Protect Your Kiddos with these Sun-Safety Tips

Summertime is a wonderful time to spend with the family in the backyard, at the pool, or (hopefully) at the beach! Whether you're going on a beach vacation, playing by the pool, or just hanging out in the backyard, sun safety is important for your kiddos and the health of their skin. Here are some simple tips to help prevent sunburns!

STICK TO THE SHADE

Stick to the shade as much as you can by using umbrellas, tree shade, or a canopy to keep them out of direct sunlight for too long.

Babies under 6 months old have more sensitive skin that isn't quite developed yet, so it's incredibly important to keep them under some type of shade and avoid direct sunlight when playing outside. A baby's skin isn't developed enough to regulate their own body heat yet, so the shade will also allow them to play outside safely and avoid overheating.

LIGHT-COLORED CLOTHING

Your child's clothing can help keep them cool and safe from the sun as well. Lighter-colored clothes will reflect more of the light from the sun rather than absorb it, keeping the clothing and your kiddo cool while running around the backyard.

If you're playing at the pool, be sure to have your younger children in a swimming tee shirt as well. Although not as stylish, many swim shirts are UV protective. Check the tag when purchasing your child's swim gear to be safe!

HAT & SUNGLASSES

Even when utilizing the shade as much as possible, your kiddo is bound to get some extra sun while they are outside playing. Put on a bucket or sun hat to cover their ears, eyes, face, and back of the neck as much as possible.

Keep them styling as well with a pair of children's sunglasses. Many children's sunglasses are 100% UV protective, but always check the tag to make sure! Your kiddo will only get one pair of eyes for their whole life, protect them while they are small and still developing.

SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN, SUNSCREEN

This should ALWAYS be number one but oftentimes gets forgotten. This can be a hassle, especially when you're children are outside already and fully engaged in "Play Mode" but this is a vital step in keeping their skin safe.

When choosing the right sunscreen, here are a few things to look for:

• Look for a sunscreen of SPF (sun protection factor) 30 or higher.

• Choose a broad-spectrum coverage (the sunscreen protects both UVA and UVB rays)

• Opt. for lotion-based sunscreens rather than sprays. Although the lotion can be more time-consuming and tougher with a wild child, it will prevent them from breathing in any unwanted chemicals and also allows you to ensure proper coverage.

BE THE EXAMPLE

Set the standard for your child. Follow all these sun-safety tips for yourself and show your child that it's important to keep your skin safe.

BONUS: STAY HYDRATED

Although not much of a sun-safety tip, staying hydrated is important for both your child and for YOU. Both child and parent need to stay hydrated with plenty of water as you both venture outside for playtime this summer.

Have a happy, safe, and fun summer!