5 Holiday safety tips for babies and children: A simple guide for all families

Holidays are a great time for families to enjoy the outdoors, travel and relax. Babies and children love exploring, but they also need extra protection because their bodies are still developing and they may not recognise danger.

This guide provides simple safety tips about sun protection, water play, playgrounds and travel. It is written for all families, including those with darker skin tones and families from culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Sun safety

Australia has very strong ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV rays can cause sunburn, skin damage and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. UV is invisible and can cause harm even if the weather feels cool.

Sun protection is important for everyone, regardless of skin colour.
Children with darker skin do not burn as quickly, but UV rays can still damage their skin over time. Darker skin may delay sunburn, but it does not prevent long-term sun damage.

Babies under 12 months

Babies have very sensitive skin that burns easily. Keep babies in the shade whenever possible. Use:

Pram shades or sun covers
Long-sleeved, lightweight clothing
A broad-brimmed hat

If shade and clothing are not enough, a small amount of sunscreen can be used on exposed areas, but physical protection is best.

Older babies and children (all skin tones)

Use the Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide approach:

Slip on protective clothing
Slop on SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen
- SPF 50+ blocks about 98% of UV rays
- Apply 20 minutes before going outdoors
- Reapply every two hours or sooner after water play
Slap on a broad-brimmed or legionnaire-style hat
Seek shade during peak UV hours (Usually Between 10 am–3 pm)
Slide on child-safe sunglasses

Why sun protection matters for darker skin

Melanin in darker skin provides some natural protection, but not enough to prevent all UV damage. Studies show children of all skin tones can develop:

Sunburn
Pigmentation changes
Skin and eye damage
Increased long-term cancer risk

Sun protection should be used by every child, regardless of background or appearance.

Check the UV Index

When the UV Index is 3 or higher, sun protection is required. This includes cooler days and partly cloudy days.

Pool and Water Safety

Drowning is quick, silent and can happen in seconds. It can occur in a pool, on a beach, in a river, or even in small amounts of water, such as bathtubs or buckets. Children from all cultures and backgrounds are at risk, especially when they are curious or lack water experience.

Active supervision

Active supervision means:

Always watching the child closely
Staying within arm’s reach
Avoiding distractions like phones
Not relying on older children or lifeguards

Most drownings happen when an adult is momentarily distracted.

Pool fencing

Check that the pool has:

A 1.2 metre fence
A self-closing, self-latching gate
No climbable objects nearby

Holiday homes may not always follow safety rules, so always check when you arrive.

Portable and inflatable pools

These are common in many communities during the summer. They can still pose a risk.

In most Australian states, pools deeper than 30 cm require fencing
Empty smaller pools straight after use
Store them upside down so rainwater cannot fill them

Beaches, rivers and lakes

Water in natural settings can be unpredictable.

Swim between the red and yellow flags
Avoid strong currents or unclear water
Inflatable devices are not safety equipment
Lifejackets are essential for boating or watercraft

Why this matters

Most drowning incidents are preventable. Knowing the risks and watching children closely helps keep everyone safe.

Playground and Outdoor Safety

Playgrounds offer fun and exercise, but children can get hurt if the equipment is unsafe or not used correctly.

Checking the area

Before letting children play:

Make sure the equipment suits their age
Look for soft surfaces like rubber or mulch
Avoid broken, sharp or unstable equipment
On hot days, touch surfaces first to ensure they are not too hot

Supervision

Children can misjudge height, speed or danger. Watching them closely helps prevent falls and accidents.

Hydration and heat safety

Some families, especially those new to Australia, may not be familiar with how hot Australian summers can get.

Offer plenty of water
Take shade breaks
Avoid long outdoor play in the hottest part of the day

Heat can quickly cause dehydration, headaches, and tiredness in young children.

Travel Safety During Holidays

Travelling brings new environments that may not be childproof.

Car safety

Use the right child car seat for your child’s age and size
Take breaks every 1–2 hours on long trips
Never leave a child alone in a car; the temperature can become life-threatening within minutes

Holiday accommodation safety

When you arrive, check for:

Unsafe balconies or windows
Open stairs
Cleaning products or medication within reach
Loose cords or blind strings
Hot water taps

Make sure babies sleep safely: a firm mattress, no pillows, toys or loose bedding.

First Aid and Preparing for Emergencies

Learn CPR

Knowing CPR helps save lives. Many organisations offer short, simple courses in multiple languages.

First-aid kit

A basic kit should include:

Bandages
Sterile wipes
Tweezers
Saline
Child-safe pain relief
Sunscreen
Oral rehydration solution

Emergency numbers

In Australia: 000 for emergencies.
If travelling overseas, check local emergency numbers.

Holidays are a special time for families, and children learn through exploring and play. All children, no matter their skin tone, cultural background or level of water experience, benefit from the same safety precautions.

Families can enjoy a fun, relaxing, and safe holiday season by focusing on sun protection, water supervision, safe play, and basic first-aid skills.