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Easy Summer Sun Safety Tips for Kids

Summer sun safety for your children is a top priority for many parents.  Playing outdoors is important for kids, but the fear } about sunburn is also a concern.  Here are some tips for sun safety for kids.

Sunscreen for kids is just as important as sunscreen for adults.  Dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen on children at least 15 to 30 minutes before they go outside to play .  Even getting a serious sunburn just one time can increase a child’s risk of developing skin cancer in the future.

Sunscreen for tweens should be re-appliedfor every two hours your child is outside .  If they’re swimming, you need to up the frequency of re-application.

An additional sun safety tip is to stay inside during the hours of 10 am to 4 pm, since this is when the sun is at its strongest.  This is encouraged even on cloudy or overcast days, since the sun’s rays can still penetrate the cloud cover and cause sunburns.

For playtime , plan on getting your children out early in the morning or later in the afternoon.  Schedule a mid-afternoon  break inside with their favorite indoor activities. 

Another sun safety for kids tip to remember is hydration.  Children are prone to overheating in the summer, many times not realizing that their playing is causing them to sweat and lose water.

To prevent dehtydration and overheating follow these guidelines :

– Have quiet activities for the hotter part of the day

– FInd a shady spot – whether it’s in your backyard or the park, stake out some shade for kids to rest and recharge in.

– Wear loose and light clothing .  Bring plenty of water,  and wear sunglasses and apply sunscreen

Sun safety for kids means more than just rubbing on sunscreen.  As a parent, you want to prevent sunburns, but you also need to be on the lookout for signs of overheating and dehydration.    Be sure to apply sunscreen, take brekas and drink plenty of water.