Sun Safety for Your Little One
Did you know that Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world? Of note, two in three Aussies develop some form of skin cancer before age 70. Therefore, sun protection is of utmost importance for all Australians, and especially for babies and children as they have very delicate skin. In addition, exposure to UV radiation in the first 15 years of life significantly increases the risk of skin cancer later in life.
So, parents and caregivers at every childcare centre or kindergarten should make sure they understand the risk and find out how to protect kids from the sun. Luckily, one of the best early childhood education and daycare centres in Capalaba, Springfield, Karana Downs, and Mayfield, Eskay Kids – Natural Childcare shares the best sun safety tips for your little ones.
How to Protect Your Little Ones from the Sun?
1. Slip on clothing
First and foremost, slip on clothing that covers as much of your baby’s or kid’s skin as possible. Choose cool, loose-fitting, and densely-woven garments. Even better, purchase a couple of sun-protective wear items, preferably rated UPF 50 (ultraviolet protection factor) and keep them handy for outdoor play.
2. Slop on sunscreen
Second, slop on sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply it every 2 hours. But, if your baby is under 6 months old, childcare experts recommend avoiding the use of sunscreen. For older babies, toddlers, and kids, use a child-friendly SPF 30 (or higher) product.
3. Slap on a hat
Next, the skin on a kid’s head, face, neck, eyes, and ears is even more delicate than the rest of their body. To provide the much-needed shade, slap on a hat made of light fabric. When speaking of style, opt for legionnaire-style or broad-brimmed headwear.
4. Seek out shade
Another sun safety key requirement is shade. The ‘from 11 to 3 under the tree’ rule is very important. You can create shade with a pram for babies and toddlers or use an umbrella for older kids while on the go. In addition, childcare experts remind parents to remember the importance of sunscreen.
5. Slide on sunglasses
Finally, to protect those little eyes from ultraviolet radiation, slide on some sunglasses whenever your kid is outdoors. Ensure you choose large, wrap-around, and close-fitting sunglasses for maximum effectiveness and check the label for UV protection.
Conclusion
The bottom line is that both babies and children have to spend time outside in the sun as a child’s body needs sun to produce Vitamin D. It is vital for strong bones and muscles. However, as too much sun and exposure to UV radiation can result in sunburn, skin damage, eye damage, a weakened immune system, and even skin cancer, ensure you follow the above-listed tips provided by the leading early childhood education and daycare centre, Eskay Kids – Natural Childcare.
