How to teach your kids’ sun safety: 101 guide
For a parent or guardian, ensuring the well-being of your little ones is always a top priority. Protecting them from the harmful effects of the sun is high up the priority pyramid. It plays a major role in protecting their overall health and keeping both you and them happy. In this short guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sun safety for children. Our goal is to help you understand the risks of UV exposure and help explain what they should wear to stay protected. So, let’s explore sun safety, shall we?
Why sun safety matters?
Being out in the sun can be fun and all, but we can’t deny the fact that prolonged exposure can also be harmful to young and sensitive skin. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun could cause more harm than just just sunburns. It can eventually increase the likeliness of such issues as eye damage, premature skin aging and even oncological disease – skin cancer. Children are particularly vulnerable to these harmful effects. This is why you should teach them the right habits from the get-go.
How should you approach this?
How do children learn the right habits? Well, the best way is to usually lead by example. They can absorb new information by observing their parents and caregivers. When it comes to sun safety, setting a good example can go a long way.
Whenever you step outside with the family, make it a habit to apply sunscreen, wear protective sun hats, and sunglasses. Your little ones will undoubtedly notice and follow suit.
You can’t overlook the importance of sunscreen
One of the most crucial tools in the fight against sun damage is sunscreen. People mostly just use it whenever they spend time at the beach or when hiking for longer periods. However, dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen pretty much every day. And when it comes to the sensitive skin of our children, it’s even more paramount.
When selecting a sunscreen for your child, opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 or higher. Kids or baby-grade SPF creams can usually have even higher protection levels like 50. This prevents sunburn and keeps children safer and happier.
Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays, providing wholesome coverage. Yet, simply having sunscreen is not enough; applying it correctly is just as important. Before heading outside, generously apply sunscreen to all exposed areas of your child’s skin, including face, ears, neck, arms, and legs. Remember to reapply every couple of hours or after such activities as swimming.
Dressing for the sun
There are only a handful of tips here. With that being said, all of them are quite significant.
Dress your children so they can feel comfortable while being active and wouldn’t sweat excessively. Prioritize natural and soft fabrics to ensure comfort. Opt for lighter colors if the temperature is high.
A sun-savvy wardrobe should contain breathable long-sleeve and t-shirts, shorts and pants from thinner fabrics. However, children’s sun hats as well as glasses are also super important. These accessories protect your kids in many different areas. A hat provides shade and also protects from sun strokes whilst glasses provide the necessary defense for sensitive eyes.
