How to Protect Your Kids from Sunburn and Skin Cancer
Did you know that roughly 2 in 3 Australians will get a skin cancer diagnosis before they reach age 70? With the skyrocketing rates of skin cancer, it's no wonder Australia has the title of the skin cancer capital of the world. It makes sense that parents wonder how to keep children sun-safe and prevent sunburn while they're outside. But you're not alone, and we've identified 15 ways you can keep your child sun-safe all year round.
1. Put on Extra Layers of Sunscreen
Children in the water or who sweat need to reapply sunscreen more frequently. You should apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside. Also, to prevent sunburn, use sunscreen on all sun-exposed areas.
2. Limit Outside Playtime Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
UV rays are at their strongest between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon. You want to limit your child's sun exposure at this time if possible. This includes cloudy or overcast days. If they must be outdoors, ensure they play in the shade.
3. Protect Eyes and Lips
Your child's lips and eyelids can burn quickly, and direct sunlight can damage their eyes. Get them a pair of wraparound sunglasses for outdoor use to protect their eyes. For their lips, you can get a lip balm that has SPF protection to prevent lip burns.
4. Cover Your Child as Much as Possible
If your child is wearing light-coloured clothing and it gets wet, it offers no sun protection. Choose dark colours, long sleeves, a floppy hat, sunglasses, pants or longer shorts, and a long umbrella for beach trips. Also, apply sunscreen to any exposed areas to prevent accidental sunburns.
5. Play in the shade
Most parks or child-friendly outdoor areas have both shaded and sun-exposed areas. Please encourage your child to spend most of their time playing in the shade, especially during peak hours. Once the sun sets, your child can play in open areas because the risk of sunburn dramatically decreases.
6. Be Mindful of Medications
Some medications increase your body's sensitivity to the sun, and this means that your child may get a sunburn even with higher SPF protection. Certain essential oils, acne creams and lotions, and medical conditions can also increase this sensitivity. Make sure you pay attention to any labels, and ask your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
7. Carry a Sun Safety Kit
You should always have a sun safety kit with you whenever your child goes outside. This kit should include sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, a long-sleeved, dark-coloured shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, lip balm with SPF 30 or higher, and sunglasses that provide UV protection to prevent corneal burns.
8. Reapply Sunscreen Regularly
Most children hate to sit still long enough to get sunscreen applied, but it's essential. If your child isn't swimming or sweating, reapply the sunscreen every two hours. If they are in water or sweating heavily, you should reapply it every hour or so to maintain protection.
9. Be Careful Around Water
Water is a reflective surface, and this is especially true for sunlight. They're stronger in water, so you need to be mindful of this. This means you should use a higher-SPF sunscreen and reapply more often if you spend the day at the beach.
10. Get Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen
When you pick out a sunscreen, look for one that says it's broad-spectrum. This type of sunscreen protects your child against both UVA and UVB rays. Also, make sure that it's a water-resistant sunscreen, whether your child is around water or not, to ensure they get enough protection.
11. Keep Babies Out of the Sun
Babies and any children under six months old shouldn't be in direct sunlight to prevent sunburn. This includes babies and small children wearing sunscreen. You can bring them out for short periods after peak hours, but those periods should be short as well.
12. Recognise the Start of a Sunburn
Did you know it can take up to 12 hours for the full extent of a sunburn to appear? If your child starts to look a little pink, bring them out of the sun. This light pink can turn very red very quickly.
13. Have a Lot of Water Readily Available
Keeping your kids hydrated when they're outdoors can help protect them from dehydration and sunstroke. Make sure they take time to drink while they're playing. Also, have them come into the shade periodically to prevent overheating.
14. Pay attention to the UV Index Forecast
The UV Index Forecast tells you how harsh the sun is going to be for a particular day. Any UV forecast of 3 or higher requires sunscreen, and anything over 8 requires additional layers of protection. Check this before you send your child out to play and plan accordingly.
15. Follow Sun Safety Rules Yourself
Children mimic what they see, and you can teach them good sun safety habits from an early age. Always wear sunscreen when you go out; bring a hat and sunglasses, and spend time in the shade. Your children will pick up these habits and be healthier for it.
Contact 13Cure for More Tips or to Book an Appointment! Now you know 15 ways to keep children sun-safe and avoid sunburn. If you'd like more tips or have questions, reach out to our support team! We're on hand and ready to help you keep your kid safe in the sun all year round!
