With increasingly hot summers, sun protection for children is no longer an option—it's a necessity. UV rays, sunburn, heatstroke... The risks are real, but with the right equipment and habits, the whole family can enjoy the sun safely.
Why are children more vulnerable to the sun?
Children's skin is 3 to 5 times thinner than adults'. Melanocytes (pigment-producing cells that provide protection) are not yet fully developed before the age of 15. A sunburn in childhood significantly increases the risk of melanoma in adulthood.
Children at particular risk:
- Very fair skin, red or blonde hair
- Freckles
- Family history of skin cancer
- Under 6 months old (sun exposure not recommended)
Golden rules for child sun protection
1. Choose the right SPF (Sun Protection Factor)
For children, always opt for a minimum SPF 50. For babies and children with very fair skin, choose SPF 50+ with a mineral filter (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). These physical filters are less irritating than chemical filters.
2. Apply sunscreen correctly
The 2mg/cm² rule is often ignored. In practice, this corresponds to:
- 1 teaspoon for the face
- 6 teaspoons for the body of a 6-year-old child
- Apply 30 minutes before exposure
- Reapply every 2 hours and after each swim
3. Areas not to forget
Ears, neck, feet, behind the knees, shoulders — these are the most forgotten and most exposed areas. Use a sun stick for the eye contour and ears.
Physical protection: your best ally
Hats and caps
A wide-brimmed hat (minimum 7cm) protects the face, ears, and neck. For athletes, a cap with integrated UV protection and a neck flap is ideal. Our UV Visor Cap offers UPF 50+ protection and is foldable to fit in a bag.
Anti-UV clothing
Clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) certification blocks 97 to 99% of UV rays. A classic t-shirt only filters 20 to 30% of rays. For the beach and pool, opt for UPF 50+ lycra suits for children.
Children's sunglasses
Children's eyes let in 70% more UV rays than adults'. Sunglasses with UV 400 protection are essential from an early age. Our UV400 Polarized Sport Sunglasses are suitable for children aged 6 and over.
Heat management: avoiding heatstroke
Hydration
A child aged 3-6 should drink 1 to 1.5 liters of water per day, more in hot weather. Offer water every 30 minutes without waiting for them to feel thirsty — feeling thirsty is a sign of dehydration already setting in.
Misting
A portable facial mist sprayer is perfect for quickly cooling down children during outings. Our Nano Facial Mist Sprayer is safe for children and fits in a stroller pocket.
Hours to avoid
Avoid direct sun exposure between 12 PM and 4 PM. This is when UV rays are most intense (up to 90% of daily UV rays).
Inflatable pool: perfect solution for children
Setting up an inflatable pool in your garden allows children to cool off while remaining under supervision. Our 183cm Family Inflatable Pool can be set up in 10 minutes and can accommodate several children.
⚠️ Water safety: never leave a child alone near a body of water, even if it's shallow.
Our selection to protect the whole family
- 🧢 Foldable UV Visor Cap — UPF 50+, 360° protection
- 😎 UV400 Polarized Sport Sunglasses
- 💦 Nano Facial Mist Sprayer — instant freshness
- 🏊 Family Inflatable Pool — guaranteed fun
🎁 Code ETE2026: -15% on all sun protection products. Free delivery in France.
Article written by the Best'n Deal team. Sources: French Society of Dermatology, ANSM. Last updated: May 2026.