When planning a family holiday, parents often have lots of questions about taking their children to the beach.
Days spent on the beach or by the swimming pool are full of fun, discovery and precious moments to share with mum and dad. To help you enjoy your family holiday with greater peace of mind, we’ve answered some of the most common questions parents ask when taking their children to the seaside.
Is sunshine good for children?
Yes, sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bones and normal bone development. However, children’s skin is delicate, so it’s important to protect them from excessive sun exposure.
Choose shaded areas, dress children in lightweight clothing that covers their skin, and use a suitable sunscreen for their age. Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight, especially during the hottest part of the day. With the right precautions, the whole family can enjoy time outdoors more safely.
What is the right age to take children to the beach?
There is no single age at which every child is ready for a beach holiday. Even babies can enjoy time outdoors, provided their needs are carefully considered. Babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight and protected with shade, lightweight covering clothing and a wide-brimmed hat. Take particular care to prevent overheating and ask your paediatrician for advice about sunscreen if your baby is younger than six months.
As children grow and become more active, beach days can be a wonderful opportunity to explore and play, as long as you adapt your plans to their age and needs.
What is the best time of day to take children to the beach?
Avoid taking children to the beach during the hottest and sunniest part of the day. An early morning visit is a lovely way to start the day, perhaps heading back around 10:30 or 11 am. Alternatively, you can return to the beach in the late afternoon, from around 4:30 or 5 pm onwards, depending on the weather and the UV index.
A beach umbrella alone is not enough to protect children from the sun. UV rays can reflect off the sand and water, and some radiation can reach shaded areas too. During the hottest hours, it is best to spend time indoors or in a cool, well-shaded place.
Remember that cloudy weather does not eliminate the risk of sunburn. UV rays can still reach your skin through the clouds, so sun protection remains important.
Should I take extra care if my child has very fair skin?
Yes. Children with very fair skin, red or blonde hair, or freckles can be particularly vulnerable to sunburn. Avoid direct sun exposure as much as possible and choose protective clothing, including a lightweight T-shirt, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a very high protection factor, SPF 50+, to exposed skin, following the product instructions.
Remember that shade and protective clothing are essential even when sunscreen is used. Reflected sunlight may still reach your child, so do not rely on shade alone to prevent sunburn.
What should every mum pack in her beach bag?
A well-prepared beach bag makes family days by the sea much easier. Here are a few essentials:
- High-protection sunscreen, suitable for your child’s age and skin.
- A wide-brimmed hat to protect the face, ears and neck.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Lightweight clothing and spare T-shirts, ideally with UV protection.
- Plenty of drinking water and any essentials your child needs throughout the day.
For babies and younger children, remember to bring everything needed to keep them cool, comfortable and protected from direct sunlight.
Which sunscreens are best for children at the beach?
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+, ideally water-resistant, and suitable for your child’s age and skin type. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be a good option for children with sensitive skin, although the best choice depends on individual needs.
Sunscreen should be applied generously and evenly to all exposed skin, not just the areas that are most likely to burn. Follow the product instructions and apply it before sun exposure as directed. As a general rule, reapply sunscreen at least every two hours and immediately after swimming, sweating or towel-drying, even if the product is labelled water-resistant.
After a day at the beach, a gentle moisturiser can help keep your child’s skin comfortable. If their skin is irritated or sunburnt, seek advice from a healthcare professional about suitable care.
When is it safe for children to swim?
Children love splashing in the water and could happily spend hours swimming. However, a few simple precautions can help make their time in the sea safer. There is no universal rule requiring every child to wait exactly two hours after eating before swimming. The right approach depends on how much they have eaten, how they feel and the conditions. After a heavy meal, it may be more comfortable to wait a while before swimming or doing strenuous activity.
Help children enter the water gradually, especially if they are hot from playing in the sun. Always supervise children closely in and around water, stay within reach of young children, and never rely on armbands or other flotation aids as a substitute for adult supervision.
Very young children can become cold or tired quickly, so keep swimming sessions short and take regular breaks. Bring them out of the water if they start shivering, seem tired or feel uncomfortable.
Keep these simple precautions in mind whenever you take your little ones to the beach.
What should I do if my child gets sunburnt despite all our precautions?
If your child gets sunburnt, move them out of the sun immediately and keep the affected skin covered until it has healed. Cool the skin gently with a cool shower or a damp, cool cloth, and encourage your child to drink water.
Do not expose the affected skin to direct sunlight while it is healing. If your child develops blisters, significant swelling, fever or other concerning symptoms, seek medical advice promptly. Sunburn in babies and young children should be taken particularly seriously.
What if my child takes medication?
If your child takes regular medication, ask your doctor or pharmacist whether it can increase sensitivity to sunlight before spending time outdoors.
Pay attention to topical treatments as well, including medicated creams and ointments. Some medicines and skincare products can cause photosensitivity, which may lead to skin reactions when combined with sunlight. Check the product information and follow your healthcare professional’s advice.
With a little preparation, you can help your children enjoy their holiday while taking care of their skin and wellbeing.
We hope these tips will help you enjoy an even more relaxing stay at one of our camping villages in Caorle and Eraclea Mare or in one of our holiday apartments in Jesolo. Both coastal areas have received the Green Flag award, a recognition awarded by Italian paediatricians to beaches considered particularly suitable for children and families.
Still wondering where to spend your next family holiday? Discover more about the benefits of the sea for your wellbeing!
