Well helloooooo, Savannah! Today we’re going to talk a little about sun safety – enjoying those warming rays without hurting ourselves. It’s so important to get outside while the weather is nice! We need to enjoy all we can while we have it. But too much of anything, even a good thing like those golden rays, can be dangerous for us, and especially for our little kidz!
Sun Safety Tipz for Kidz
First, here are some safety tips to keep in mind for kidz:
- Wear Sunscreen:
Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before going outside. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating. - Cover Up:
Wear lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses with UV protection, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield the face, neck, and eyes from the sun. Don’t forget that some lightweight clothing aren’t sun-proof! - Keep ’em in the Shade When Possible:
Seek shade, especially during the hours of peak sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. - Stay Hydrated:
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when spending time outdoors. - Infants Hydrate with Formula or Milk:
But not if your kid is an infant! It’s too easy for little babies to get too much water. Keep your infants hydrated with plenty of formula or milk.
Sun Safety Tipz for Kidz’ Parentz
Now here are some sun safety tips for You:
- Set the Example:
Children learn by watching us, so be sure to practice good sun safety habits yourself. - Choose Protective Clothing:
Dress yourself and your children in lightweight, long-sleeved, sun-proof clothing made of tightly woven fabric to provide optimal protection from the sun. There’s nothing worse than getting a sunburn after dealing with long pants all day! - Use Sunscreen Correctly:
Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin, even on bright but cloudy days. Your kid may not have the moisturizing creams with high SPF ratings you do. - Protectively Accessorize:
You and your kidz should both wear sunglasses with UV protection and a hat that keeps the sun off. - Stay Hydrated:
When your little ones see you drinking often, they are more likely to remember to, too. - Seek Shade:
When you’re not out getting exercise with your kidz, find a shady place to rest. - Check the UV Index:
Be aware of the UV index. Since we have a lot of humidity, this is less of an issue for us. But, higher values indicate stronger UV rays and a greater risk of sunburn. So watch out! - Plan Outdoor Activities away from Peak Sun:
Schedule outdoor play and activities earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the peak sun hours. - Regular Skin Checks:
Periodically examine your child’s skin for any changes, and consult UKC pediatricians if you notice any unusual moles, growths, or changes in existing ones.
So now you know. It IS possible to have fun in the sun and practice healthy sun safety, too. Nobody likes a sunburn and everyone loves some good times outside. Let’s have some fun together outside, and let’s do it all staying safe and respecting that big burning ball in the sky!
