Safe Sun Tips for Tykes

Summer has finally arrived!

 

While we all rush outside to soak up some much-needed rays, it’s important to remember that that shining orb
in the sky we have been waiting all winter and spring for can do some serious damage.
Just a few bad sunburns during childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.

 

Kids don’t have to be at the pool, beach, or on vacation to get too much sun!
Their skin needs protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays whenever they’re outdoors.

 

Use some, or all, of these tips to make sure you and your kids have an enjoyable summer:

 

Seek shade: UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday, so it’s best to plan indoor activities then.
If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent. I like to use an hour or so midday to recharge in the AC. We eat lunch and relax a little before going back outside for more fun.

 

Cover up: When possible, long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts can provide protection from UV rays.
I prefer long-sleeved rash guards for the beach and water play – it means less sunscreen I have to apply!
Pants don’t come out of our closets often in the summer, but a long maxi skirt is easy…and breezy in a lightweight knit.

 

Get a hat:Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck are easy to use and give great protection.
Baseball caps don’t offer as much protection as some sun hats but, if that is the only type of hat your child will wear,
just be sure to protect exposed areas of skin with sunscreen.

 

Wear sunglasses: They protect your child’s eyes from UV rays, which can lead
to cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100%
of both UVA and UVB rays as possible. Some higher-end brands of kids’ sunglasses offer a lifetime guarantee from breakage, which can be very economical for families with multiple children.

 

Apply sunscreen: Use sunscreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) protection
every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors.
Apply sunscreen at home before your child goes to daycare, camp, or school. Take sunscreen with you to reapply during the day, especially after your child swims or has been sweating.

 

This applies to waterproof and water-resistant products as well.
Follow the directions on the package for using a sunscreen product on babies less than 6 months old. All products do not have the same ingredients; if your or your child’s skin reacts badly to one product, try another one or call a doctor. Your baby’s best defense against sunburn is avoiding the sun or staying in the shade.
Keep in mind, sunscreen is not meant to allow kids to spend more time in the sun than they would otherwise.
Try combining sunscreen with other options to prevent UV damage.

 

Hydrate: Offer water often to keep kids safe from dehydration. For kids who turn up their noses at water,
fruit juice or sports drinks diluted with water are an acceptable alternative to not drinking at all.
Popsicles and other frozen treats can also offer hydration and sweet relief on a hot summer day