Sun Safety 101

July 20, 8:33 AMNew Orleans Parenting ExaminerLindsey Tullier

Previous

Comment Print Email RSS Subscribe

Subscribe

Get alerts when there is a new article from the New Orleans Parenting Examiner. Read Examiner.com's terms of use.

Email Address   Include other special offers from Examiner.com Terms of Use

Summer is a time for family barbecues and pool parties, but in Southeast Louisiana it’s also a time of dangerously high temperatures.  It is important to protect ourselves from excessive heat and harmful UV rays, but it is especially important to pay attention to these dangers with our children. 

Although babies will cry when they are cold, they tend to become lethargic when overheated.  This means that they won’t let you know if there’s a problem.  Small children are often unaware of these dangers, preferring to remain occupied with playing in the sun.  This is why parents need to stay on top of precautionary measures for keeping the family happy and healthy in the sun.

The American Academy of Pediatrics says that “babies younger than 6 months” should be kept out of direct sunlight.  Sunscreen should only be used sparingly with this group when necessary.

For children six months and older, a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher should be applied liberally, being careful around the eyes.  Keep their hands cleans so they don’t rub sunscreen in their eyes.  Sunscreen should be applied a half an hour before going outside and should be reapplied every two hours.

In addition to sunscreen, you can protect yourself and your children from the sun by wearing hats, using sunglasses with 99% UV protection, and avoiding or limiting sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

For more information on sun safety in children, visit the American Academy of Pediatrics website.

Links to Sun-Safety Products for Children 

OneStepAhead.com 

Avon.com

Photo by hortongrou/Stock Xchng