Hello again! If you’ve been with us from the start, you’ll know this is the seventh and final entry in a series of blogs inspired by Child Safety Week 2024. They're dedicated to helping families build confidence and skills in managing the real risks to children’s safety.

Today, we're discussing the importance of using a stroller, pram, twin, tandem, or travel system as effective sun protection for your baby or toddler. With the sun's harmful rays posing a risk of sunburn and skin damage, it's important to prioritise sun safety while out and about with your little one.  

 

The Importance of Sun Protection in Babies and Toddlers

Babies and toddlers have delicate skin that’s particularly vulnerable to the sun's UV rays. Excessive sun exposure can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration and could potentially lead to skin damage and cancer later in life. It’s recommended that children aged under 6 months be kept out of direct, strong sunlight.

So, using your pushchair’s sun protection features to shield your child from harmful UV radiation and keep them cool and comfortable is a handy and sensible solution.

 

Using a Twin, Buggy, Pram, or Travel System as Sun Protection

Let's explore how these products can serve as more than just modes of transportation but also as shields against the sun's harmful effects.

 

1. Built-in Sunshades and Canopies

Many pushchairs come equipped with built-in sunshades or canopies.

  • Some products, such as the Puggle Memphis 2-in-1 i-Size Travel System, feature extendable sun canopies with UPF 50+ protection, providing ample shade and shielding your child from UV rays.
  • Parasols also shield delicate skin from the sun, providing a comfortable shaded space for little ones to enjoy outdoor activities without risking sunburn.  

 

2. Adjustable Sun Protection

  • Look for a system with adjustable sunshades or canopies that can be repositioned to block the sun from different angles and provide maximum coverage and protection from the sun.

 

3. UV-Resistant Materials

  • Choose products made from UV-resistant materials that provide additional protection against the sun's harmful rays.
  • Many in-built sun canopies and hoods feature UV-resistant materials that block harmful rays while repelling raindrops. However, this is not a legal requirement, so be sure to read the product descriptions and instructions carefully if this is a deal breaker for you.

 

4. Stay Hydrated and Cool

  • Remember to keep your child hydrated and cool while travelling in a stroller, pram, twin, or travel system.

  • Pack plenty of water and dress your child in lightweight, breathable clothing to prevent overheating.

     

5. Seek Shade and Limit Sun Exposure

  • Whenever possible, seek shade and avoid prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak sun hours.
  • Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when the sun's rays are less intense.

 

Infant Sun Protection  

Effective sun protection features are vital for safeguarding your baby or toddler from the sun's harmful rays. Prioritise sun safety by choosing products with built-in sunshades and UV-resistant materials, ensuring worry-free outings with your little one.

 

Thank You!

Thank you for joining us for this series of safety tips. We hope you’ve enjoyed our blogs and that you’ve learned something you can use around your home or on your travels to make your environment and your little ones safer.  

And don't hesitate to reach out if you have any safety-related inquiries about our products!

Finally, please head over to the Child Accident Prevent Trust’s website for further safety information, download their free resources, and consider donating to this worthy cause if you’re able.