Why baby sun hats and caps are so important

Barbecuing in the garden, splashing about in the children’s pool and building sandcastles on the beach: we can’t get enough of it. But all those moments in the sun also entail the necessary risks.

Harmful effects

Shocking, but true: about 1 in 6 Dutch people develop skin cancer. The most common cause? Sit in the sun a lot. Sun damage is caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation and infrared light from the sun. In the long term, this causes pigmentation spots, wrinkles, sun allergies and in the worst case: skin cancer. UV rays are strongest on sunny days, but they are also present in winter. It is important to start sun protection as early as possible. Not only in the form of a sunscreen bottle, but also with baby sun hats and children’s caps.

Why is it so important?

1. Children are more at risk

The skin of babies is a lot more fragile and therefore more sensitive to UV radiation than that of adults and older children. The skin cells damaged by sunlight can also recover less well. KWF Kankerbestrijding even advises to keep your baby completely out of the sun for the first year of life. Certainly between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., because that’s when the sun shines the brightest. This is also important to prevent sunstroke.

2. Sunscreen is not enough

Just rubbing your baby or child on a sunny day is not enough. Sunscreen never provides 100 percent protection. In addition, it can be spread too thin and disappear quickly by sweating or rubbing.

3. Shadow lowers the risk

It’s a myth that you don’t run any risk in the shadows. The white sand can also reflect UV radiation. But burning is slower in the shade than in direct sun. A sun hat with a wide brim or a cap with a neck flap are therefore a must for your child.

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Which baby sun hats and children’s caps are there?

– Children’s caps with and without neck flap

These caps are perfect for kids who spend hours playing in the sandbox or on the beach. They have a visor at the front and a neck flap at the back, which keeps the face, neck and ears in the shade. Would you rather opt for a cap without a neck flap, because your child doesn’t like it (anymore)? Do not forget to lubricate the ears and neck well.

– Wide brim sun hats

Even if your baby or child wears a sun hat, the neck and ears are protected. Especially useful for babies, because you can tie the hat with a string.

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