Summer Sun Safety for Your Kids

Summer has finally arrived with lots of promise for fun in the sun with the kids. As you enjoy spending more time outdoors, be sure to keep your kids safe from the potential dangers that can be caused by the sun. We now know that childhood sunburns are the ones that cause skin cancer later in life. Be smart now to avoid potential problems later.

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn. If that isn’t possible, apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to the infant’s face and back of the hands.

For young children, apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays. Have older children wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays,) and cotton clothing with a tight weave. Try to limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours, between 10 am and 4 pm, and use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. You should apply about one ounce of sunscreen at a time and repeat every two hours or after swimming or sweating.