher to be won

[BellaMumsnet]

Created for NIVEA

This sponsored discussion is now closed

Whether it’s turning sun cream application into a fun game, buying your child a hat that they love too much to take off, or taking a pop-up beach tent big enough for everyone to squeeze into for days at the seaside, share with us below your top tips for protecting your family from the sun.

· Post your tips on the thread below to be entered into a prize draw
· One lucky MNer will win a £200 voucher for a store of their choice

Here’s what NIVEA Sun has to say:

“NIVEA Sun is the UK’s number 1 suncare brand and partner with Cancer Research UK to share important sun safety information with the public. Together we ask everyone to 1) Seek Shade 2) Cover Up 3) Apply Sunscreen.”

Thanks and good luck with the prize draw!

MNHQ

Insight T&Cs apply

[goingpearshaped]

Sunscreen all the way, reapplication and cooling towels

[Sleepybumble]

Waterproof high factor sunscreen, cotton clothing and a beach parasol are out must haves for every beach trip.

[ButterOllocks]

Put on the suncream 30 minutes before going outside, to give it time to absorb and become fully protective

[lovemyflipflops]

A SPF 50 sun tent for the beach/garden for the hottest part of the day if you cannot go indoors, and a good quality sun cream - not an own brand - reading the instructions.

[skyeisthelimit]

I always put factor 50 on both DD and myself and buy the waterproof one for her for our annual summer beach holiday. When she was little she always wore a hat.

I take a big loos cotton shirt to the beach to cover up over a swimsuit, and also drink plenty of water when its really hot.

I wear sun cream every time I go out in the sun, whereas a lot of people will sit in their garden for 2 hours with no cream on then get sunburned.

[janney3]

Find a different high factor sunscreen that suits each member of the family and apply it regularly every day. Wear hats and sunglasses whenever possible. Keep sun exposure low but try and enjoy the sunshine we do get.
Stay hydrated with lots of fluids but also eat moisture dense foods like cucumber, melons and soft fruits.

[EsmeeMerlin]

We stick to the shade as much as possible and will stay indoors as much as we can on the really hot days. Ds2 doesn't react well to the heat. When out we have suncream, hats and will visit the water fountains 10 minutes away from us. Cool baths before bed also help with sleeping.

[jacqui5366]

A shaded paddling pool, waterproof sunscreen, keeping hydrated with juice and lollies, wearing a hat with a brim if they can't/won't wear sunglasses

[Somertime]

We have bottles of suncream everywhere- by the front door so they can use it before leaving the house, in their school backpacks and in the car. Putting it in is just like putting on your shoes and hat. Same rules for adults and kids.

Hats, glasses, shoes all kept by the front door too so we dont forget or lose them.

Spare clothes & uv swim tops always kept in the car if we pop to the beach unexpectedly (we live on the coast).

[ohdannyboy]

Loose cool clothing - cotton, bamboo or linen, a good outdoor tent with maximum spf for midday, lots of juice, and a good SPF - buy new each year for the little one as the SPF reduces - (we use last years so no waste),

Make sure to use the SPF 30 minutes before you go outdoors.

[PolkaDotMankini]

One thing I discovered last year is that all Nivea sunscreen products are reef safe. This was great to know for our holiday involving lots of sea swimming and snorkeling.

[Hollyhocksarenotmessy]

Don't forget hair parting can burn for anyone with thinner hair, apply sunscreen if not wearing a hat (eg while swimming).

[Sarah84848484]

Don’t underestimate the sun… it’s easy to think you’ll be fine but always stay in the side of caution… if you would put cream on a child or put them in the shade you need to do it too!

[lovemyflipflops]

Cool clothing, as much shade as possible between 11 and 3, hydation.

[HobNobAddict]

A large, dampened cotton hat with a wide brim - I use a legionnaire hat to cover the neck. lots of drinks a suncream with a good SPF - and if you get the paddling pool out - re-apply even it its 'waterproof' cream

[SausageAndCash]

‘Skimpy’ clothes are not always best in the heat.
Look for very light cotton clothes , like the thin Indian kurta tops, in white or light colours, that keep the sun off your skin and reflect the heat.
But still apply sunscreen underneath.
Apply everyone’s sunscreen all over before you go out. Don’t wait til you arrive at the beach/ pool.
If possible, live like a native! Get up early, Take a siesta, stay up and out late.
In the UK the long light evenings make a teatime / evening picnic and swim a lovely thing, as the crowds are melting away.
Enjoy woodland walks and activities.

[littlecottonbud]

I use a UV sun suit, and a anti-sand sun cream , UV tent, a coolbox full of cool treats and drinks.

[DinkyDaffodil]

Parasol over a paddling pool, sunscreen 30 mins before going into the sun, and keeping hydrated with fruit, juice and ice creams

[CMOTDibbler]

The Uniqlo Airism UV protective clothing isn't hot and sticky, but gives you SPF50 protection all the time. I particularly like their zip hoodies for back of the neck, front neckline and hand coverage.
Protective clothing is much more reliable than making sure you always have enough sun cream on

[tulips27]

My suggestion is to wear a UV protective rash vest at the beach and especially swimming in the sea, and to use a very protective sunscreen or block for other areas. In addition, when possible I stay out of the direct sun when it's at its strongest during the day.

[EmbroidedFlowers]

Spf 50+ 5* rating suncream. We've just got into mineral suncreams with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for a more natural protection against uv. 🙂
A wide brimmed hat.
A thin shawl to protect the shoulders.
Sunglasses.
Always stay hydrated and be near some shade! 🏖

[Dumpedagainfml]

I am fitzpatrick skin type one
tried and tested methods (lived in india and israel) scottish


factor 50 straight out the shower - cover from head to toe - wait 30 minutes to sink in at least
get dressed
spray hands feet and face before leaving
check uv index - if over 6 shade
take factor 50 with you

top up every 2 hours at least

never burn

[colleenw]

Always wear sun cream (apply to your face all year round) A high factor one, don't forget to reapply it. A floppy hat and keep out the sun from midday when it's at it's hottest!

[StickChildNumberTwo]

Hat on as soon as the sun comes out (necessary or my parting burns). Sunsafe cover up swim suits for the kids if we're on the beach. Trying not to be fooled into thinking you don't need sunscreen in Scotland.

[Tenohfour]

As well as hats and sunscreen, I buy cheap baggy white t shirts for the kids in sizes that are much too big. They cover up their arms and feel floaty and cool, don't stick to the sunscreen and when they get stained we tie dye them and they last even longer. They wear them into the sea/pool as well, and they dry super quickly. I always throw a couple of spares into the car for changes.