Summer Sun Safety Tips for Kids

Kids love to play outdoors in the summer sun and that is exactly why it is important to find ways to protect them from the summer sun and summer heat. Researchers found that most sun damage occurs to people before they are even adults. So, by protecting your little ones now you are actually protecting them from health related problems later on in life. Here are a few tips to follow to protect kids during the summer season.

Sun Safety Tips

Sun Exposure - That's right! Avoid sun exposure. This is often hard to carry out because kids rush outside into the sun at a moments notice and are exposed to the intense rays of the summer sun constantly during this time of the year. It is up to parents to enforce rules concerning sun exposure. Always keep the kids out of the sun during the sun's peak hours which occur between 10 and 4 daily. Instead, keep the kids in shady areas in the yard, on a porch, or deck. Persuade them to participate in quiet activities during those peak hours.

Clothing - Dress kids appropriately for the summer sun and heat. Dress small ones in long sleeves, long pants, and hats that shade the face and neck to prevent sunburn. If this approach is not possible, at least slather sun-screen on exposed skin.

Beaches - Use extra caution and care when at the beach. Sand and water double the sun exposure through extra strong UV reflection. These strong reflective rays often lead to a quick sunburn on young sensitive skin.

Activities - When heat and humidity are high reduce activity time outside to fifteen minutes at a time. Or keep kids indoors and involved in quiet activities.

Water - Make sure kids get an adequate amount of water before participating in any summer sun and fun activities outdoors. Make sure children drink a cool glass of tap water, bottled water, or juice every hour or so.

Sun -screens - Kids have extra sensitive skin and are quite susceptible to a really bad sunburn. Apply a sun screen with high SPF30 to all exposed skin. Reapply sun screen to the child every one or two hours throughout the day. Pale skinned kids burn fast and darker skinned kids get sunburns too. So, remember that sun screen is the first defense in protecting sensate young skin. Also apply a bit of lipbalm with sun screen to the childs' lips. Use fun flavors like cherry, berry, strawberry, that the kids have extra fun using.

Sources:

Kids Health