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Sun Safety
Although
the sun feels
good, its
ultraviolet
(UV) rays
can cause
sunburn whenever
you're out
in the sun
too long.
Even with
gradual exposure,
tanning may
be the skin’s
response to
sun damage
and is not
necessarily
healthier.
UV rays can
cause serious
diseases,
such as skin
cancer and
damage to
eyes.
Use the following
tips to help
protect children
from the sun.
Safety Tips
- It’s ideal to keep children out of the sun between 10
a.m. and 4 p.m. – midday is when the sun’s rays are
the strongest.
- Keep infants under six months in the shade. Babies and young
children have thinner skin than adults.
- Dress children in loose, dry, lightweight, light-colored,
cotton clothing.
- Have a child wear a hat and sunglasses with UV protection
to protect the eyes.
- Use waterproof sunscreen that has a sun protection factor
(SPF) of 15 or higher. Reapply every 2 hours. Don’t forget the tops of the ears.
- Know that children with light hair, light eyes and fair skin
will sunburn more quickly and should use a sunscreen with an
SPF of 30 or higher.
- Be sure to use sunscreen on cloudy days, in the shade and
in winter, too. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and hazy
skies, and they can reflect off the ground—off sand, concrete,
snow and more. So don’t be unprotected.
- Know that the sun’s rays are stronger when you’re
in or near the water because the rays reflect off the water.
- Offer plenty of water to children, even if they’re not
thirsty.
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, weakness,
headache or stomach cramps. Remove a child from the sun if he
is experiencing any of these symptoms. Provide rest and plenty
of fluids.
- If absolutely necessary to have babies under 6 months in the sun, use sunscreen every 2 hours.
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