With the hot summer we have been having, many of us are heading to the beach, pools or water parks to keep our kids cool, but being outside posses some risks that parents should be aware of.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, even one or two blistering sunburns can increase a child's risk for developing skin cancer later in life. With that said, you don’t need to hide indoors during daylight hours to protect your kids. Here are ways to play safe and play smart.
Consider scheduling playtime's before 10 am or after 3pm. These are times when the sun is less powerful. Even when you go outside during those hours, make sure you apply sunscreen paying close attention to their cheeks, backs, hands, and the tops of their feet. Also, encourage your kids to wear hats and t-shirts to protect their faces and bodies and sit in the shade under a tree or an umbrella.
Choose a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 or higher. SPF refers to the length of time a person can remain in the sun before burning. The higher the SPF, the longer a person can stay out, but the amount of time is also influenced by skin type.
Just because you have sunscreen on it doesn’t mean you or your children won’t get burned. Make sure you apply it 30 minutes before leaving the house. Reapply after swimming or perspiring even though it’s water proof or reapply every 2 hours.
Many people don’t apply enough sunscreen, a quarter size dollop will cover one toddler’s arm and during the summer months you will go through a lot of sunscreen so keep the kids protected well. If you start good habits with your kids when they are young, you will be protecting and teaching them the importance of proper skin protection.
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