For a few years now the government has followed the lead of a successful campaign launched in Australia about sun safety. The Slip, Slap, Slop campaign encouraged everyone to Slip on a T-Shirt, Slap on a hat and Slop on the sunscreen to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays. For babies and toddlers this is essential as their skin is thin and delicate and more easily damaged than an adults.

However, the campaign has now gone three steps further and includes slamming on a pair of sunglasses, sipping water and whenever possible staying in the shade. To ensure your little one is protected from sunburn while on holiday, in the garden or at the beach, we’ve put together this great range of products to cover the essentials of Slip, Slap, Slop, Slam, Sip and Stay.

‘Slip’ – Sun Suits & Socks

Slipping on a t-shirt is fine but for a baby or toddler they need some extra protection so we recommend a sun suit which can eliminate 98% of the sun’s harmful rays. With less skin exposed the suits also keep nappies in place and stops the sand from getting in.

Konfidence Long Sleeve UV Suits (6 months – 3 years)

Splash About All in One UV suit

For the tot who likes to get in the sea or pool but still needs sun protection, a UV suit with floats already built in keeps them in a safe forward tilting position while in the water and has a +50 UPF.

Nscessity UV protective Flotation Suit

And don’t forget their tiny toes. The feet have a very thin layer of skin covering them so these protector socks will prevent sunburn as well as being non-slip.

Zoggs Protector Socks

‘Slap’ – Sun hats

Hats serve a variety of functions such as keeping the sun off your little one’s head, keeping the sun out of their eyes and keeping them cool when playing out in the sun. Buy a sun hat that has a SPF +50 protection and one that has a brim or peak for shading the eyes. Some sun hats also have side flaps for added protection to the ears.

Splash About Bucket Hat

Splash About Legionnaires Hat

‘Slop’ – Sunscreen / Sun Cream

Normal sun cream bought in any chemist can irritate your child’s skin because it’s so sensitive at this tender age and standard creams can be quite harsh. You’ll need something specially formulated that will provide the same level of protection while being kind to your baby and toddler’s skin.

Sun cream shouldn’t be seen as an alternative to sun suits and hats but an addition to the protection you’re providing your little ones particularly for those areas of the body that are exposed (i.e. the face, nose, hands etc.).

Sun Sense Toddler Milk SPF 50

‘Slam’ – Sunglasses

We don’t recommend that you actually ’slam’ a pair of sunglasses onto your tot’s face but you should provide them with a decent pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes from UV rays. The UV400 category lenses will block out harmful UV radiation which can damage their vulnerable eyes and the neoprene strap will keep the sunglasses in place as they play. Sizes available for babies (up to 2 years of age) and toddlers (from 2 to 5 years-old).

BabyBanz Baby Sunglasses (0-2 years)

KidBanz toddler Sunglasses (2-5 years)

‘Sip’ – Drinks bottles and cups

Water is essential to prevent your baby or toddler becoming dehydrated in the heat. Keep their drinks in a neoprene covered bottle which is perfect for travelling and will keep the contents cooler for longer. Make sure your child drinks at regular intervals.

Sunshine Kids Lil’ Snugger

‘Stay’ – UV tents and sun shade

Despite all the great products we’ve mentioned you should still find plenty of shade in which to set up camp when outdoors in the sun. Make sure your baby or toddler regularly takes time out in the shade. Natural shade is great but also take a UV tent with you to block out the sun’s harmful rays and help to keep your tot cool in the summer sun.

Sunproof Mini UV Protector UPF50 and Beach Shelter

Nscessity UV Tent – Under Five Years

Parents - don’t forget to follow the advice too. Slip on some clothing, slap on a hat, slop on the sunscreen, sip water and stay in the shade. This UV umbrella is perfect for adults and kids.

Portable UV Folda Brella (beach umbrella)

So there you go. Just remember to Slip, Slap, Slop, Slam, Sip and Stay and you’ll enjoy the summer.