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Keep kids safe in the sun
As a stay at home mom you and your children probably enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors when the weather turns warm. Spring and summer, in Baltimore, are perfect for walking, hiking, swimming at the pool, and building sand castles at the Maryland and Delaware beaches. Because of our proximity to the equator, the intensity of the sun may not seem very strong. But it's deceiving. Even a few minutes outdoors without sunblock can cause skin damage, especially to children who have more sensitive skin.
Follow these sun safety tips and the time outdoors with your children will always be enjoyable (minus any tantrums, of course).
Avoid Peak Sun: The sun is most intense between 10am and 4pm. If possible, avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors during the midday sun. (Easier said, than done when vacationing...so read on!)
Sunscreen: If you remember nothing else remember these two word: liberally lather! Use a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and has a SPF of at least 15, but preferably 30 and 50 for very young children. Re-lather children every 2-3 hours or after swimming.
*Tip: Use a sunblock stick to quickly, easily and safely apply sunblock to a child's face.
Hats & Shades: Hats are essential when practicing sun safety for kids. Not only do they protect the scalp from getting sunburn, they also provide shade to the face and eyes. Any hat is better than no hat, but a UV sun protective hat is the best hat. Get your child into the habit of wearing sun glasses early on. Using UV protective children's sun glasses is thought to help prevent cataracts later in life.
*Tip: If you have trouble keeping hats on your baby or toddler, be sure to buy hats with a chin strap so it can't easily be pulled off.
Sun Protective Clothing: Look for children's specially designed clothes and bathing suits that protect against UV rays. If you can't find or don't want to buy special sun clothing dress your child to block out as much sun as possible. Collared shirts, light weight & light colored long sleeve shirts, and long skirts for girls are all ways to practice sun safety while not risking being overheated.
Provide Shade: Put up a beach or stroller umbrella, a tent, or cabana where children can go for a little time out of the sun. Offer a cool drink or lunch in the shade to give young children extended periods out of direct sunlight.
Stay Hydrated: Be sure to make sure your children are drinking lots of water and other non-caffinated beverages when they're spending time in the sun. Children, often times, don't realize how thirsty they are or are too busy playing to stop and take a drink. Offer beverages often throughout the day to avoid dehydration which occurs faster in warm weather.
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