Sun Safety for Children

Your Little One Depends on You!

It's a summertime dilemma

... sun safety for children

You want your child to enjoy the outdoors, play with friends, and engage in physical activity. Yet warnings of the sun abound.

Sun protection is important to all of us. Yet, it is crucial for children. Due to their sensitive skin, children need extra protection. Add to that the fact that up to 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs by age 18.

You are powerful. You can significantly reduce your child’s lifetime risk of skin cancer.

Risk Factors

The sun does not discriminate! Everyone is at risk for skin cancer.

Yet there are certain traits that increase this threat.

• Light hair ... blond or red?
• Fair skin?
• Blue eyes?
• Moles?
• A parent with moles?

If so, be extra vigilant.

All parents, grandparents, and caregivers should adopt these simple guidelines.

Sun Safety for Children

The first line of defense should always be to block the sun from your little one’s skin:

• Avoid the sun between 10a.m. and 4p.m. as much as possible. These are the strongest rays of the day.
• Cover up. A long sleeve shirt and pants provide a physical barrier. Make sure the weave is tight. You should not see your hand placed under the fabric.
• Seek shade for picnics and other outdoor activities.
• Use an umbrella or pop up tent for all day events.

The next step of sun safety for children is ...

Sunscreen

Look for these qualities in a sunscreen ...

• UVA and UVB protection. Another term is broad spectrum.
• SPF 15 or higher (Sun Protection Factor)
• Waterproof for swimming. There are also sweat and rub resistant formulations.

Choose a brand with ...

• Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. These natural minerals are much easier on kid’s sensitive skin. and ...
• No PABA. This chemical is extremely irritating.

Sunscreen tips

• Apply 30 minutes before your child goes outside.
• Use a generous amount
• Rub all over, paying particular attention to hands, ears, feet, toes, and behind the neck. Put some under bathing suit straps ... they never stay put!

The lips are often forgotten. I recommend a lip balm with a built in SPF of 15 or more. It tastes better!

• Every 2-3 hours.
• After swimming. Waterproof sunscreen is good for up to 80 minutes.

Vacationing?

The sun is strongest during summer months, near the equator, and at high altitudes. Pack plenty of sunscreen when heading for that tropical cruise and yes, even a winter-time skiing trip.

I worked many years in a public school system. I could easily spot the kids that spent winter break in the islands by their burnt faces!

Note: Don’t be fooled by "invisible" sun. Cloudy and overcast days give a false sense of security. Damaging rays have no trouble penetrating the cloudy atmosphere to skin below.

Babies

Infants need special treatment. Their skin is exceptionally susceptible to burning. What should you do?

Keep your precious little one out of the sun!

For the times when this is just not possible, follow the recommendations listed here Sun Screen and Babies.

Two final points concerning sun safety for children...

Medications

Ask your doctor or pharmacist about any meds your child is taking. Some react negatively with the sun. Antibiotics are notorious for causing sunburns. Always remember children’s skin is far more sensitive than ours. They burn extremely quickly.

Sunglasses

Don’t forget to protect your child’s eyes from sun damaging rays. I find children love sunglasses. Of course, getting them to keep them on is sometimes a challenge. Consistently wear shades yourself and you will have an easier time. Let your child choose a fun style, but make sure the label reads 100% UV protection.

Healthy habits

Ultimately, you want your child to adopt lifelong, healthy sun habits. A consistent, matter of fact attitude and effective modeling will accomplish this larger goal. Make sure you take proper precautions in the sun. Your child will follow your example.

Shield your little ones. Follow the "sun safety for children" guidelines. Your child is depending on YOU.