The Complete Sun Safety For Kids Checklist for Family Holidays
You've booked the accommodation. Flights are sorted. The countdown is on.
And then comes the packing.
If you're like most parents, you'll pack and repack three times, forget something crucial, and end up buying overpriced sunscreen at a resort gift shop because you didn't bring enough.
Family holidays are amazing—but the packing? Less so.
Here's the thing: when it comes to sun safety for kids, forgetting the essentials isn't just inconvenient. It's risky. Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, and popular holiday destinations—beaches, pools, national parks—are exactly where your kids need the most protection.
This is your complete sun safety packing checklist for family holidays. Everything you need to protect your kids from UV damage, nothing you don't.
Let's make sure you've got it covered.
The Non-Negotiables: Sun Safety Essentials
These are the items you absolutely cannot leave home without. They're the foundation of sun safety for kids on holiday.
1. Kids' Sunglasses (Multiple Pairs)
Why you need them: Kids' eyes are more vulnerable to UV damage than adults' eyes. Up to 80% of lifetime UV exposure happens before age 18, and sunny holidays are when UV exposure is highest.
What to pack:
Primary pair: Quality sunglasses that meet Australian standards (AS/NZS 1067:2016, Category 3, UV400 protection)
Backup pair: Because kids lose things. Always pack a spare.
Sunglasses strap: Keeps sunnies secure during water activities and prevents loss
Pro tip: Pack sunglasses in hard cases to prevent them getting crushed in luggage. Keep one pair in your carry-on so they're accessible the moment you arrive.
Babiators recommendation: Our Navigator or Aviator styles with adjustable fabric straps. Water-resistant, virtually indestructible, and backed by our Lost & Broken Guarantee.
2. Sunscreen (More Than You Think You Need)
Why you need it: Sunscreen is your second line of defence after clothing and shade. But here's what most families get wrong: they don't pack enough.
What to pack:
SPF 50+ broad spectrum (minimum)
Water-resistant formula for beach/pool days
Fragrance-free option for sensitive skin
Enough for the whole trip plus extra (calculate 1 bottle per person per 3-4 days for full-body applications)
How much to pack:
For a week-long beach holiday with 2 kids: at least 4-5 large bottles
For shorter trips or less sun exposure: 2-3 bottles minimum
Pro tip: Pack one bottle in your day bag that stays there all holiday. You'll never be caught without it.
3. Sun Hats with Broad Brims
Why you need them: Hats protect the face, ears, and neck—areas that are easily burned and often missed with sunscreen.
What to pack:
Broad-brimmed hats (at least 7.5cm brim all around)
Legionnaire-style hats with neck flaps for extra protection
Secure chin straps to prevent hats blowing off in wind or water
What to avoid:
Baseball caps (don't protect ears or neck)
Bucket hats with narrow brims
Fashion hats without UPF ratings
Pro tip: Pack one hat per child plus a backup. Kids have a talent for losing hats in the ocean.
4. Sun-Protective Clothing
Why you need it: Clothing is the most effective sun protection—better than sunscreen because it doesn't wear off or need reapplication.
What to pack:
UPF 50+ rashies/swim shirts for water activities
Long-sleeved lightweight shirts for extreme sun exposure
UPF-rated swimwear (full-body suits for young kids)
Loose, breathable fabrics in light colours
How many:
At least 2 rashies per child (one to wear, one to wash/dry)
3-4 if you're doing lots of water activities
Pro tip: Choose bright colours or fun patterns—kids are more likely to wear sun-safe clothing if they like how it looks.
5. Shade Solutions
Why you need them: Shade is your first defence against UV. Even with sunscreen, hats, and sunnies, prolonged direct sun exposure is risky.
What to pack:
Pop-up beach tent or UV-rated beach umbrella
Portable sun shelter for picnics and parks
Pram/stroller sunshade for babies and toddlers
UV-blocking window shades for the car
Pro tip: Look for shade solutions with UPF 50+ ratings and proper ventilation to prevent overheating.
The Extras: Make Sun Safety Easier
These items aren't strictly essential, but they make sun safety on holiday so much easier (and more likely to actually happen).
6. Sunglasses Straps & Cases
Why you need them: Kids lose sunglasses. It's practically guaranteed. Straps and cases reduce loss and breakage dramatically.
What to pack:
Adjustable fabric or silicone straps (one per pair of sunglasses)
Hard sunglasses cases for travel and storage
Soft pouches for daytime carrying
Pro tip: Attach straps before you leave home. By the time you arrive, kids will be used to them.
7. After-Sun Care
Why you need it: Even with the best sun safety practices, skin can get irritated from sun, salt, chlorine, and heat.
What to pack:
Aloe vera gel (preferably 100% pure)
Gentle moisturiser for rehydration
Cool compress or ice pack for mild sunburn
Children's paracetamol for discomfort if needed
Pro tip: Keep after-sun care in the fridge for extra cooling relief.
8. Lip Balm with SPF
Why you need it: Lips have no melanin and burn easily. Kids often forget to apply sunscreen here.
What to pack:
SPF 50+ lip balm (one per person, plus extras)
Water-resistant formula
Fragrance-free for sensitive skin
Pro tip: Attach lip balm to your day bag with a carabiner clip. You'll always know where it is.
9. Swim Goggles
Why you need them: Goggles protect eyes from chlorine, salt water, and UV rays reflected off water surfaces.
What to pack:
UV-protective swim goggles (check for UV400 rating)
Comfortable fit (kids won't wear uncomfortable goggles)
Backup pair because straps break and goggles go missing
Pro tip: Choose bright colours so they're easy to spot in a beach bag.
10. Reusable Water Bottles
Why you need them: Hydration is crucial for sun safety. Dehydration makes kids more susceptible to heat exhaustion and sunstroke.
What to pack:
Insulated water bottles to keep water cold
One per person (clearly labelled)
Easy-to-open lids for younger kids
Pro tip: Freeze water bottles the night before beach/pool days for ice-cold water all day.
Age-Specific Sun Safety Packing
Different ages have different needs. Here's what to add based on your kids' ages:
For Babies (0-12 months)
Additional items:
Full-body UV swimsuit (babies under 6 months shouldn't wear sunscreen)
Pram sun cover with UPF 50+ rating
Baby sun hat with secure ties
Lightweight muslin wraps for extra shade
Portable UV tent for naps and feeding
Sun safety rules:
Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun entirely
Use clothing and shade as primary protection
Minimal sunscreen (only on unavoidable exposed areas)
For Toddlers (1-4 years)
Additional items:
Full-body rashie suits (easiest sun protection)
Sunglasses with straps (non-negotiable for this age)
Swim nappies with UPF rating
Portable shade shelter they can play in
Sand toys for shaded play
Sun safety rules:
Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours (set phone reminders)
Enforce "sunnies and hat before outside" rule
Plan activities for early morning/late afternoon when UV is lower
For Kids (5-12 years)
Additional items:
UPF-rated sports clothing for active play
Multiple pairs of sunglasses (they'll lose or break them)
Their own sunscreen stick they can apply themselves
Wide-brimmed hat for all-day wear
UV-protective rash vest for water sports
Sun safety rules:
Teach them to apply their own sunscreen (with supervision)
Make sunglass-wearing automatic
Set timer reminders for reapplication
Destination-Specific Additions
Where you're going determines what else you need to pack.
Beach Holidays
Additional items:
Beach tent with sides for full shade coverage
Sand-free beach mat for sitting in shade
Waterproof sunscreen (reapply after every swim)
Reef-safe sunscreen if visiting protected areas
Extra sunglasses straps (water activities = higher loss rate)
Pool/Resort Holidays
Additional items:
Swim shirts for all-day pool time
Poolside shade options (many pools have limited natural shade)
Waterproof phone pouch for setting sunscreen reminders
Dry bag for storing sun safety items poolside
Camping/Hiking Holidays
Additional items:
Lightweight long-sleeved hiking shirts with UPF
Neck gaiters or buffs for extra sun protection
High-coverage sunglasses (wrap-around styles)
Portable sunshade for rest breaks
Insect repellent with sunscreen (check compatibility)
Ski/Snow Holidays
Additional items:
Category 4 sunglasses for extreme glare
Goggles with UV protection for skiing/snowboarding
High-SPF lip balm (reapply frequently)
Reflective sunscreen (zinc-based for maximum protection)
Neck warmers to protect exposed skin
Why it matters: Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays—you need MORE protection, not less.
The Pre-Holiday Checklist
Two weeks before you leave, run through this checklist:
✅ Check expiry dates on all sunscreens
Sunscreen loses effectiveness over time
Expired sunscreen ≠ protection
✅ Test sunglasses for damage
Check for scratches, bent frames, loose hinges
Replace if needed
✅ Wash and check all sun-protective clothing
UPF ratings decrease with wear and washing
Replace worn-out rashies
✅ Buy backup sunglasses
Don't wait until you're on holiday to replace lost sunnies
✅ Pack a small first-aid kit
Include after-sun care, bandaids, antiseptic
✅ Check accommodation for shade options
If limited, pack extra portable shade
Day Bag Essentials: What to Carry Daily
You've packed everything—now what actually goes in your day bag for outings?
The daily carry:
Sunglasses (on faces) + backup pair
Hats (on heads) + backup
Sunscreen (large bottle)
Lip balm with SPF
Water bottles
After-sun gel
Sunglasses straps (if not already attached)
Lightweight cover-ups
Snacks (hunger makes kids less compliant)
Small towel for shade breaks
Pro tip: Pack the day bag the night before. You'll actually leave on time.
Common Packing Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)
Mistake 1: Not packing enough sunscree
Fix: Calculate based on actual usage (1 teaspoon per limb, per application, every 2 hours). Then add 50% more.
Mistake 2: Assuming you can buy it ther
Fix: Resort/tourist area prices are inflated. Pack from home.
Mistake 3: Only packing one pair of sunglasses
Fix: Kids lose things. Always pack backups.
Mistake 4: Forgetting sun protection for cloudy days
Fix: UV rays penetrate clouds. Pack and use sun safety items daily.
Mistake 5: Packing fashion hats instead of sun hats
Fix: Broad brims (7.5cm+) and neck flaps are non-negotiable.
The Bottom Line
Sun safety on family holidays isn't about packing everything under the sun (pun intended). It's about packing the essentials that actually protect your kids from UV damage:
Absolute must-haves:
✅ Quality sunglasses (plus backups)
✅ Broad-brimmed hats
✅ SPF 50+ sunscreen (more than you think)
✅ UPF 50+ rashies and swim shirts
✅ Portable shade solutions
Game-changers:
✅ Sunglasses straps
✅ Hard cases for sunnies
✅ After-sun care
✅ Reusable water bottles
Pack smart, pack enough, and pack early. Your future self (the one not hunting for overpriced sunscreen at a tourist trap) will thank you.
Most importantly: your kids' eyes and skin will thank you too.
Ready to tick sun safety off your packing list? Start with quality kids' sunglasses from Babiators—UV400 protection, Australian standards compliant, and backed by our Lost & Broken Guarantee. Because family holidays should be about making memories, not replacing lost sunnies.
