How To Keep Children Sun Safe And Cool (Without Spoiling The Fun)
Sunscreen is only the start. These are the family essentials we'd pack every summer.
After what already feels like a summer of relentless heatwaves, many parents have become experts at applying sunscreen one-handed, constantly refilling water bottles and searching for the nearest patch of shade.
But as temperatures continue to soar, keeping children safe in the sun is about far more than remembering the SPF. From protecting delicate skin against harmful UV rays to preventing overheating and dehydration, small decisions—from what they wear to where they sleep—can make a big difference.
Children are more vulnerable to heat than adults, meaning they can become dehydrated and overheat more quickly. Their skin is also far more susceptible to UV damage, making good sun protection an essential part of every day outdoors, whether you're spending the afternoon in the garden, heading to the beach or escaping on holiday. And while sunscreen is a must, experts agree it's only one part of the picture. Shade, breathable clothing, regular hydration and keeping little ones cool all play an equally important role.
To help take some of the guesswork out of summer, we've rounded up the family essentials we'd genuinely recommend—from the sunscreen children won't complain about wearing to UV swimwear, breathable bedding and clever products designed to keep them cool, comfortable and protected all season long.
12 Summer Essentials Every Parent Should Own
The SPF They'll Actually Wear
Childs Farm's Bluey Sun Care Range
Getting children to stand still for sunscreen can sometimes feel like the hardest part of the day. But applying plenty of SPF—and reapplying it regularly—is one of the most effective ways to protect delicate skin from harmful UV rays. That's why we love Childs Farm's Bluey collection. Combining broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection with playful Bluey packaging and a gentle blueberry scent, it's designed to make sunscreen a little more appealing, while the matching after-sun helps cool, soothe and moisturise skin after a day outdoors.
The Sun Hat Range Worth Investing In
Liewood's Sun Hats
A good sun hat helps protect a child's face, ears and neck from harmful UV rays, but only if they're happy to keep it on. Liewood's thoughtfully designed collection includes lightweight cotton sun hats for everyday adventures alongside quick-drying swim hats for babies and toddlers to wear in the water. Comfortable, practical and beautifully made, they're the kind of hats you'll reach for every sunny day.
The UV Swimwear That Does Some Of The Hard Work
Kidly by MORI's UPF Swimwear
Children can spend hours in and out of the water, making sunscreen one of the first things to wear away. UPF swimwear adds another layer of protection by covering more skin while they splash, swim and play. Kidly by MORI's thoughtfully designed collection combines built-in UV protection with soft, comfortable fabrics that are made for long days by the sea or pool.
The Lightweight Layers They'll Stay Cool In
Monsoon's Summer Children’s Edit
When temperatures soar, breathable clothing can help children stay cooler and more comfortable throughout the day. Monsoon's summer collection is filled with lightweight cotton and linen pieces for boys and girls, featuring playful prints, cheerful colours and timeless designs made for sunny adventures. They're the kind of easy-to-wear outfits that work just as well for holidays as they do for days spent in the garden.
The Portable Shade You'll Use All Summer
Konges Sløjd's Pop-Up UV Tents
Keeping children out of direct sunlight is just as important as applying sunscreen, particularly during the hottest part of the day. A pop-up UV tent creates an instant shaded space where little ones can cool down, enjoy lunch or simply take a break from the sun. We love Konges Sløjd's beautifully designed collection, which combines UPF 50+ protection with playful prints and pops open in seconds. Whether you're at the beach, in the garden or enjoying a picnic in the park, it's one of those purchases you'll use all summer long.
The Pushchair Essential
Joolz Parasol
Babies and toddlers can overheat much more quickly than adults, making shade essential whenever you're out and about. While it can be tempting to drape a muslin over a buggy, doing so can trap heat and reduce airflow. A purpose-designed parasol, like Joolz's UPF 50+ parasol, helps shield little ones from harmful UV rays while still allowing air to circulate freely. It's a simple addition that helps keep buggy rides cooler, safer and much more comfortable on sunny days.
The Water Bottle That Keeps Them Hydrated
YETI Rambler Kids Water Bottles
Children often become so busy playing they forget to drink, increasing the risk of dehydration in hot weather. Having cold water close to hand makes regular sipping much more appealing. YETI's Rambler Kids Water Bottle keeps drinks refreshingly cold for hours, making it a summer essential for beach days, family holidays and everything in between.
The Baby Sleep Solution
Love to Dream's Summer Sleep Bags
Warm nights can make it difficult for babies to settle and sleep comfortably. Choosing a lightweight sleep bag designed for warmer temperatures can help keep them comfortable while following safer sleep guidance. Love to Dream's summer collection is specifically designed for hot weather, helping make bedtime feel that little bit easier when temperatures refuse to fall.
The Bedding That Helps Hot Nights Feel Cooler
Bedfolk's Baby & Toddler Bedding
A cooler night's sleep doesn't stop with babies. Breathable bedding made from natural fibres can help children feel more comfortable when bedrooms become warm and stuffy. Bedfolk's new Baby & Toddler collection is perfect for little ones, while its beautifully made bedding for single beds means older children can enjoy the same sleep-friendly comfort as they grow.
The Coolest Way To Stay Hydrated
Done by Deer Silicone Ice Lolly Moulds
Hydration doesn't always have to come from a water bottle. Homemade ice lollies are a fun way to help children cool down while adding extra fluids on particularly hot days. Done by Deer's clever Calippo-style moulds make it easy to create healthier frozen treats using fruit, yoghurt or diluted fruit juice that little ones will love.
The Sunglasses They'll Actually Want To Wear
Leo Sun Children's Sunglasses
Children's eyes are just as vulnerable to UV rays as their skin, yet sunglasses are often forgotten. A good pair helps protect developing eyes while reducing glare on bright summer days. Leo Sun combines UV400 protection with lightweight, comfortable frames and stylish designs that children will actually want to wear—making them much more likely to stay on.
The Outdoor Blanket You'll Use Everywhere
Red Equipment's Quilted Lightweight Water-Resistant Adventure Blanket
When the ground has been baking in the sun all day, hot sand and dry grass can quickly become uncomfortable for little ones. A lightweight outdoor blanket creates a clean, comfortable space where children can cool down, have a snack or simply take a break from the heat. Red Equipment's quilted, water-resistant Adventure Blanket packs down surprisingly small, making it easy to throw in the car or beach bag for everything from holidays to afternoons in the park.
Before You Head Outside: Five Sun Safety Rules Every Parent Should Know
The right products can make summer easier, but they're only part of the picture. These simple reminders can help keep children safe whenever temperatures rise.
Apply More Sunscreen Than You Think
Most parents don't use enough sunscreen. As a general guide, children need around 30–40ml (roughly six to eight teaspoons) to cover their whole body. Apply it around 20 minutes before heading outside and reapply every two hours, as well as after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
Don't Rely On SPF Alone
Even high-factor sunscreen works best alongside shade, lightweight clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Try to encourage regular breaks from direct sunlight, particularly during the hottest part of the day.
Keep Drinks Flowing
Children can become dehydrated much more quickly than adults, especially when they're busy playing. Offer water regularly throughout the day, even if they don't ask for it.
Dress For The Weather
Lightweight cotton and linen clothing, UV swimwear and quality sunglasses all help protect little ones while keeping them cooler and more comfortable.
Never Cover A Pushchair With A Blanket
Although it might seem like a quick way to create shade, covering a buggy with a muslin or blanket can trap heat and reduce airflow. A parasol or purpose-designed UV shade is a much safer option.
