We have all enjoyed the recent sunshine, but as the number of people affected by skin cancer increases we need to be more aware of the dangers of too much exposure to the sun.  Most people think about sunburn as something that happens in hot, sunny places, but most cases happen here in the UK. You may be in the park with the kids or just having a picnic lunch outside.

Top tips for protecting children in the sun

• Use shade Keep babies in complete shade: under trees, umbrellas, canopies or indoors. Provide shade for prams and buggies, if possible.

• Cover them up When outdoors, protect a baby’s skin with loose-fitting clothes, and a wide-brimmed hat that shades their face, neck and ears.

• Wear sunglasses Buy good quality, wraparound sunglasses for children, as soon as they can wear them.
•  Find hats they like Encourage children to wear hats with brims, especially if they are not wearing sunglasses. The wider the brim, the more skin will be shaded from the sun.

• Use sunscreen wisely Use at least a factor 15 sunscreen and choose a "broad-spectrum" brand that has a four or five-star rating. Apply to areas that cannot be protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands. Choose sunscreens that are formulated for children and babies' skin. These products are less likely to contain alcohol or fragrances that might irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.

•  Apply sunscreen generously and regularly. Put some on before children go outdoors. Sunscreen can easily be washed, rubbed or sweated off – so reapply often throughout the day.

• Don't forget school times Remember play times and lunch breaks on summer school days too. Give children a hat to wear and, if they can't apply sunscreen at school, cover their exposed skin before they go.