Summer is in full swing, and we know you’re all eager to get outside and enjoy that beautiful Oklahoma sunshine. From splashing in the sprinkler to picnics in the park, there’s so much fun to be had. That’s why we want to share some essential UV safety tips for children to make sure your little ones stay safe while soaking up those rays.
Babies, toddlers, and young children have incredibly delicate skin, making them much more susceptible to the sun’s harmful UV rays. Consequently, a bad sunburn in childhood can significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. So, let’s talk about some UV safety tips for our tiniest adventurers!
UV Safety Tips for Babies Under 6 Months
First and foremost, when it comes to newborns and infants under six months, the golden rule is to keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible. This is because their skin is just too sensitive for sunscreen at this age, and their bodies aren’t as good at regulating temperature.
Here’s how to keep them cool and protected:
Stay in the Shade: Find shade under a big tree, use a stroller canopy or bring a portable pop-up tent to create your own shady oasis. Remember, even on cloudy days, UV rays can penetrate, so don’t let a cloudy sky fool you!
Dress for Success: Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers arms and legs is your best friend. To clarify, look for fabrics with a tight weave (hold it up to the light – if you can see through it easily, it’s not offering much protection). Furthermore, a wide-brimmed hat is a must, one that shades their face, ears, and neck. Forget the cute baseball cap for now; we need full coverage!
Timing is Everything: Aim to be indoors or in a fully shaded area during the sun’s peak hours, generally between 10 am and 4 pm.
UV Safety Tips for Active Explorers (6 Months and Up)
Once your little one is six months or older, we can introduce some additional sun protection strategies. Since they’re on the move, it’s all about combining different methods for maximum safety!
Sunscreen is Your Buddy: Now’s the time for sunscreen! Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30, and ideally SPF 50. “Broad-spectrum” means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. For those with sensitive skin, look for mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Application is Key: Apply generously to all exposed skin about 15-30 minutes before heading outside. Don’t forget often-missed spots like tops of ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of feet.
- Reapply Often: This is very important. Reapply at least every two hours, and more frequently after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. Keep in mind that no sunscreen is truly “waterproof,” only water-resistant for a limited time.
Cover Up!: Even with sunscreen, protective clothing is still a fantastic first line of defense. Long-sleeved rash guards for swimming, lightweight long pants, and wide-brimmed hats continue to be essential. Additionally, some clothing even comes with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating, which is like SPF for fabric – the higher the UPF, the better the protection.
Shady Playtime: Continue to seek out shade, especially during those peak sun hours. If your backyard doesn’t have much natural shade, consider a pop-up tent or umbrella for outdoor play.
Cool Shades for Cool Kids: Don’t forget sunglasses! Look for kid-sized sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays. After all, protecting their eyes from a young age is crucial for long-term eye health.
Stay Hydrated: Sun exposure and heat can quickly lead to dehydration, especially in active kids. Therefore, offer plenty of water or other hydrating fluids throughout the day.
Dealing with Sunburns
Even with the best precautions, sunburns can sometimes happen. Knowing what to do if your little one gets too much sun is just as important as prevention.
When to Call the Doctor:
- If your baby is younger than 1 year old and gets a sunburn, call their doctor right away. Their delicate skin needs immediate medical attention.
- For older children, call your child’s doctor if there is blistering, significant pain, or a fever accompanying the sunburn. These can be signs of a more severe burn.
How to Soothe a Mild Sunburn:
If your child has a mild sunburn, here are five ways to help relieve their discomfort and promote healing:
Hydrate: Sun exposure can be dehydrating. As such, encourage your child to drink plenty of water or milk to help replace lost fluids and aid in recovery.
Cool it Down: A cool bath or shower can provide instant relief. Alternatively, you can also apply cool, damp cloths to the affected areas to help soothe the skin.
Pain Relief: For painful sunburns, you give your child over-the-counter pain medicine. Specifically, for babies 6 months or younger, stick to acetaminophen. For children older than 6 months, you can use either acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Always follow the dosing instructions on the package based on your child’s age and weight.
Lotion Caution: Only use medicated lotions, such as those containing aloe vera or hydrocortisone, if your child’s doctor says it’s okay. Bear in mind that some products can irritate sensitive, sunburnt skin.
Stay Out of the Sun: This is crucial! Keep your child completely out of the sun until the sunburn is fully healed to prevent further damage and allow their skin to recover.
A Few More Pro Tips from CCMH
As parents, we’re the best role models our kids have! Make sun safety a family affair by consistently practicing good habits yourself. Let your children see you wearing sunscreen, wearing a hat, and sporting sunglasses when you’re outside. When they see you prioritize sun protection, they’ll be more likely to adopt these crucial habits themselves.
It’s also important to be aware of how medications can affect sun sensitivity. If your child is currently taking any regular prescriptions, have a chat with their pediatrician or pharmacist. They can advise you whether the medication might increase your child’s susceptibility to sunburn and what extra precautions you might need to take.
By being prepared with these UV safety tips for children—both for prevention and treatment—you’re doing an amazing job protecting your little ones. We’re always here at Comanche County Memorial Hospital if you have any concerns about your child’s health.
Resources:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx
https://thenccs.org/sun-safety-protecting-your-skin/
Disclaimer:
The Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not provide specific medical advice for individual cases. Comanche County Memorial Hospital does not endorse any medical or professional services obtained through information provided on this site, articles on the site, or any links on this site.
Use of the information obtained by the Comanche County Memorial Hospital website does not replace medical advice given by a qualified medical provider to meet the medical needs of our readers or others.
While content is frequently updated, medical information changes quickly. Information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. For questions or concerns, please contact us at contact@ccmhhealth.com.