How to Protect Your Child From Sunburn
Kids love to have fun outdoors in the summer -- and it's best if you start them on the road to good skin-care habits early in life. Preventing sunburn doesn't just prevent a painful nuisance; it can prevent skin cancer later in life as well. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the best way to protect your child from sunburn is to take a multifaceted approach.
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Instructions
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Apply sunscreen -- SPF 30 or greater -- 15 to 30 minutes before your children are exposed to the sun.
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Cover all exposed areas of your child's skin with the sunscreen. Don't forget the tops of their feet. Sandals and strollers can expose a child's feet to the sun and allow them to get burned.
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Avoid letting your children play outside between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun's rays are strongest. Early-morning and late-afternoon outings are the best for protecting your child from sunburn.
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Dress children in long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats with shading brims when they will be exposed to the sun for a long time. Dress for the weather -- long sleeves don't have to be heavy: Some companies specialize in lightweight clothing that protects children from sunburn.
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Stay in the shade, especially if your shadow is longer than you are tall. If you plan to be in an area without shade, such as a beach, bring a source of shade, such as a beach umbrella or canopy.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose a sunscreen that your child doesn't object to. For example, some kids hate lotions but don't mind sprays.
Wear sunscreen even when it's cloudy or cold. Many kids get a badly sunburned face after playing in snow.
Be on the look out for signs of heat stress.
Keep your child hydrated with plenty of water and foods containing water.
References
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