With the suns rays beating down daily, it is important to be sun safe and wise when it comes to heading outdoors with your kids. Now these sun protection tips may seem quite obvious, but as busy moms we might sometimes forget in a rush to get outdoors. Just keep this list as a handy checklist and it will help you keep your family safe in the sun.
Tips for kids (and grownups) to have fun in the Sun…
#1 – Wear sunscreen. Make sure that you apply a kids safe sunscreen at least 20-30 minutes before heading outdoors. For more tips on the correct dosage and application of sunscreen click here. Repeat application every 2 hours, especially after swimming.
Super Note About Babies: Babies under the age of 6 months should never be in direct sunlight for extended periods of time. It is important to limit their exposure and make sure that they have the right amount of sun protection if they do need to be in the sun. Unless your doctor advises you to do so, do not apply sunscreen on babies, as the chemicals in sunscreen are too harsh for delicate baby skin.
#2 – Take an Oral Sunblock. Children ages 6 and up can ingest an edible sunblock to help block out harmful UV rays from within and help cover areas that sunblock does not reach.
Super Note on Oral Sunblock: The brand I currently use is Heliocare Oral; its active ingredient is Fernblock, which is 100% herbal – with no chemicals added.
#3 – Limit time outdoors between 10am-2pm. Limit your outdoor adventures when the suns ultraviolet rays are at it’s hottest. If you do need to be outdoors, make sure you take adequate precautions to protect yourself from the sun.
#4 – Wear a hat. Sunscreen can only do so much. Make sure to wear a hat, preferably a wide-rimmed hat to protect your head, ears, neck and face from UV rays.
#5 – Wear sunglasses. Wear sunglasses to protect eyes from sun damage. Choose a pair that provides UV protection in the lenses.
#6 – Stay in the shade. Try to stay in the shade as much as possible. If you are having a picnic or even taking a stroll, try to find the path with the most trees to help protect you from the sun and keep you cool at the same time.
#7 – Wear sun protective clothing. Wear UV protective rash guards and swim clothes. Wear long sleeved tops and long pants. Super Note: Clothes made of tightly woven fabric are better at sun protection.
#8 – Carry an umbrella. An umbrella easy way to keep you in the shade even on the hottest of days. An umbrella in the sun may seem odd to many people, but in Asia this is quite the norm and a very easy way to keep the sun away. Even baby strollers now come equipped with a parasol to provide extra shade.
#9 – Overcast days still require sun protection. Remember you need sun protection on overcast and rainy days as well. Even though you may not see the sun, it is still there and so are the UV rays.
#10 – Higher altitudes, require more sun protection. Travelling to high altitudes requires a higher level of sun protection since you are closer to the sun the UV rays are stronger.
#11 – Snow & water reflect sun. If you will are in the snow or on the ocean or in the swimming pool, just remember that the suns UV rays reflect and more sun protection is needed.
#12 – Check your medicines. Some medicines are photosensitizers, which means that they make your skin more sensitive to the suns rays. Make sure to read your medicine label and check with your doctor before prolonged exposure in the sun.
#13 – Stay hydrated. Now drinking a lot of water and electrolytes won’t protect you from the suns UV rays, but it will help you stay cool and hydrated to enjoy your day out. Make sure to avoid caffeine, sodas and sugary drinks, which actually dehydrate you more. Super Tip: Before going out on a hot day, put your water bottle in the freezer. By the time you are ready to drink it will have melted and still be cold.
#14 – Don‘t forget after-sun care. Do not forget your after-sun care to replenish the skin and mitigate any moisture loss that may have occurred from being out in the suns rays.
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Now what are you waiting for? Get there and have some safe fun in the sun!!
Hope you have an awesome time outdoors.
-xoxo-
SuperMommy
