6 Ways to keep your kids safe under the sun

Thinking about hitting the beach with your kids soon? Before you head out the door, don't forget to check out these tips on how to use sun protection to help prevent potential health problems!

6 ways to keep your kids safe under the sun

Some studies show that the seawater and beach sand reflects up to 70% more intensity of sun exposure when compared to other surfaces. Strong sun exposure has also been acknowledged as one of the main contributing factors behind skin cancer.

All of these things make people want to hide and never come out!

However, it’s unlikely anyone will completely stop going to the beach. So, we’ve found some tips that will help you get around this issue. In order to prevent cancer and protect yourself, it is essential to take some precautions that will minimise the exposure to the intensity of the sunrays.

We’ll tell you about some sun protection tips that will help your family and little ones when having fun under the sun!

1. Head out at the right time

Timing is an important factor to consider. Going to the beach right smack in the middle of the day when the sun is at its hottest may not be the best idea, especially when you have young kids.

It will not be easy to get them to play in the shade and will certainly defeat the sole purpose of the beach outing when you do not allow them to frolic in the sea. Try going to the beach in the morning or after four in the evening. There will still be lots of sunshine but this way you get sun protection the natural way.

2. Keep hydrated

Offer your your little one plenty of liquids to keep hydrated. If your bub is under six months offer lots of breast milk which provides plenty of hydration.

3. Slather on sunblock

Using plenty of sun block and sunscreen lotions is another wise option to consider for sun protection. When choosing these lotions, ensure you pick ones that are water resistant and have ultraviolet radiation protection.

Ideally, the product should have ingredients, such as avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Also, remember to read the directions on the bottle, and reapply the lotion(s) accordingly throughout the day.

4. Sit in the shade

Playing in the shade or even making sand castles under the shade of a beach umbrella is also something you may want to encourage, as it helps to limit direct sun exposure.

5. Protective gear

If your little one just wants to play with the beach sand, then covering up would be a good idea. Use a wide brimmed hat for better head and face protection.

There are also special sunglasses for kids that will help give their eyes sun protection from the harsh reflective rays bouncing off the seawater.

6. The type of swim suit you chose

Although most swimsuit designs today are very cute and come in lovely colours, it might be prudent to look for designs and material that offer better sun protection rather than to consider how cute it looks. Swimsuits have designs that expose a lot of skin, and these parts are usually burnt quite badly from the exposure to harsh sunrays.

Therefore, picking designs that have more skin surfaces covered would ensure less skin exposure to the sun. Even the material used should ideally be from Lycra rash as these provide good sun protection. This material is designed for water-use and will dry quickly. It will also give your child protection in another way too – by preventing a cold.

Written by

Serena Mui

Beachsun protectionsunscreensun exposuresunblock