Sun Safety Tips – Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer

Summer is a great time for you and your family to enjoy the great outdoors, but it also means that you may be out in the sun more.  Here are some tips to keep your kids (and yourself!) safe during your fun in the sun.

Sunscreen

There are so many different sunscreens available on the market today that it may seem difficult to pick the right one to help protect your kids.

o   Check the label – you want on that says “broad spectrum” to protect from UVA & UVB rays

o   Choose a sunscreen that has at least a 15 SPF (or sun protection factor).  For most people, an SPF of 15 to 30 should be fine.

o   If possible, avoid sunscreen with the ingredient “oxybenzone”.  There may be concerns about mild hormonal properties with this type, but remember, using any sunscreen is better than not using any at all to prevent sunburn.

o   For sensitive areas such as the nose, cheeks, tops of ears, and shoulders, choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.  This type will probably remain visible after it’s applied, which is why it comes in fun colors that your kids may enjoy!

o   For babies under 6 months, only apply sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face, if protective clothing & shade are not available.

o   And don’t forget – use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas at least 15 minutes before going outdoors, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel!

Shade

o   Keep babies younger than 6 months old out of the direct sunlight.  You might find shade under s a tree, an umbrella, or even the canopy of their stroller.

Hats

o   Wearing a hat with an all-around 3-inch wide brim will help to keep your kids face, ears, and the back of their neck safe from sunburn.

Sunglasses

o   While you’re protecting the rest of them with sunscreen, don’t forget that your kid’s eyes are also being exposed to UV rays.  Choose sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection that come in kid sizes, and maybe even choose ones that have their favorite characters or color on them to help them love wearing them!

For additional tips, click here: http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx