Fun in the Sun
Visits to the pool or beach, picnics, barbecues and all the other things you enjoy about summer happen outdoors, usually under the bright sun. Take these few simple precautions and let the fun begin!
When it´s Summer, outdoor fun is in. Though pleasantly warm, the sun´s rays can cause permanent damage to your sensitive skin. The more sunburns your child gets, the greater his chances are of developing wrinkles, skin cancer and cataracts later in life. Here are some tips on how to protect your child while he is enjoying the sun:
Stay in the Shade – Sun rays are most intense between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Keep babies and toddlers out of direct sun.
Cover Up – Putting a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and long pants on your baby is the best way to prevent sunburn. Older children should wear shirts, shorts, hats and sunglasses. Clothing should be a tight weave that doesn’t allow much light through.
Watch for Reflections – Be careful of bright, reflected light from sand, sidewalks, or other white surfaces. These rays are just as damaging to young skin and eyes as direct light.
Lather up with sunscreen – One of the most common mistakes parents make when applying sunscreen is that they don´t use enough.
Use a sunscreen that has the words "broad spectrum" on the label. This means it blocks both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays.
Apply sunscreen to your child´s skin 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
Choose a lotion or milky gel-type sunscreen rather than the clear alcohol type, which may irritate baby´s skin.
Make sure the sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
A water-resistant or waterproof sunscreen is best, especially when playing in the water.
Reapply sunscreen generously at least every two hours. (More frequently if playing in the water.)
Pay particular attention to sensitive skin on the nose, cheeks, and ears. Use an opaque zinc oxide sun block on these areas.
To see if your child is sensitive to a sunscreen, rub a little on a small area of his arm before applying it all over his body. Sunscreens are not recommended for babies under 6 months of age. You can ask your healthcare providers what they recommend but your best bet is to keep your infant out of the sun.
Keep the sun out of little eyes – Little eyes are very sensitive to the effects of ultraviolet rays and need to be protected. Baby sunglasses are cute, but not very protective. In fact, toy sunglasses may cause more harm than good. They merely darken the area around the eyes, which makes a baby´s pupils larger, allowing more damaging rays to reach the inside of the eye. If your child uses sunglasses, make sure that they are labeled "100 percent UV filtration." For infants and young toddlers, it may be more practical to provide a wide-brimmed hat and a watchful eye that your baby is shaded from both direct and reflected light.