Sun Protection Beyond Sunscreen: 5 Practical Ways to Help Protect Kids Outdoors

Sunscreen is important, but it works best as one part of a broader sun-protection routine for kids. Protective clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, shade, and attention to the UV Index can all help reduce UV exposure during outdoor play.

For busy families, the goal is not to create a complicated routine. It is to make protection easier to remember and repeat, especially when children are running, playing, swimming, attending camp, or moving between indoor and outdoor spaces.

A practical routine begins with clothing that comfortably covers more skin. Add broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed areas, use a protective sun hat and sunglasses, and look for shade when possible.

At Ember & Ray, we believe sun protection should feel calm, practical, and built for real family life. UPF 50+ tested clothing can make one part of the routine easier by providing consistent protection for the areas the fabric covers.

These related guides may also help: what UPF 50+ means in kids clothing, UPF versus SPF, whether regular clothing protects kids from the sun, and how to check the UV Index for kids.

Why is sunscreen only one part of sun protection?

Sunscreen helps protect exposed skin, but it has to be applied generously, evenly, and according to the product label.

During continued outdoor exposure, it also needs to be reapplied. Swimming, sweating, towelling off, friction, and missed areas can all affect how well sunscreen works in practice.

Children can be especially difficult to keep still during application and reapplication. They may also rub their faces, remove hats, push up sleeves, or run into the water before a parent has finished applying sunscreen.

That does not make sunscreen less important. It means families benefit from using more than one form of protection.

A layered routine can include:

• protective clothing that covers more skin
• broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen on exposed areas
• a protective sun hat
• sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB
• shade during longer outdoor periods
• checking the UV Index before heading outside

1. Dress kids in clothing that provides useful coverage

Clothing can help reduce how much skin is directly exposed to UV radiation.

For outdoor activities, practical coverage may include:

• a lightweight long-sleeve shirt
• comfortable pants or longer activity-appropriate bottoms
• a higher neckline or collar
• thumbholes that help keep sleeves in place
• a lightweight outer layer for changing conditions
• a long-sleeve rashguard for water activities

Clothing should still suit the weather and activity. Choose fabrics and silhouettes that allow movement, feel comfortable against the skin, and are realistic for the child to keep on.

Does regular clothing protect kids from UV?

Regular clothing can provide some UV protection, but the amount varies.

Fabric weight, colour, weave, stretch, moisture, wear, and construction can all affect how much UV radiation passes through. A garment may cover the skin without providing a clearly measured level of protection.

Learn more about how regular clothing compares with tested sun-protective clothing.

How does UPF 50+ clothing help?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. It tells you how much UVA and UVB radiation can pass through a fabric.

A UPF 50 fabric allows approximately 1/50th of UV radiation to pass through. That means it blocks about 98% of UVA and UVB rays on the areas covered by the fabric.

The benefit of a stated UPF rating is that parents are not relying only on how thick, dark, or tightly woven the clothing appears. The fabric has a tested protection level.

For a fuller explanation, read what UPF 50+ means in kids clothing.

2. Use sunscreen on exposed skin

Protective clothing helps only where the fabric covers the skin.

Sunscreen remains important for areas such as:

• the face
• the ears
• the neck
• the hands
• the feet
• the lower legs
• areas where clothing may shift during movement

Health Canada recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 when sun protection is needed.

Apply it generously and evenly according to the product label. During continued exposure, reapply at least every two hours and sooner after swimming, heavy sweating, or towelling off, unless the label directs otherwise.

What is the difference between SPF and UPF?

SPF and UPF apply to different types of protection.

• SPF is the rating used for sunscreen.
• UPF is the rating used for fabrics and clothing.

That means “SPF clothing” is not the standard term. Clothing is rated UPF, while sunscreen is rated SPF.

Read our complete guide to UPF versus SPF for kids.

Does UPF clothing replace sunscreen?

No. UPF clothing helps protect the areas covered by the fabric. Sunscreen is still needed on exposed skin.

The two work together as parts of a broader routine rather than as replacements for one another.

3. Add a protective sun hat and sunglasses

A protective sun hat can help shade areas that clothing does not usually cover, including the face, ears, scalp, and neck.

Look for a hat that:

• provides useful coverage around the face, ears, and neck
• fits securely enough to stay on during movement
• feels lightweight and comfortable
• suits the child’s activity and age
• does not significantly limit vision or movement

Sunglasses can help protect children’s eyes from UV exposure. Choose sunglasses or eyeglasses that state they provide protection against both UVA and UVB.

A hat and sunglasses should be used alongside, not instead of, other sun-protection measures.

4. Check the UV Index before heading outside

The UV Index helps families understand the strength of ultraviolet radiation for a particular place and time.

It is often more useful than judging the day only by temperature, sunshine, or cloud cover. A cool or cloudy day can still have a UV Index high enough for sun protection to be recommended.

Health Canada recommends protective clothing, UV-protective sunglasses, and broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher sunscreen when the UV Index is 3 or higher.

Check local conditions using our UV Index checker for kids.

Can kids get sunburn on cloudy days?

Yes. Clouds do not block all UV radiation.

Children can still receive meaningful UV exposure during cloudy school days, park visits, field trips, camp, sports, travel, and other outdoor activities.

Read more about whether kids can get sunburn on cloudy days.

5. Use shade during longer periods outside

Shade can help reduce direct UV exposure, particularly during longer outdoor activities or when the UV Index is elevated.

Useful sources of shade can include:

• trees
• covered playground areas
• umbrellas
• tents and canopies
• covered patios
• stroller canopies used according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• indoor or sheltered rest breaks

Shade is helpful, but it does not necessarily block all UV. Reflected and scattered UV can still reach the skin, especially near water, sand, pavement, snow, and other reflective surfaces.

Use shade as one layer alongside clothing, sunscreen, a protective hat, and sunglasses.

What does a simple sun-protection routine for kids look like?

A practical routine does not need dozens of steps.

Before a longer outdoor activity:

1. Check the UV Index and weather.
2. Choose comfortable clothing that provides useful coverage.
3. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin according to the label.
4. Add a protective sun hat and UV-protective sunglasses.
5. Pack sunscreen for reapplication.
6. Plan shade, cooling, and water breaks when possible.

Adjust the routine for the child’s age, health needs, activity, temperature, and guidance from their healthcare provider.

What should kids wear for different outdoor activities?

For school, parks, and playgrounds

Choose a lightweight long-sleeve shirt, comfortable pants or activity-appropriate bottoms, secure shoes, a protective hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen on exposed skin.

For summer camp and field trips

Choose breathable clothing that permits movement and provides practical coverage. Pack sunscreen, a hat, a water bottle, and one complete backup outfit.

Read our full guide to what kids should wear to day camp.

For pools, beaches, and splash pads

Use camp-approved or activity-appropriate swimwear, a long-sleeve UPF 50+ rashguard, water-resistant sunscreen on exposed skin, a protective hat for time out of the water, sunglasses, and shade when available.

For cool or cloudy outdoor days

Use lightweight layers that can be adjusted as conditions change. Do not assume that cool air or cloud cover means the UV level is low.

For travel days

Choose clothing that works across car rides, walking, outdoor stops, meals, and changing temperatures. Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a lightweight outer layer where they are easy to reach.

Which Ember & Ray pieces work within a layered routine?

Choose pieces based on the child’s activity, the weather, and how much coverage is practical for the day.

For soft long-sleeve coverage

The UPF 50+ Thumbhole Long Sleeve Crewneck provides long-sleeve coverage, thumbholes, and soft UPF 50+ tested fabric for school, parks, travel, and outdoor play.

For a collared option

The UPF 50+ Thumbhole Long Sleeve Polo combines long-sleeve coverage and thumbholes with a collared finish.

For lightweight leg coverage

The UPF 50+ Grow With Me Pants provide lightweight stretch, pockets, an adjustable waist, and an adjustable hem.

For breezy mornings and changing conditions

The UPF 50+ Thumbhole Lightweight Jacket provides a lightweight outer layer with a full zip, high collar, thumbholes, pockets, and a back vent for airflow.

For swimming and water play

The UPF 50+ Quarter Zip Rashguard provides long sleeves, a higher neckline, thumbholes, and UPF 50+ tested coverage for pools, splash pads, and beach days.

All Ember & Ray clothing pieces provide UPF 50+ tested coverage for the areas covered by the fabric. Sunscreen remains important on exposed skin.

Frequently asked questions about sun protection beyond sunscreen

Is sunscreen enough to protect kids from the sun?

Sunscreen is important, but it works best as part of a broader routine that also includes protective clothing, a sun hat, sunglasses, shade, and attention to the UV Index.

What is the best sun protection for children?

The most practical approach uses several complementary measures. Cover more skin with comfortable clothing, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen to exposed areas, use a protective hat and sunglasses, seek shade, and check the UV Index.

Do kids need sunscreen under UPF clothing?

Sunscreen is generally not needed beneath intact UPF fabric that remains in place, but it is needed on exposed skin and areas where clothing may shift. Follow the sunscreen label and any guidance from your child’s healthcare provider.

Does UPF 50+ clothing block all UV rays?

No. UPF 50 fabric blocks about 98% of UVA and UVB radiation and allows approximately 2% to pass through. It protects only the areas covered by the fabric.

Should kids wear long sleeves in summer?

Lightweight, breathable long sleeves can provide useful coverage when they are comfortable and appropriate for the temperature and activity. Adjust layers and provide water and cooling breaks as needed.

When should parents check the UV Index?

Check it before longer outdoor activities, especially during spring and summer, travel, camp, sports, water activities, or days when outdoor plans may extend into midday.

Do kids need sun protection when it is cloudy?

Yes, when the UV Index and outdoor exposure call for it. Clouds do not block all UV radiation, so sun protection may still be needed on grey or cool days.

Does shade provide complete sun protection?

No. Shade can reduce direct exposure, but scattered or reflected UV may still reach the skin. Combine shade with clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.

How often should sunscreen be reapplied?

Follow the product label. Health Canada advises reapplying at least every two hours during continued exposure and more often after swimming, heavy sweating, or towelling off.

The bottom line

Sunscreen matters, but it should not have to carry the whole sun-protection routine.

Use comfortable clothing to cover more skin, sunscreen on exposed areas, a protective sun hat, UV-protective sunglasses, and shade when possible.

Check the UV Index before heading outside and adjust the routine for the weather, activity, and amount of time children will spend outdoors.

UPF 50+ tested clothing can make one part easier by providing a clearly measured level of UV protection for the skin covered by the fabric.

The goal is not perfection. It is a calm, practical routine that families can repeat during school days, park visits, travel, camp, water activities, and outdoor play.

Read next

• Learn what UPF 50+ means in kids clothing.
• Compare UPF clothing and SPF sunscreen.
• Find out whether regular clothing protects kids from the sun.
• Build an everyday sun-protection routine for kids.
• Learn whether kids can get sunburn on cloudy days.
• Plan what kids should wear to day camp.
• Check the UV Index for kids before heading outside.

Sources

• Health Canada: Sun Safety Basics
• Health Canada: Sunscreens
• Environment and Climate Change Canada: UV Index and Sun Safety
• The Skin Cancer Foundation: Sun-Protective Clothing

This article is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace guidance from your child’s healthcare provider. Always follow sunscreen product-label instructions and choose clothing appropriate for the weather, activity, and individual child.