When does your baby actually need shade in Australia?
In summer, it's easy to think "it's hot, so my baby needs shade."
But heat and UV aren't the same thing. A day that just feels warm in Australia can still have a very high UV level.
How do I actually check the UV level?
The easiest tool you've most probably got is your phone. Most weather apps now show the UV level for the day, right alongside the temperature. The number to look for is 3.
Once the UV level hits 3 or above, doctors, the World Health Organization, dermatologists and sun safety experts everywhere agree that it's time to think about shade, and that matters even more for young children.
"But it doesn't feel that hot"
UV level and temperature are two different things. A mild, overcast day can still have a UV level of 3 or higher, because UV comes from the sun's rays, not from how warm the air feels. Cloud only blocks a small amount of it.
So yes, even on a cloudy or cooler day, it's worth checking the UV number rather than judging by feel.
Why where you live matters
| Where you are | When UV is 3 or above |
|---|---|
| Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia | Every single day of the year |
| New South Wales | At least 10 months of the year |
| Victoria, Tasmania | Most of the year, dipping below 3 only in winter |
Victoria and Tasmania are the only states where UV regularly falls below 3, and only for part of the year. Everywhere else, it's close to a year-round thing, not just a summer one.
Why babies need extra protection
Cancer Council Australia recommends that babies under 12 months are kept out of direct sunlight whenever the UV level reaches 3 or above. Their skin is more sensitive than an adult's, and in most of the country that applies for most of the year.
What this means day to day
Check the UV number on your phone before you head out, the same way you'd check the chance of rain. If it's 3 or above, your baby needs shade, whatever the temperature says and however sunny or cloudy it looks outside. A SnoozeShade gives you shade you can rely on wherever that number lands on the day.
Want to know exactly how SnoozeShade is tested and rated for UV protection? Read about UVE, the Australian shade fabric standard.
