As a parent, building good habits with your kids is important. This guide will help you teach your children about how to protect themselves from the sun.
Slathering on sunscreen might not be your favorite thing to do. Yet, it's a key part of good sun protection and a habit that should last a lifetime.
A recent survey found that 31-percent of adults don't wear sunscreen. Unfortunately, it's likely the same for many children, too.
There are many things you can do when building good habits for kids when it comes to sun protection, so read on to learn more.
Start Good Habits Early
The earlier you begin practicing proper sun protection, the more it will become a lifelong habit. After children are six months of age, apply a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher to any exposed skin.
Even minor sunburns can lead to health problems later in life. The sooner children are protected, the better the odds are that they'll remain so year after year.
Make it a family habit to apply sun protection any time you go out in the sun. Before you know it, it will become a daily ritual for everyone.
These good habits don't apply to sun protection for kids alone. It's something that every adult in the family can, and should, take part in.
Remember that even one bad sunburn in a child may lead to melanoma later. The earlier you start building good habits, the better off everyone will be. Keep little ones under six months old out of the sun until they can wear sunscreen.
Building Good Habits: Wear Protective Clothing
Sunscreen alone can't protect children from sunburn entirely. Supplement your sun protection routine by wearing lightweight, sun protective clothing.
A wide-brimmed hat does an excellent job at providing shade to the face and eyes. Supplement this with some clothes made of UV protective fabrics.
You don't need to cover children from head to toe when they go outside. However, using common sense and covering up as often as possible is a great start to building good habits.
Make going outside fun by giving your child a good pair of sunglasses, too. The more they understand how important sun protection is now, the more they'll remember it as they get older.
It's also important to remember that complete sun protection prevents exposure to both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure you're using quality products and clothing that protects the skin from both.
Play in the Shade
Keep your kids in a shaded area as often as possible when you're outside. If you're at the beach, consider using a beach umbrella to get more cover. Before you head out, apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes in advance when you can. With BloqUV apparel you do not have to use sunscreen only on your exposed areas.
When you do go outside, it's best to limit your time to just two hours or less. Take frequent breaks and make sure that everyone is drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated.
For those times when you're going to be outdoors for extended periods, remember to reapply your sunscreen. It's best to apply another layer after swimming or at least every hour or two.
Proper hydration and shade are both keys when it comes to building good habits. Children will learn that being in the sun too long without a break can lead to sunburn and skin irritation.
Have some fun by evenly splitting playtimes between the indoors and outside. Over time, kids will understand the importance of cooling off and giving themselves (and their skin) a break.
Keep in mind that peak UV times are between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. When possible, try to avoid outdoor playtime during those hours to prevent sunburn.
Make Sun Protection for Children Fun
To instill good habits in your kids, it's crucial to make the process tons of fun. Play a game with your kids and challenge them to see who can put sunscreen on first before heading outside.
Pack a high-quality sunscreen in your child's backpack, so they remember to reapply when they're away from home. Instilling these habits at a young age ensures they will last a lifetime.
Look for some fun hats, sunglasses, and UV protective clothing your kids will love to wear. Take them shopping so they can pick out a few items. They'll have a blast shopping with you and choosing their own outfits.
You can also find kid's swimwear that includes UV protection which is another perk. Make things like applying sunscreen, dressing appropriately, and following good practices a daily habit.
Buy your kids a cool water bottle with a cool design they like. It's an easy and fun way to ensure they'll stay hydrated whenever they're outdoors.
Ask your child's teacher if they have any sun protection curriculum in place. It's a wonderful way to develop a great outreach program for all children, including their classmates.
Over time, adding these simple things to a child's daily routine will help instill good habits. Before you know it, your child will have a firm grasp of the importance of proper sun protection.
Sun Protection for a Lifetime
With a few simple steps, building good habits of sun protection in children is easy. Remember to encourage your child to use sunscreen, stay in the shade, and wear protective clothing.
If you're looking for awesome clothes for kids that provide extra protection from UV rays, BloqUV is here for you. We offer a variety of clothing and accessories that can block 98 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to check out our products for kids, so you can start developing long-lasting habits for your little ones.