Your baby's skin is delicate and can be easily damaged by the sun. You must protect your child whether you are on holiday or at home in the UK ... even if you consider them to have the type of skin that should tan. Children with red or blonde hair, freckles or pale eyes are particularly at risk.

If your baby is less than six months old you should keep them out of direct sunlight, especially around mid day.

Make sure your baby is in the shade either under a canopy, a tree, an umberella or indoors and dress them in baggy but close weave cotton clothing. Remember that little necks and shoulders are very vulnerable especially if your child is wearing a strappy style top.

There are plenty of wrap around baby sun glasses on the market now, they don't have to be an expensive branded pair but keep in mind that toy sun shades will not work.

Try to encourage your baby to wear a hat when you go out in the sun. Legionnaire style caps with protective flaps that cover the back of your baby's head are ideal.

When you buy sun screen check that it is safe for babies and make sure that it is factor 15 or above. Don't forget your baby's ears, cheeks, nose and feet are vulnerable ... and remember that sun screen washes off in the paddling pool.

Remember the shadow rule ... if your shadow is shorter than you are tall you can burn in the sun