SUN SAFETY

SUN SAFETY

Summertime is a time for enjoying being outdoors. Children love to play in the back yard, at the park, and at the beach. As a parent, you no doubt want to make outdoor play with your child part of your schedule. It can also be a time for painful and dangerous sunburns. As a parent, it is important that you put a plan in place to protect your child so they can safely play outdoors.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, infants under six months should not be exposed to the sun and their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen.

To protect your infant:

The baby should wear a hat. The hat should protect the babies face, neck, and ears.

Light comfortable clothing that covers arms and legs will protect an infant from harmful rays.

If you take walks with your child, take the walks before 10 AM or after 4 PM and put a protective cover over the baby. In the car, use a mesh window shield or UV window film that screens out ultraviolet rays.

Use an umbrella to shade the infant it you are outdoors for any length of time.

To protect your baby 6-12 months:

 Babies over six months are able to have sunscreen applied. Cover all areas that are exposed to the sun. If you use a spray sunscreen, never spray the baby in the face. Spray on your hands and spread it on the baby’s face.

 Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outdoors. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or after swimming.

 Dress baby in clothing that screens out UV rays. Clothing that you can’t see through is generally safe.

 Sunglasses that are marked 100% UV protection should be used. If you start young, children will get in the habit of wearing sunglasses.

 If your baby is on medication especially antibiotic check for sun sensitivity.

To protect children from 12 months to 3 years old:

 Apply sunscreen to your child, 30 minutes before going in sun and after swimming. If you use spray on sunscreen do not spray directly on the face. Apply onto your hands and then spread on face.

 When children are outdoors playing between 10AM and 4PM make sure they have plenty of shade.

 Dress your child in light weight clothing that covers their body. Preferable clothing that has an Ultraviolet Protection factor of at least 30 or higher.

To protect your child preschool and school age:

 Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher should be applied 30 minutes before going outdoors .

 Never spray on the face. Spray on your hands and spread on the face.

 Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming. Children can get sunburn even on overcast days.

 Encourage and model wearing sunglasses that are marked 100% UV protection.

 Always check with your child's childcare provider, ask what sunscreen they are using and let them know what sunscreen you are using.
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 Provide shady areas for the child to play in especially during the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM

 If your child is on medication, check for sun sensitivity.

 Encourage your child to wear sunglasses that are marked 100% UV protection. The earlier you start the children wearing sunglasses, they will have the opportunity to get used to them and develop the habit of using them in the sun.

Sun Screen tips:

 Look for SPF numbers on the labels of sunscreens. Select an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn.

 Choose a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays and is clearly labeled. (usually labeled as a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen).

 Be careful with spray sunscreen. It is easy to breathe in the spray and cause lungs to be irritated. Never spray the child’s face. Spray on your hands and spread on the face.

 Don't use sunscreens with PABA, which can cause skin allergies.

 For sensitive skin, look for products with the active ingredient titanium dioxide.

How to apply sunscreen:

For sunscreen to do its job, it must be applied correctly. So be sure to:

 Apply sunscreen whenever the children will be in the sun. For best results, apply it about 30 minutes before children go outside.

 Don't forget about ears, hands, feet, shoulders, and behind the neck. Lift up bathing suit straps and apply sunscreen underneath them (in case the straps shift as a child moves). Protect lips with an SPF 30 lip balm.

 Apply sunscreen generously — dermatologists recommend using 1 ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover the exposed areas of the body.

Resources
KidsHealth
http://kidshealth.org/parent/firstaid_safe/outdoor/sun_safety.html

The Skin Cancer Foundation,

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/children/sun-safety-...