It is hard to believe that the summer will be with us again soon and with it the long, sunny days which we all enjoy so much. It is an excellent time of the year to spend outside enjoying BBQs and games with the family, and you can often be having so much fun that you forget to take adequate precautions against the sun. This is bad enough for adults, but kiddies have much more sensitive skin and therefore need more protection.
For existing parents, you probably already have a system in place for the summer, but for new parents, these children’s summer skin care tips will help point you in the right direction.
Limit the Time in the Sun
The best form of sun protection is to keep your child out of the sun during the day especially between 10 am and 4 pm, as this is when the sun is at its strongest. Obviously, if your kid is going to school or is on holiday, then it won’t be practical to keep them inside all day, so in this case, ensure that they play in areas where there is ample shade and that you use suitable protection to avoid sunburn.
Don’t Forget the Sunscreen
From six months onwards, it is okay to start applying sunscreen on your kiddie’s skin, and this should always be done before they go out into the sun and be reapplied at regular intervals during the day as well as after any trips to a swimming pool or the ocean. Make sure that you liberally cover any exposed skin all over the body, which can sometimes be challenging with toddlers. But try to make it fun and ensure that you put sunscreen on the neck and shoulders which often get forgotten.
When choosing a sunscreen for your child, look for one with SPF of at least 30 or higher if your child has very light skin. Your pediatrician will be available to provide you with up-to-date information on the best choice for your child, so make sure to bring it up during your next well-child examination.
Hey, Good Looking!
Sunscreen isn’t the only way that you can protect your kiddie’s skin from the harmful effects of the sun, and you should have a whole kit ready for the summer. Glasses and hats offer excellent protection in addition to making your little one look highly fashionable! This is an area where you can have a lot of fun with your children as they start growing up by turning the summer outfit choices into a fashion show.
But, all joking aside, sunglasses and hats offer excellent protection from the sun and are essential accessories for young kiddies, as they offer shade and protect the eyes and surrounding skin.
Kids Will Be Kids
Unfortunately, there are times when, despite our best efforts, the kiddies will still get a little sunburnt. If this happens, then you should apply cold compresses to the affected area and keep them out of the sun for a couple of days. This will usually clear it up quickly with no lasting damage, but please try not to make a habit out of it.
Another idea to help ease the discomfort of a sunburn is to apply aloe vera gel as soon as possible, as it helps to cool down the affected area.
One Last Note
Kiddies burn easily, and damage done at this vulnerable stage can increase the risk of skin cancer further down the line, so it’s worth the frustration of making this a part of the summer routine as early as possible.