How to Protect a Toddler From UV Rays

Research has shown that the chances of developing skin cancer as an adult increase with the number of sunburns received as a child. Protecting your toddler's sensitive skin from the sun is important, so read on for some important tips!

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Protective clothing

1. If possible, avoid the sun when the rays are the strongest, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
2. Apply sunscreen to your toddler at least 30 minutes before being exposed to the sun. Re-apply every 2 hours if you are out that long. Use a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30 (however, any higher than 30 is not that much more protective than 30). Make sure that the sunscreen blocks UVA as well as UVB. UVB causes burning, but UVA can cause skin damage at deeper layers.
3. Cover your child with as much clothing as comfortable. Long sleeved shirts and long pants are a great option if it is not too warm. Be aware that clothing does not block out all UV rays, so use sunscreen too. Hats are a great way to protect little heads.
4. Wearing sunglasses can protect your toddler's eyes from harmful UV rays, which have been shown to cause vision problems later in life. Most sunglasses, regardless of how expensive, do an adequate job of blocking out UV rays, so you can purchase cheap ones in case they get broken or lost frequently.

Tips & Warnings

• Do what you can to make protecting your toddler fun for them!