Summer Fun: Staying Safe in the Sun

Summer is just around the corner — or if you’re in the South like me, it’s kind of already knocking on your door.

The kids want to be outside all the time, so that means (despite our hatred of sweating and bugs) we have to break out the sunscreen, sun hats, and sand toys.

A few reminders about beating the heat and keeping the kids safe:

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• Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen – This is a no-brainer. We all know that UV rays are dangerous, and baby skin is very sensitive. I try to use SPF 50 for the kids, and I always look for kid-friendly choices so that they don’t have burning eyes after sweating or swimming.

• Keep the Bugs Off! – Bug repellants come in so many different options. When I was a kid, you had to smell like chemicals. Now, you can use Avon Skin-so-Soft or any of the family-friendly OFF brand sprays and wipes. This is one of the hardest ones for me to remember, so keep whatever you choose to use close to the door. This way, you’ll see it when you are heading out.

• Find a hat – Hats help to shade not only our faces but also our scalps. We don’t often remember to put sunscreen on our heads, so a cute hat will protect that extra sensitive skin. But you should also keep in mind that longer sleeves or shorts will also help protect baby’s skin. Put him in lighter fabrics to keep him cool but safe.

• Keep Hydrated – Fill water bottles to keep outside with you. Make sure that baby has had plenty to drink if he’s not drinking water yet. The more you sweat, the more you should drink.

• Limit your Time – When the temperature is at its highest, be mindful of how long you’re staying in the sun. Overexposure can lead to multiple issues — sunburn is the obvious. There’s also heat exhaustion or dehydration if you aren’t careful. Babies can’t tell you when they’re too hot, so try to keep the period of time you’re out there to a minimum.

• Watch the clock – The safest times to be outside are before 10 or 11 am and after 4 pm. Take your morning walk or evening stroll at these times, and try to plan fun indoor activities for the middle of the day. Since the sun is highest between those times, it’s also hottest.

• Be a good model – Parents should do the same as they’re asking their kids to do. Wear your sunscreen and bug repellant; wear your hat and sunglasses. Show your kids that it’s cool to be safe outside, and they’ll most likely follow suit without too much arguing.