Fun in the Sun -- Safely!
-June 8, 2009-Comments (0)
Do you remember what if feels like to be sunburned? Miserable! That memory of the pain of sunburn is enough to remind me to slather on the sunscreen when I know I am going to be out in the sun for prolonged periods of time. However, I am occasionally reminded that sunburns can happen anytime of year and even on cloudy days. I forgot the sunscreen once this baseball season on what started out as a cloudy, rainy day. By the end of the game I had gotten my share of sun! As you head outside this summer, here are some sun safety tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) for your kids:
Babies Under 6 Months
- Avoid sun exposure and dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck to prevent sunburn.
- When adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands.
- If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.
For Young Children
- Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside.
- Use sunscreen even on cloudy days.
- The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.
For Older Children
- The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
- Stay in the shade whenever possible and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours — between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen — about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
How do you plan to have fun in the sun this summer?
