Sun Protection & Safety Tips

sunsafety

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!