The Essentials of Sunscreen and Sun Protection for Kids
Is there such a thing as too much fun in the sun?
As a nanny, ensuring the children you care for are safe under the sun is crucial. This guide covers the basics of sun protection for kids of all ages, with simple tips and expert advice to keep them safe and healthy. Keep it handy in your favorites and pull it up whenever you need a refresher – and stay cool out there this summer.
Why Sun Protection for Kids is Important
Long-term Health: Excessive sun exposure can lead to skin damage, sunburns, and increased risk of skin cancer later in life. The younger a child is when exposed to sun damage, the higher the risk of later developing skin cancer. Protecting children’s skin from a young age is essential.
Immediate Risks: Sunburn can make children uncomfortable and ill. In addition, high temperatures can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which are serious health risks.
Sun Protection for Different Age Groups
Babies Under One Year
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep infants out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Use covers on strollers and prefer shaded outdoor areas. Avoid hanging a blanket over a stroller for shade as it can quickly get much too hot inside the stroller.
Protective Clothing: Dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and wide-brimmed hats. At this age, clothing is better sun protection than sunscreen.
Limited Sunscreen Use: Use minimal amounts of sunscreen on small, uncovered areas like the face and back of the hands if necessary. Check with a pediatrician for recommendations suitable for infants and talk to the baby’s parents before going out.
Toddlers and Preschoolers
Sunscreen Application: Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30. Cover all exposed areas, including the ears, back of the neck, and tops of feet.
Reapply Frequently: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Teach and Encourage: Teach older children the importance of staying in the shade and wearing a hat and sunglasses. Remember, kids can burn their scalp as well, especially if they have light or thing hair, or a clear part.
Effective Sunscreen Application Tips
Because applying sunscreen to a wriggly kiddo isn’t always the easiest. Trust us, we’ve been there. The more you can create a routine of always putting on sunscreen before going out, the less your charge will put up a fight.
Apply Early: Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside to ensure it's effective when you step into the sun.
Use Enough: Most people do not use enough sunscreen. A good rule of thumb is about an ounce (enough to fill a shot glass) to cover the body of an adult, adjust accordingly for children. It’s not a bad thing if you can see the sunscreen on the kiddo.
Don’t Miss Spots: Pay attention to often-missed spots like the tops of the feet, the back of the legs, and the ears.
What About Natural Remedies and Care?
Disclaimer: While natural remedies can support mild symptoms, they are not substitutes for medical treatment in the case of severe sunburns or heat-related illnesses. Always check with your parent employees before using any treatments and get their stamp of approval.
Aloe Vera: For mild sunburns, aloe vera can provide soothing relief. It's natural and generally safe but should be patch tested on a small area of skin first to ensure there is no allergic reaction.
Hydration: Did you know water actually helps with heat recovery? Keep your charges well hydrated with water to help their bodies recover from sun exposure.
Heat and Sun Exposure Limits
Watch the Heat Index: Avoid outdoor activities during peak sun intensity hours, typically between 10 AM and 4 PM. If the heat index is very high, it’s best to stay indoors. Take advantage of early mornings, and swing by a park that has water fountains on to keep cool.
Listen to Alerts: Pay attention to local weather advisories. Heat advisories or warnings indicate dangerous conditions where outdoor activities may need to be limited or avoided. Sometimes hot weather will give rise to air quality alerts, and young children or those with breathing issues like asthma are especially susceptible to the dangers of poor air quality.
Did you already know all of this?
Sun protection is a key part of child care, especially during the sunny months or in sunny climates, and these guidelines are essential.
However, if you already knew all of this, you may well be knowledgeable and experienced enough to become a nanny with Smart Sitting. We work with talented, experienced, dedicated, and engaging professional nannies and babysitters, connecting you with wonderful families and awesome jobs. If you think you have what it takes, we definitely want to hear from you. Click the button below and apply today.
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