Summer Sun and Summer Fun!

The summer season is just around the corner and we are looking forward to loads of fun enjoying the long warm days.

As with anywhere, sun safety in the mountains is imperative, sometimes the mountain breeze can be deceptive and lull you into a false sense of security in terms of skin safety. Below are the NHS guidelines for children (most of them apply to adults too!)

Tips to keep your child safe in the sun

Encourage your child to play in the shade – for example, under trees – especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. Fortunately there is lots and lots of shade in the valley particularly along the banks of the river Dranse.
Keep babies under the age of six months out of direct sunlight, especially around midday.
Cover exposed parts of your child's skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days. Use one that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above and is effective against UVA and UVB. Don't forget to apply it to their shoulders, nose, ears, cheeks, and the tops of their feet. Reapply often throughout the day. Chatel Childcare strongly recommends Soltan from Boots which has a 5* UVB rating and is available in a variety of factors.
Be especially careful to protect your child's shoulders and the back of their neck when they're playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn. Keeping direct sunlight off skin can actually make you feel cooler.
Cover your child up in loose cotton clothes, such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves.
Get your child to wear a floppy hat with a wide brim that shades their face and neck.
Protect your child's eyes with sunglasses that meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the CE mark – check the label. I've had sunburnt eyes before (trying to avoid goggle marks) believe me, it isn't nice! These from MonkeyMonkey are fabulous.
If your child is swimming, use a waterproof sunblock of factor 15 or above. Reapply after towelling.