Source: HealthLinkBC
With the temperatures high and the summer sun out, it’s an important time to remember how to protect your children from the heat and sun. Preventing sunburns along with heat exhaustion and heat stroke should be a priority when enjoying time outside, especially in the summer.
In this blog, we will go over some simple tips to keep your child safe from the effects of heat and sun.
- Be extra cautious during the peak hours of sun time, even on cloudier days.
Typically, the peak hours of sun time, when the sun’s rays are most powerful, are between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. During this time, try to minimize UV exposure. When you and your child are outdoors during peak sun hours, try to find shade and be careful not to heat up in the sun for too long. At Rainforest, during the summer, we erect shades on the playground for added protection.
Also, remember that even on cloudy days, the sun can still burn your child’s skin and heat can still exhaust them. Take precautions even when it seems like there will be cloudier skies.
- Choose protective clothing and accessories.
One of the best ways to shield your child from the sun is to find protective clothes, including items like wide-brimmed hats, loose-fitting clothes, and tightly woven clothes made of materials like unbleached cotton, polyester, or silk. Long-sleeved but loose-fitting clothes are also ideal for covering up the skin.
- Ensure you pick the right sunscreen for your child.
There are plenty of sunscreens out there, so choose wisely: select one with an SPF of at least 30, and ensure it is broad-spectrum to protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
If your child is going swimming or sweats a lot, use a water-resistant sunscreen that will stick with them during their activities.
Moreover, if your child is enjoying a lot of sun time, consider using a physical or mineral sunscreen. These are especially effective at stopping sunlight from reaching the skin and are usually thick white creams.
- Apply and reapply sunscreen correctly.
Make sure you apply your child’s sunscreen about 30 minutes before their outdoor time and cover any exposed skin, including often forgotten-about areas like the ears and behind the ears, scalp, lips, back of the hands, and neck. For the lips, you can use a protective lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 to prevent sunburns.
Remember to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating to ensure your child remains covered.
- Stay hydrated!
Always bring a water bottle with you for outdoor time and ensure your child is replenishing themselves with water regularly. This greatly reduces the chances of heat stroke, which can be a risk to your child’s health, especially in intense heat.
- Be careful around reflective surfaces.
When your child is playing on sand or in water, be extra sure to take precautions to protect them from the sun. These surfaces reflect up to 85% of the sun’s rays, increasing the chances of sunburn, heat exhaustion and more.
- Start sun protection early.
The sun can have devastating effects on children, starting from when they are very young. Take sun protection seriously. Babies under 12 months should avoid sun time, and those over 12 months should be protected with sunscreen and a hat. Young kids spend a lot of time outdoors and need protection for their skin and overall health condition.
Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy activities in the fresh air. To ensure the best time possible, remember to use these tips to protect your child from the summer heat and sun. Remember to drink plenty of water, apply and reapply sunscreen, wear protective clothing, and stay cautious of sunburns even on cloudy days.
Enjoy the summer sun!
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Rainforest Learning Centre Vancouver child care centres are located in North Vancouver, Langley and Coquitlam and serve the surrounding areas of Upper Lonsdale, Central Lonsdale, Metro Vancouver, Burnaby, North Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey and White Rock. We offer group daycare, all-day preschool for ages 2 1/2 to 5, infant and toddler care for ages 1 to 3, half-day preschool for ages 3 to 5, and before- and after-school care for ages 5 to 12. Learn more here.