Protecting Your Kids from the Sun

by Marian Nguyen, RN, BSN | Apr 14, 2019 | Family Safety and Preparedness, First Aid/Health, Safety & First Aid

Spring’s here and that means summer is right around the corner.

And, if you’ve been cooped up in the house during this long winter, then I’m sure you can’t wait to get out into the sun and snap out of your cabin fever.

If you’re planning some fun in the sun, you’re going to want to do everything you can to protect your kids from sunburns. A few bad sunburns as a child may seem like a temporary inconvenience, but they can increase your child’s chances of getting skin cancer when they’re older.

Let’s look at easy ways to protect your kids to stay safe in the sun:

Sunscreen

The general rule of thumb is that you need to apply (and reapply) sunscreen about every two hours you’re outside in direct sunlight.

So if you spend an 8 hour day out at the beach or by the pool, you’re going to want to reapply sunscreen four times during that period.  You should do the first application about 30 minutes before you go outside, and the CDC is now recommending a minimum of 15 SPF, although higher levels wouldn’t hurt.

Additionally, make sure that you’re using sun protection designated for UVA and UVB (broad spectrum) rays. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to areas like the neck, ears, and face. Use sunscreen that’s waterproof (even sweat can wash off sunscreen) and reapply if you go into the water.

Clothes

An easy way to protect your child from the sun is by covering them up as much as possible. Now, I’m not saying put the poor kid in a hazmat suit that covers them from head to toe. But, if weather allows, have them wear long sleeves and pants when going outside to protect their arms and legs.

If you’re at the beach or the pool, invest in a swim shirt that has built-in UVA protection. You can protect your child’s face with a big floppy hat (or a baseball cap).

Although it may seem counter-intuitive, darker clothes have been found to provide more protection than lighter colored clothes. (Many people shy away from these because they think the darker colors attract the sun more.)

Finally, don’t forget to protect your child’s eyes with a good pair of sunglasses that offers UVA protection.

Shade

Use shade as much as possible! If you’re going to the beach, bring an umbrella or portable “beach tent” so you can get into the shade when the sun gets too hot.

Check with your child’s school to make sure they have a shaded area outside on the playground or the PE practice fields. The sun is at its worst during mid-day (specifically from about noon to 3 or 4 PM). If you can, get outdoors during the early morning or late afternoon and schedule indoor activities during this extreme time.

With a little planning and prep, the whole family can enjoy time in the sun!

No need to be afraid of the sun, especially for your children. Protecting them now, protects them later. It’ll give them lifelong habits that will help them take care of their skin and hopefully stave off skin cancer well into their adult life.

Be Prepared for Sunburns!

At the beach, the park or playing ball – be prepared for the sun AND accidents with a first aid kit designed exclusively with you and your kids in mind.  Check out PreparaKit.com for kits and tools created for busy parents who want to be ready for the unexpected.