In the United States, skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer, according to the U.S. surgeon general's Call to Action to Prevent Skin Cancer. Moreover, nearly 5 million individuals in the United States receive skin cancer treatment yearly, costing approximately $8.1 billion.

Now that summer is here, ensuring sun safety for kids is paramount, as it helps protect their delicate skin and promotes a worry-free outdoor experience. This article will discuss child safety tips to keep your little ones covered. Keep your child from losing their chance of enjoying the summer. Equip yourself with these sun safety practices, making this summer a joyful and worry-free experience for your entire family.

The Benefits of Protecting Your Children from the Sun This Summer

Although the sun can harm your children this summer, the good news is most cases of skincare are preventable. You can lessen the risk of sun damage and skin cancer, which means you have the power to keep summer safe for your children. 

Shielding your little ones from overexposure to the sun is the best way to reduce the risks significantly. It is common knowledge that summer is the time of year when the sun is at its hottest. It is also the best time to prioritize sun protection for your children to ensure their summer safety. Also, they enjoy other benefits like the following:

A. Experience a Carefree Summer

Ensuring summer safety for kids is of utmost importance, as it allows them to embrace the joy and excitement of the season while minimizing potential risks. This makes it easier for them to engage in summer adventures, sports, and family outings with greater comfort and peace of mind.

B. Prevent Sunburn Discomfort

Sunburn can be a painful and uncomfortable experience for children, which could last for 48 hours. Protect your children from UV exposure to keep them safe for summer. By doing so, you can spare them from sunburn discomfort, allowing them to fully enjoy their summer activities without the distraction and pain of irritated skin.

C. Enjoy Long-Term Skin Health

Most sun damage occurs throughout childhood, so keeping your children safe in the sun is essential. When you implement protection from childhood, you can ensure that your child will have good skin health even when they reach adulthood.

Protecting your children from the sun's harmful rays goes beyond preventing sunburns. It also safeguards their skin from premature aging and other long-term damage caused by UV radiation.

D. Learn From a Positive Example 

When you prioritize sun protection for your children, you become a role model for them. By demonstrating the importance of caring for their skin and overall health, you impart lifelong habits they can carry into adulthood. Instilling good sun protection habits early on helps set the foundation for healthier skin as they age.

Ensure to keep summer safe for your children. Proactively protecting them from sunburns and excessive UV exposure so their risk of skin damage will reduce. 

Summer Health and Safety Tips

Every time your children are out in the sun this summer, it increases their risk of skin damage day after day. So make sure to protect their skin and keep them safe! While it's true that sunlight is the primary source of UV rays, there's no need for your children to avoid it altogether. Making sure that you follow sun safety tips can help your children enjoy the summer.

1. Apply Sunscreen Regularly

Protect the well-being of your children this summer by following essential sunscreen safety tips. Choose safe kids' sunscreen with a minimum sun protection factor of 30 or SPF 30 to protect your child's skin. Remember to cover all exposed areas, including the face, ears, neck, arms, and legs. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if they are swimming or sweating.

2. Seek Shade during Peak Hours

Avoid exposing your child to the sun from 10 in the morning to 4 in the afternoon when the sun's rays are strongest. Please encourage them to play in shaded areas like under trees or use umbrellas, especially during outdoor activities.

3. Dress for Sun Protection

Please dress your child in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs. Opt for tightly woven fabrics that provide better sun protection. Wide-brimmed hats help also to shade their face, neck, and ears. 

4. Wear Sunglasses for Eye Protection

One of the summer safety tips you should employ is ensuring your child wears sunglasses. You can protect your child's eyes from harmful UV rays with sunglasses that provide 99% to 100% UV protection. Look for sunglasses with wrap-around frames to shield their eyes from side exposure.

5. Stay Hydrated

Please encourage your children to drink water regularly during hot summer days to keep them from dehydration. Pack a refillable water bottle for outings and remind them to take sips frequently, even if they don't feel thirsty.

6. Plan Indoor Activities

On scorching days, plan fun indoor activities to minimize sun exposure. Visit local museums, libraries, or indoor play areas. It's an excellent opportunity to explore and have a blast while staying safe from the sun.

7. Educate and Encourage Sun-Safe Habits

Ensure your children understand the importance of sun safety. Show them how to apply sunscreen correctly and explain why it's crucial to protect their skin from the sun. Please encourage them to adopt sun-safe habits that will benefit them.

Remember, these safety tips for summer are just a starting point. Feel free to adapt them to fit your specific situation, and always prioritize your child's safety and health. Have a fantastic and safe summer!

Children's Sun Safety Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is SPF 30 a good choice for sunscreen?

Answer: Dermatologists recommend using sunscreen with an SPF minimum of 30, as it blocks 97 percent of the sun's ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. Although no sunscreen can block 100 percent of these rays, higher-number SPFs provide slightly more UVB protection. Further, regardless of the SPF, reapplication of sunscreen every two hours is necessary when your children are outdoors this summer.

What is the best color for sun protection?

Answer: The American Academy of Dermatology Association said that dark colors are more effective in providing sun protection than light colors. For instance, a long-sleeved denim shirt offers an impressive SPF of about 1,700, while a white t-shirt provides a lower SPF of about 7. So, when selecting outfits for outdoor activities, opt for darker shades to enhance sun protection. 

Ensure a Sun-Smart Summer for Your Child!

Summer is the perfect season for children to bask in the warm sun and enjoy outdoor play with friends and family. However, it's essential to know the potential harm from sun overexposure. Fortunately, you have the power to protect your children and ensure their safety. At the same time, they indulge in a delightful and memorable summer. By applying effective sun protection measures, you can safeguard their well-being and allow them to enjoy the season thoroughly.

If you seek the best way to ensure your children have a worry-free and well-protected summer, search for "pediatricians near me" or "pediatric clinic in Fresno, California" to find Sang Pediatrics. Our friendly and experienced doctors are here to provide expert guidance and comprehensive protection for your little ones so they can enjoy summer worry-free. Schedule an appointment now at (559) 268-1737.