Sun Protection & Safety Tips
When the warm weather arrives, we all head outdoors to enjoy the sunshine! While the warmth of the sun is enticing after a long winter, take precautions to protect your child’s skin. Following the guidelines below will let you and your children safely enjoy the sunny days.
Protect Infants from Sun
Infants under 6 months have skin that is more sensitive to the sun. Limit their exposure to sunlight. When out in the sun:
- Clothe the infant in light-colored clothing that covers as much of the body as possible.
- Use sunscreen on exposed body parts.
- Avoid direct sunlight from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Tips for Applying Kids’ Sunscreen:
- Apply a waterproof sunscreen with SPF of 30 or above that protects against both UVA and UVB to all body parts.
- Apply sunscreen generously! Avoid areas around the eyes.
- Be extra careful to apply sunscreen to hands, ears, tops of feet, shoulders and the back of neck. Lift up your child’s bathing suit straps and apply sunscreen.
- Wear lip protection with sunscreen.
- Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours.
Other Sun Safety Suggestions:
- Limit sun exposure around water (pools or beach), keeping in mind that the sun rays reflect off the water.
- Remember to use sun protection on cloudy days, as well as, sunny days since ultraviolet rays can penetrate clouds.
- Have your child wear a hat and light-colored clothing. Consider sun-protective clothing.
- Have your child wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection to protect his/her eyes. Use head straps to keep the sunglasses on.
- Ask your pharmacist or physician if the daily medications your child takes may increase your child’s sensitivity to the sun. If so, take extra sun precautions.
- Take the same sun precautions for yourself that you do for your child!