8 ways to protect your kids from the sun this summer.

Everyone loves the summer, especially kids. But, because they’re only thinking about having fun, children forget to keep their skin safe. And since most children’s skin is sensitive, it’s up to the grown-ups to protect them from sun damage. Here are 8 simple, easy solutions to help your little ones stay safe and healthy all summer long!

1. Seek shade.
Between 10 am and 4 pm, the UV rays are at their highest levels, which makes it the most dangerous time for kids to be out. Seek shade during these hours, especially on very hot days. It can also be a good opportunity for your children to get a little rest, have a snack and drink water.


2. Cover their whole bodies with sunscreen.
It’s easy to miss a spot when you’re applying sunscreen to excited, jiggling kids’ faces and bodies, but don’t forget that every exposed spot is vulnerable to sun damage. Children have thin skin, so you need to make doubly sure you cover their hands, feet, the back of their neck and their ears.


3. Choose the right sunscreen.
With so many sunscreens on the market, it can be hard to know which one is best suited to protect your kids from sun damage. Choose one that is PABA-free, with a SPF of 45 or more, such as Ombrelle Kids SPF 50+ 120, or 240 mL. If you’re going anywhere near the water, make sure it is water resistant.


4. Know your child’s skin.
Many people think that fair skin burns easily and darker skin can handle more sun. Whilst there is some truth to this, you must bear in mind that darker skin still burns, and you should protect it from the sun the same way you would with lighter skin.


5. Equip them with hats and sunglasses.
Not only is the skin on the scalp thin, and very uncomfortable and painful when burnt, it’s difficult to rub sunscreen in it, so we recommended a wide-brimmed hat. And, since eyes take in 99% of the sun’s UV rays, you should invest in a high-quality protective pair of sunglasses.


6. Dress them in the right clothes.
Clothes can make a very big difference, especially on very hot days. Whilst the summer normally calls for wearing as little as possible, kids can maximize their safe time in the sun by putting on something light with long sleeves and loose trousers.


7. Think about the drive.
It’s very easy to forget that whilst your kids are in the car, they are still technically in the sun and could get sunburnt. Solve this dilemma with mesh window shields, or, if you feel like more of an investment, UV window film, which retains full visibility through the car window whilst filtering out almost 100% of the sun’s UV rays.


8. Be extra careful if you have babies.
Whilst it’s important for all children to be protected from sun damage, babies need more attention. Babies less than six months old should simply stay out of the sun, since their skin is too sensitive for sunscreen. When they reach six months, they’re ready for sunscreen, but the best policy is still to get used to keeping them in the shade as often as you can.