Sun Safety Tips for Kids
Summer sun safety for your children is a key concern for many parents. Here are some thoughts for sun safety for kids.
Sunscreen for kids is just as important as sunscreen for adults. Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen on children at least 15 to 30 minutes before they go outside to play . Even getting a serious sunburn just once can increase a child’s risk of developing skin cancer in the future.
Sunscreen for kids should be re-applied every two hours your children are outside . If they’re swimming, you need to up the frequency of re-application.
Another sun safety tip is to stay inside during the hours of 10 am to 4 pm ( although not very realistic), since this is when the sun is at its strongest. This is proscribed even on cloudy or overcast days, since the sun’s rays can still penetrate the cloud cover and cause sunburns.
For play time, consider sending your children out early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Plan a mid-day break inside with their favorite indoor activities.
Another tip to remember is hydration. children have a tendency to become dehydrated in the summer, not realizing that their playing is causing them to sweat and lose water.
To prevent overheating and dehydration follow these guidelines :
- Have indoor or quiet activities for the hotter part of the day
- Find a shady spot – whether it’s in your backyard or the park, stake out some shade for children to rest and recharge in.
- Plan to wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing . Bring plenty of water, and wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen
Sun safety for kids means more than just putting on sunscreen. As a parent, you want to prevent sunburns, but you also need to be on the lookout for signs of overheating and dehydration. Just keep applying the sunscreen, encourage your children to drink plenty of water and provide quiet, shady time for breaks and sun safety for your children.
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