We know there are many benefits of getting outside, breathing fresh air and having the chance to play. Exposure to natural sunlight is also recognized as a major potential source of vitamin D, which helps the body absorb calcium.
However, while we enjoy the outdoors, we need to make sun protection an essential part of our daily parenting routine.
The sun’s ultraviolet rays can damage the skin in as little as 15 minutes, after all, and just a few serious sunburns can increase a child’s risk of skin cancer later in life.
And because a significant amount of the sun’s damaging rays (roughly 70 to 80 percent) can come through clouds or fog, sunscreen is crucial — even on overcast or chilly days.
That’s why I recommend families take the following precautions:
How to protect children from the sun
- Avoid high-intensity hours: The best defense against the sun’s damaging rays is avoidance. Have children play in the shade and avoid exposure to the sun’s strongest rays of the day, usually between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If in direct sunlight, protect skin with a hat and lightweight, long-sleeved clothes.
- Be SPF smart: The number found on every container of sunscreen stands for “sun protection factor.” According to the Food and Drug Administration, SPF is related not only to time spent in the sun but also to the amount of sun exposure. The higher the SPF, the more protection it provides. Today, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends that kids use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Use lotion instead of spray: While any form of sun protection is better than none, lotion generally provides a thicker and more even coating on skin, giving more protection. Also, the inhalation of spray sunscreen has become a recent concern, and it should never be sprayed or worn near a flame, as it may contain flammable ingredients such as alcohol.
- Slather sunscreen on all skin tones: While it is true that people with dark skin are not at as great a risk of sunburn as those with lighter skin, everyone benefits from the protection of sunscreen.
- Keep infants covered: Babies 6 months and younger are thought to be even more susceptible to the sun’s damaging rays. Avoidance and covering up are the primary recommendations for babies at all times. When that isn’t possible, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends applying just a little bit of sunscreen to exposed areas such as faces and the backs of their hands.
- Use protective eyewear: Everyone’s eyes will benefit from the protection offered by sunglasses. Make sure you wear a pair with at least 97 percent protection against both UVA rays (the ones that cause spots, wrinkles and possibly skin cancer) and UVB rays (which lead to burns and skin cancer).
Taking simple precautions can help make fun in the sun safer for your family. Keep plenty of sunscreen and protective gear on hand and enjoy the season!
Parent Reviews - "We feel like our children are always happy and excited to go to school each day!""
moreReady for Spring Cleaning? Get your Child Involved!
moreIn Good (and Clean) Hands: Considerations for Children's Safe Return to Child Care
moreIn Good (and Clean) Hands: Considerations for Children's Safe Return to Child Care
moreThe Power of Puppet Play in Child Development
moreJoin our Caring and Giving Virtual Donation
moreJoin our Caring and Giving Virtual Donation
more Exhausted from the election? These pre-K and kindergarten voters may brighten your mood. ÂÂ
moreNeed Some New Books in Your Mix? Check out Og's Story Time Book List
moreParent Review - "During this whole epidemic they have done everything they could ....."
moreOnline with Og, Exploring Land Transportation!
moreBuilding Social, Emotional and Academic Growth, Amidst a Pandemic
moreOnline with Og at Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreJoin Primrose's Online Curriculum with Og the bookworm!
moreStory time book list
moreComplimentary Primrose Schools Online Weekly Curriculum!
moreParent Review - "We Love Primrose School of Ken Caryl!"
moreMore than just a cute puppet..
moreLet go of "Parent Guilt"
moreDe-Stressing and Spending Quality Time with Your Kids
more6 Ways to Help Your Preschooler Make Friends
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreIt's Hot Out There! Summer Skin Care Tips for Your Child
moreHow Working Parents Stay Connected with Their Kids During the Summer
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePrimrose Reviews from Real Moms
moreDo you have a "Threenager"? Confessions from the Mom of a Threenager
moreBattle Bedwetting with These 4 Tips!
moreKid-Friendly Thanksgiving Recipes & Crafts
moreParent Testimonial
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreHow Primrose Differs from Montessori
moreCelebrate Back to School with these 5 Crafts & Activities!
more5 Family Staycation Ideas!
moreParent Review of Primrose School of Ken Caryl
more5 Ways to Celebrate the Fourth of July at Home
moreParent Review of Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreMy Kid is Turning into a Bully! How Do I Stop it?
moreDon't Pass the Phone: 7 Alternatives to Screen Time
moreOne Size Does Not Fit All - Tips for Raising Siblings by Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreYelp & FB - Parent Reviews of Primrose Ken Caryl
moreStraight from the Source: Why Moms Love SwimLabs Littleton
moreParent Reviews of The Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreHow to Ask About Your Child's Art
moreParent Testimonials
moreHow to Survive Toddler Tantrums - Pointers for Parents
moreReturning to Work After Maternity Leave
moreParent Review Primrose School of Ken Caryl - YELP
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreHoliday Gift Guide for Ages 0-5
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreKid-Friendly Thanksgiving Decorations & Crafts
moreHow to Handle Food Allergies During Trick-or-Treating
more4 Simple Ways to Protect Your Family Against Cold & Flu Season
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePrep Step: What to Pack in Case of a Disaster?
moreParent Facebook Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePositive Parenting Tips and Scripts
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreFacebook Parent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreSnacktivity 101 - Healthy and quick Banana Fruit Sushi
morePreschool Classrooms at the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
morePrimrose School of Ken Caryl - Highly Recommended
moreHow to Prepare Your Child For Riding a Bike
moreParent Review of the Primrose School of Ken Caryl
more4 Reasons Why Reading to Babies is Beneficial
moreStart Your Child's Story the Right Way
more5 Ways to Involve Your Child in Household Chores
moreParent Review - The Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreParent Review - Primrose School of Ken Caryl
moreThe Power of Toddler Compliments
more