The days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer. You know what that means! It's time for some serious fun in the sun with your family.
How do you protect your kids in the sun? They have sensitive skin that can easily get sunburnt, and you need to set them up for a life of happy and healthy outdoor activities.
We're here to help you and your kids with sun safety. We've assembled our top tips for keeping your children's skin and eyes safe outdoors so they don't have to give up playtime. Read on to learn more.
Educate Your Children
Children aren't born knowing and understanding the dangers of UV rays. To your kids, a day out in the sun is a great time. They don't understand that the sun can cause serious damage if they're not careful.
Depending on how old your children are, you can go into different levels of detail about the dangers of UV damage to the skin. Young children may only need to know about sunburn and sun poisoning, but older children may be ready to learn about more serious problems like skin cancer.
Lead by Example
Your children see you as a model for their behavior. Children innately mimic their parents and guardians. If they see you doing something, they're more likely to follow suit.
Make a show out of putting on your sunscreen and wearing sunglasses. Sit in the shade when it's available and re-apply your sunscreen when you want your children to do the same.
Your kids will see this and start to adopt those behaviors even without prompting. That will keep
Always Check the UV Index Before Playtime
Check the UV index before heading outdoors and adjust your children's sun protection measures accordingly. Higher UV index levels indicate a higher risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Note that the UV index can be high even if it doesn't look particularly sunny.
It's best to let your children go out and play during non-peak times when the sun isn't as high in the sky. It will be a bit cooler and less bright, and that will be more safe and comfortable for the kids.
Limit Sun Exposure
Limit children's exposure to direct sunlight, especially during those peak hours we mentioned avoiding. Plan outdoor activities in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun's rays are less intense. Try to pick locations that offer a lot of shade as well.
When children go outside, make sure to bring them back inside every so often to keep them safe. Have them take regular breaks for rest and water. They may object to this but try to make indoor spaces fun for breaks. Try to turn break times into a game.
Get Protective Clothing
Dress your kids in lightweight shirts, like this one from our collection, pants, and wide-brimmed hats to provide additional protection from the sun's rays. Choose clothing with a tight weave or UV protective rating for added sun protection.
This clothing is breathable and comfortable even on hot days. It's perfect for children with sensitive skin and you don't have to re-apply it like sunscreen (though sunscreen is still essential, of course).
UV protective clothing will keep your kids safe and happy (not to mention stylish).
Don't Skimp on Sunscreen
Sunscreen is an absolute must-have when your kids are going outside. Sun damage can start at any age, and children have sensitive skin. Depending on your child's complexion and sensitivity, pick a suitable sunscreen with a decent SPF rating to keep them safe.
Check the bottle to see how often you need to reapply the sunscreen. Often, if your kids are sweating or swimming, you'll need to reapply the sunscreen sooner rather than later. Don't be afraid to overdo it.
Even if the kids aren't going to be outside for long, a quick coat of sunscreen is always the safer choice.
Get Some Stylish Sunglasses
Don't forget to protect your children's eyes! Children's eyes can take in more light than adult's eyes. One day in the sun can do irreversible damage to a child's sensitive eyes!
Children are not always the best at wearing sunglasses, so try to find a pair that they like. Let your kids pick out their own sunglasses if they're old enough. This will make them more likely to wear them.
Make sure your children wear their sunglasses outside whenever possible. You can even buy a strap to keep them secure while your child is playing.
Stay in the Shade
The shade is your friend on a hot and sunny day. When your kids are outside, try to stay near a shaded area if possible. For example, if you go to the park, set up your spot near a tree that casts shade over the ground.
If there's no natural shade nearby, make your own. Bring a large beach umbrella or tent for your kids so they have somewhere shaded where they can rest.
Keep Kids Hydrated
Proper hydration is necessary on a hot and sunny day. Encourage children to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially when spending time outdoors in the sun.
Bring a water bottle and remind children to take regular breaks for water. If they're not interested in drinking water, you can use flavored hydration drops or tablets to make it more appealing.
Without water, your children may start to get dehydrated after playing and sweating in the hot summer sun.
Protect Kids in the Sun
It's your responsibility as a parent or guardian to protect your kids in the sun. The sun can be great for your kids, but you still need to keep them safe. Help them build good sun safety habits now that they can carry with them for a lifetime.
Are you looking for UV-protective clothing that's both safe and stylish? At Bloq UV, we have clothing for people of all ages. You and your kids can stay safe in the sun without sacrificing fashion.
Check out our kids' collection today.