Keeping Your Child Safe From the Sun
Let’s be honest: a child’s main concern is fun. Most kids want to run around outside in the sun all day without a care in the world. So, it can be difficult to explain to them why they need to be careful when having all that fun. Here are some helpful tips for talking to your children about sun safety in a way they can understand.
How is the sun helpful to our bodies?
The sun gives your body vitamin D, which helps you absorb calcium to keep your bones strong. It does this by sending ultraviolet rays, or UV rays, to Earth. These UV rays are absorbed by your skin. But, if your skin is exposed to too many UV rays, you get a sunburn!
What is a sunburn?
Your skin has a chemical in it called melanin. This chemical helps your skin absorb the UV rays from the sun. When your skin is exposed to too many UV rays, the melanin cannot absorb them all and this causes a sunburn. People with lighter skin usually burn faster because they have less melanin, but even people with darker skin can get a sunburn.
Why is a sunburn bad?
Besides the fact that a sunburn hurts, there are many reasons to avoid getting a sunburn. Really bad sunburns can blister and if these blisters pop, you can get an infection. Sunburns can also cause wrinkles when you’re an adult and can potentially lead to skin cancer, which is very serious!
How do I keep from getting a sunburn?
There are a few important things you can do to help prevent a sunburn:
Always wear sunscreen! Use a sunscreen that says it is SPF 30 or higher, even if it is cloudy outside. The sun’s UV rays can come through the clouds, too! A sunscreen with zinc or titanium is best, and you should avoid sunscreens with chemical blockers. Make sure you put it on everywhere. Have an adult help you so you don’t miss any spots, especially your back. You should put it on 15 to 20 minutes before you go outside and, if you stay outside for a long time, put more on every 2 hours. If you are swimming, playing in the sprinkler or sweating a lot, reapply more often than every 2 hours to make sure you stay well protected!
Take breaks from being in the sun, especially between 10:00am and 2:00pm. This is when the UV rays are strongest. Go back inside or find a shady spot to play to give your skin a break from the sun.
Wear clothes that help block the sun if possible. Light-weight long sleeves and pants can help protect your arms and legs, while a hat and sunglasses can protect your face and eyes.
What about my infant?
Sunscreen should not be used on infants under six months old, as their skin is less mature and can absorb more of the chemicals in the sunscreen. To keep your infant safe in the sun, follow these simple recommendations:
Dress your infant to protect as much of their skin as possible from the sun. Use light-weight, long sleeve shirts and pants and a wide-brimmed hat to protect the baby’s skin from the harmful UV rays.
Keep your infant in the shade. If there is no shade around, create your own using any umbrella or the awning on a stroller. This precaution is recommended for infants over the age of six months and are wearing sunscreen.
When your infant is over six months of age, sunscreen can be applied and is recommended. Follow the same application guidelines you do for older children and adults. It is highly recommended to choose an infant sunscreen that contains zinc or titanium as the blocking agent to prevent irritation to your infants eyes and skin.
Always keep your infant hydrated! A sunburn isn’t the only danger the sun offers to infants. Give your infant breast milk or formula when you are out in the sun to ensure they stay hydrated. Watch for signs of dehydration including fussiness, redness and excessive crying.
Remind your kids the sun isn’t a bad thing, you just have to be careful!