Sun Safety for Kids

We all need some sun exposure; it’s our primary source of Vitamin D, which helps us absorb calcium for stronger, healthier bones. But it doesn’t take much time in the sun for most people to get the Vitamin D they need. Unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can lead to skin and eye damage, immune system suppression and even cancer. Even individuals in their 20s can develop skin cancer.

Most children rack up between 50 and 80 percent of their lifetime sun exposure before age 18, so it is important that parents teach their children how to enjoy fun in the sun safely.

Protecting your child from sun damage

With the right precautions, children can safely play in the sun. Here are some of the more effective strategies:

Avoid the strongest rays of the day.
Avoid being in sun for prolonged periods when the sun is highest overhead. In the northern hemisphere the sun is usually strongest between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. If your child is outdoors during this time, be sure to apply sunscreen – even if he’s just playing in the backyard. Even on cloudy, cool or overcast days children can develop sunburn and skin damage. Kids may be unaware that they are developing a sunburn on cooler or windy days because the temperature or breeze keeps skin feeling cool on the surface.

Cover up.
One of the best ways to protect children from the sun is to ensure that clothing will screen out harmful ultraviolet rays by placing your hand inside the garment and making sure you can’t see your hand through it.

Because infants have thinner skin and underdeveloped melanin, their skin burns much faster than that of older children. Kids under six months of age should be kept out of the sun whenever possible; and sunscreen should never be applied to them. If the infant must be in the sun, dress him in clothing that covers the body, including hats with wide brims to shadow the face.

Even older children need to escape the sun. For all-day outdoor affairs, bring along long-sleeved shirts and long pants and/or provide a wide umbrella or pop-up tent to play in.
   

Use sunscreen regularly and consistently.
There are a number of effective sunscreens available for children, including many formulations for sensitive skin, fun brands with scents, long-lasting waterproof and easy-application varieties with spray bottles.

What matters most in a sunscreen is its degree of protection from UV rays. When faced with the many choices of sunscreen products, concentrate on the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) numbers on the labels. For kids ages six months and older, select an SPF of 15 or higher to prevent both sunburn and tanning. Choose a sunscreen that states on the label that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

In order for sunscreen to do its job, it must be applied correctly:

• Apply 30 minutes before going outside and don’t forget about lips, hands, ears, feet and behind the neck.
• Apply the sunscreen generously. Do not try to stretch out a bottle of sunscreen.
• Reapply sunscreen often, approximately every two hours. Reapply after your child has been swimming or sweating.
• Apply a waterproof sunscreen if your child will be around water or will go swimming. Water reflects and intensifies the sun’s rays, so kids need protection that lasts.

Don’t forget the protective eyewear.
Sun exposure damages the eyes, as well as the skin. The best way to protect the eyes is to wear sunglasses that have labels ensuring 100 percent UV protection.