Do you want to learn how to protect kids from the sun? Keep reading for tips!
The temperatures in South Carolina have been in the 100’s this week, the highest being 108. I check the weather app on my phone each day and it doesn’t look like there’s any relief from the heat any time soon. With the temperatures rising, I’m thankful for the pool passes that we decided to purchase for the summer. The neighborhood pool is less than a mile away from our house, so I’ve been packing up the kids to go swimming on a daily basis.
Sun care is very important to me. My kids know our routine very well. They put on their swimsuits and I apply their sunscreen before we even step outside. Then, I apply my own sunscreen. It takes me a little while to cover each child generously, but that’s because it means that much to me to protect their delicate skin.
As a parent, it’s my job to make sure my children are protected from the sun and to make sure they don’t come home with sunburns. Sunburns in children increase the odds of developing skin cancer later in life. One in five Americans will develop skin cancer, yet only 20% use SPF daily. That’s a scary statistic!
How to Protect Kids From the Sun
Apply sunscreen regularly.
Look for a sunscreen with SPF 30+ or higher and reapply at least every two hours. Wear sunscreen even if you plan to be in the shade to protect your skin in case of UV exposure.
Here’s a fun video to show the kids about why you should wear sunscreen:
Wear protective clothing.
Have your child wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your face, head, ears, neck, shoulders, and eyes from the sun.
Take frequent breaks from the sun and stay in the shade if possible.
Seek shade under a tree, picnic area, or pavilion if necessary or take frequent breaks by going inside a cool location regularly if possible.
Try to avoid being outdoors during the hours of 10am-4pm.
This is the hottest part of the day. Schedule activities during the morning or late evening hours.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Pack plenty of water if you plan to be in the sun for a long period of time.
These are just a few tips to help your family stay safe in the sun this summer.
What tips do you have for staying safe in the sun?
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