In the summer everyone wants to have fun in the sun, but you really want to protect your children’s tender skin from sunburns. Follow these sun safety recommen- dations from the American Academy of Pediatrics:
For babies under six months:
- It’s best to avoid sun exposure by making sure your baby is in full shade, like from a dense tree or an umbrella.
- Even when baby is in the shade, the sun's rays reflect off sand and water, so dress him in lightweight clothes that cover his arms and legs and a hat with a brim that keeps the sun off his face.
- Apply a little SPF-15 sunscreen to small areas like his face and the backs of his hands if you notice he's changing color.
For young children:
- Dress her in protective clothing and use sunscreen with at least SPF-30.
- Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen after swimming, sweating, or after 2 hours have passed – after 1 hour if you're in the tropics. Reapplication is essential to keep her protected.
- Avoid staying too long in the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., the hours when the rays are the strongest.
For older children:
- When they are not in the water, do your best to keep kids in the shade or covered in cotton clothing with a tight weave. Bring hats with large brims or a baseball hat with the bill facing forward.
- Look for sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.
- Use sunscreen with SPF-15 or greater.
- A handful of sunscreen per application is enough for a young adult.
If you are vacationing in the tropics, remember that sunscreen and bug repellant are harmful to fish and coral. It’s best not to wear either in sensitive environments. And remember that UV rays can make it through clouds and fog.
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