How to Protect Kids from the Sun
- Created:
21. 6. 2022 - Updated:
16. 2. 2024 -
The sun is essential for our body but can also be dangerous. The sun’s rays supply the body with Vitamin D, which is essential for immunity, bone development, and psychological health.
Nevertheless, much of everything is very bad for you, and too much sun exposure can permanently damage your skin and cause significant health problems. That is why you should protect kids from the sun.
Children under one year of age have susceptible skin. Their skin contains less pigment and is completely defenseless against the sun’s rays.
Sunscreen should not be applied to children under 6 months of age. You should protect them from the sun with shade and clothing with long sleeves and trousers made of light, breathable or special UV materials.
After 6 months, children can start using special children’s sunscreens, but they should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
Children under the age of three should not spend too much time in the sun, and they should always be protected with sunscreen and also with clothing and headgear. A quality pair of sunglasses from optics is also a must.
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The Best Protection Is Prevention!
- A child under the age of one should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
- Stay at home or at least remain in the shadows from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Important prevention against sunburn is covering the skin with clothing.
- The child should have applied sunscreen with high UV protection.
What Are Some Tips for Sun Safety?
Protective Clothing
Especially for small children, instead of classic swimwear, is recommended special quick-drying clothing with a UV filter. These are so-called sun protective clothing that children can wear in the water as well as out of the water. Clothing, sun hats, and swimwear with UPF provide the highest UV sun protection. Protective clothing with UPF keep children cool, comfortable, and sun safe.
Head Cover
Almost all children wear hats, caps, scarves, and thin hats in the summer. It is very effective sun protection for small children. The head cover protects not only against sunburn but also against sunstroke and heatstroke.
Hats are the best head cover for little kids because they have a brim all around and thus protect the nape of the neck and the upper part of the neck.
Soft caps or thin caps with a peak for the smallest babies are also suitable for summer because it also protects the eyes from the bright sun.
Eye Protection
The eyes are very sensitive to damage. UV radiation has a significant effect on the deterioration of vision, which usually does the biggest damage by 10 years of age. However, the consequences do not appear until later in life. It is necessary to buy quality glasses with a UV filter so that the harmful sunlight does not affect eyesight.
How to choose appropriate sunglasses?
- UV filter 400 – blocks sunshine up to a wavelength of 400nm, thus the whole spectrum. Or look for the label 100% UV protection.
- The glass should not be too dark.
- Rims and shape of glasses – they should fit as close to the head as possible so that the shine does not enter the eye sideways.
- Material – light, plastic, unbreakable, for the youngest children with an elastic band around the head.
Day Schedule
You should be in the shade with the baby only in the morning until 10 am, and then in the afternoon only from 4 pm.
Be aware that the temperature in the stroller in direct sunlight can climb up to 122 °Fahrenheit. Therefore, a clear rule applies: from 10 am to 4 pm, the child must be in the shade, rest, and be protected from dangerous direct UV rays.
💡TIP: 7 Useful Hacks to Keeping Baby Cool in Summer
Protect your child from direct sunlight, but also be aware that UV rays are also in the shade. Therefore, don’t forget to apply a high UV factor sunscreen to the baby.
How to Choose Sunscreen?
When choosing sunscreen, pay attention to its ingredients, which should be free of parabens and preservatives and also without perfume. Protective filters should be mineral so as not to irritate children’s skin, and the SPF must be between 30 and 50+, ideally the highest.
When choosing a suitable sunscreen, also keep in mind that creams are always more effective than light lotion. It is also necessary to consider the skin type. Does your baby have drier skin? In that case, the oil base will be better. If the skin is oily, it will suit the emulsions better.
How to Correctly Apply Sunscreen?
Once you have selected the appropriate sunscreen, all you have to do is rub, rub and rub. If you have spray sunscreen, put it in your hands first, then rub it on the skin.
Decently and ideally every two hours or after bathing, even if the sunscreen is marked as waterproof. Well-timed application is the key. Ideally, the child should not get out in the sun until 30 minutes after the application of sunscreen.
The natural protection of children’s skin is very low. It can resist sunlight for about 5 minutes.
So don’t forget to put the sunscreen on even if the child is playing in the shadow or the sun is hiding behind the clouds. Up to 90% of sunlight infiltrates the skin through the cloudy sky.
What to Do When a Baby Sunburn?
If a child is sunburned, wash them with lukewarm water and apply Panthenol (pantothenol) to the affected areas, it will soothe irritated skin.
You can also use white unsweetened yogurt.
Afterward, the child should avoid staying in the sun until the skin is completely regenerated.
For sunburn skin with possible fever, do this:
- the child must not be further exposed to the sun
- the child must drink enough water to rehydrate
- give your child medicine to reduce fever
To the skin, apply an ointment containing calcium or foam with pantothenic acid (vitamin from group B). In case of a more severe reaction, it is necessary to see a doctor.
Final Tip: Annie Baby Monitor – Your Travelling Must-have
As you’re off on your summer adventures with your little one, don’t forget to pack baby monitor as a must-have travel essential.
Annie Baby Monitor is portable baby monitor as you have it in your phone. And has advanced monitoring features – unlimited range, motion and cry detection, two-way communication, giving you peace of mind wherever you go.
Whether you’re relaxing on the beach or exploring new places, you can stay connected with your little one with Annie’s notifications and alerts.
Looking for a top-notch baby monitor? Look no further than Annie Baby Monitor. It’s the perfect solution for keeping tabs on your little one. Check it out now.
FAQ
What are the 5 S’s for sun safety?
- Slip on a Shirt
- Slop on Sunscreen
- Slap on a Hat
- Slide on Sunglasses
- Seek Shade
Is the sun a safety hazard for children?
Too much sun can cause sunburn, sunstroke, and heatstroke but also skin damage, eye damage, and/or skin cancer. You can minimize the risks associated with sun exposure by taking simple sun safety precautions.
What are three important sun safety tips?
The three most important sun safety tips are:
- Use a sunscreen of suitable SPF.
- Have a head cover.
- During the hours of 10 am to 4 pm, stay at home or at least stay in the shadows.
