Sun safety for kids in Australia
Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide, and how to use the UV index.
Check the UV
Use sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or above. The free SunSmart app shows the daily UV forecast for your area.
Babies under 12 months
Keep babies out of direct sun when the UV is 3 or above. Use shade, clothing and a hat. Sunscreen is not recommended for regular use on babies under 6 months.
Five steps
Slip on clothing that covers skin, slop on SPF 50 or 50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside and reapply every two hours, slap on a broad-brimmed hat, seek shade, and slide on sunglasses.
General information only, checked against Australian government and peak-body sources. Talk to your GP, midwife or child health nurse about your situation.
More in Health & safety
Health & safetySafe sleep: the guidelines in plain EnglishSix simple steps that lower the risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy.Health & safetyIntroducing allergy foods to your babyWhen and how to offer peanut, egg and other common allergy foods.Health & safetyFever in babies and children: when to see a doctorWhat counts as a fever, when it is urgent and how to keep your child comfortable.Health & safetyCar seat rules in Australia, and when to change seatsThe national rules by age, and how to know your child is ready for the next seat.