6 tips for sun safety

By Stacie Gaetz

Summer is all about fun in the sun but too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn and heat exhaustion for your little ones and there is nothing fun about that.

Even when Mr. Sun hides his face behind clouds, there is a risk that your children can burn.

According to the Canadian Pediatric Society (CPS), bad sunburns and too much time spent in the sun without skin protection have also been linked to a higher risk of skin cancer later in life. So, it is important to cover up and reapply sunscreen regularly.

Here are six other tips to keep you sun safe this summer:

1. Under Cover

Make sure your children are always wearing a hat with a brim (in the front not turned backwards, to my five-year-old son’s dismay).

If you can find a hat with a brim in the front and a piece of fabric that covers the back of the neck (that they will actually wear) – even better!

If you have a baby or young toddler, make sure they are shaded with a blanket or sunshade over their stroller.

Foldable sunshades (that look a lot like small tents when popped up) are inexpensive, compactable and a great idea if you are planning on going to a park or open space that does not provide treed areas for shade.

2. Get Screened

At least 30 minutes before heading outside, apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on all areas of your child’s skin that will be exposed to the sun. Use a lip balm with SPF 15 as well.

Remember to put sunblock on their ears, nose, back of neck and legs, and tops of feet. Reapply sunscreen every two to three hours, and after swimming or vigorous play.

Keep in mind that there are no sunscreens that are recommended for children under six months old as they can rub it in their eyes and mouths, according to CPS.

3. Be Choosy

Be selective about what time you go out in the sun and how long you stay. It is best to avoid long exposure (more than 30 minutes) to direct sunlight during the hottest part of the day (noon to 2pm).

This can be tough, As a mom, I can tell you these are the hours that many children’s outdoor activities take place.

However, you can try to avoid direct sunlight at these times of day by planning activities in locations where there is shade available or by bringing an umbrella or sunshade to the event.

Let your children know before attending the event that you will be asking them to take regular shade and water breaks.

4. Cool Shades

Each member of the family should wear sunglasses that have 100 percent UV protection (“broad spectrum”). Sunglasses should have both UVA and UVB protection and should block UV wavelengths of up to 400 nanometres, according to the Canadian Ophthalmological Society. Don’t be fooled by dark or mirrored lenses; they don’t necessarily provide UV protection.

Although your kids may want the ones with the coolest frames, sun damage to the eyes is very serious so make sure you take the time to read up on the sunglasses you are going to buy. Unfortunately, those with the correct protection can be a bit more expensive than the $6 from big box stores, it will be worth it in the end.

5. Helpful Hydration

Always ensure that you have a water bottle full of fresh water for each child. Encourage them to drink small amounts of water regularly as kids don’t always feel thirsty when playing or want to stop what they are doing for a drink.

Keep in mind that other sugary drinks like soda and juice do not provide the same kind of hydration as good ol’ H20.

6. Be Aware

If you are outside in the sun for extended periods of time, be alert and watch your children carefully. Look out for signs of dehydration or heat illness and go inside immediately if your child presents with any of the following:

• Headache
• Dizziness or confusion
• Loss of appetite, feeling sick or stomach cramps
• Cool, moist skin
• Pale coloration of the face
• Fast breathing and heart rate when at rest
• Temperature of 38C or higher

Stay safe this summer and remember to always lead by example. If you are baking in the sun with no protection, it can be difficult to convince your child to keep their hat on and re-apply their sunscreen.