Sun Safety with Children

05/30/2013

It looks like summer weather has finally approached! Crazy to think my lawn was covered in snow just a couple weeks ago! I know, I know, don’t say the “s” word!

Let’s talk sun safety with children.

Be careful when you go outside on a sunny day with children. Too much sun can be harmful. You and your children can sunburn in only 15 minutes!

When do you need protection?

If the UV index is low (from 0-2), the risk of getting too much sun is low, and no protection is required. If the UV index is between 3 and 7, you need protection. UV index higher then 8 requires extra protection. If you travel to the tropics, the index could be higher then 10.

How do you keep you and children safe?

COVER UP. Wear long sleeves and a hat with a wide brim. When you buy sunglasses, make sure they have a label that says compliant with ANSI. They will provide almost 100% protection against eye damage. Use long sleeves and long pants to protect your children from the sun.

STAY IN THE SHADE. When your shadow is shorter then you, the sun is very strong. Look for places with lots of shade, such as a park with big trees. Always take an umbrella to the beach. Always keep babies in the shade.

USE SUNSCREEN. The bottle should read SPF 15 or higher. SPF means Sun Protection Factor. Put sunscreen on your skin 20 minutes before you go out and reapply some 20 minutes after being in the sun to ensure more even application of the product and better protection. DO NOT apply sunscreen on babies under 6 months old.

I prefer Arbonne. My toddler had sensitive skin as a baby and it was the only one that didn’t irritate her skin. The Arbonne ABC Water Resistant Sunscreen is SPF 30. It is formulated with antioxidant vitamins A, C and E and gentle botanicals. The sunscreen is PABA free and is Pediatrician and Dermatologist tested.

A few tips to remember.

ALWAYS use sunscreen when you are outside in the sun. Carry with you and put it on every 2 hours (more often if you are swimming or sweating).

TRY to keep your children out of the sun between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest.

NEVER use baby oil to protect children from the sun. It will NOT protect them.

Information provided by Health Canada and Julianna with Arbonne