The first step in protecting children is to keep them out of the sun. Easy enough indoors but when parents are out of doors then what about the baby? Parasols and sun canopies are very pretty but few are designed for serious sun protection. This is the time to promote sun shades designed to cut out the damaging rays.

Another possibility for sales is sunglasses. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation appears to contribute to cataracts, cornea damage and, perhaps most importantly, age-related macular degeneration (AMD). It’s never too early to start looking after your sight and children with light coloured eyes are far more vulnerable. Sunglasses designed especially for children not only need to be small enough to fit they also need to be flexible and easy to wear. It’s not easy to persuade a child to wear sunglasses if they don’t want to! It is important that the lenses are of a high quality and scratch proof. After all, if the child can’t see properly then it rather defeats the object of wearing sunglasses.

For older, more active children who want to play in the sun (and who can blame them?) then they need clothing which is cool, comfortable and protects them from the sun. And finally, don’t forget hats – vital for keeping the sun at bay and great impulse buys!