Fun in the Sun: How to Stay Safe in the SummerHeat
Summer is here and so is the heat! Although the beautiful weather encourages us to spend the days outside with our respective families, it is important to take precautions to stay safe, especially given the hot, humid summers typical to the DMV area. Here are some helpful tips to maximize sun and heat protection and keep your children cool and healthy:
Babies Under 6 Months:
The best way to protect babies under 6 months is sun avoidance: for example, if you are outside, make sure your baby is under a shady tree or umbrella. Dress your baby in light, cotton clothing that covers the arms and legs, and use a wide-brimmed hat to protect the face. Although you should generally avoid sunscreen at this age, you may apply a bit of SPF 15+ to small areas such as the face and back of hands if shade or clothing protection is unavailable. Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours as needed. In addition, it is important to limit the amount of time your baby spends outside, as young infants have poor temperature regulation.
Infants & Children Older Than 6 Months
Of course, the best way to avoid UV exposure is sun avoidance: stay in the shade or wear light protective clothing, especially during the sun’s peak intensity hours between 10AM to 4PM. Sunglasses should also be worn to protect the eyes. If sun avoidance is not possible, apply SPF 15 or greater 30 minutes prior to going outside.
At this age, it is acceptable to apply sunscreen in larger doses. Broad-spectrum sunscreen products with SPF 30 or higher are recommended for children participating in sports or recreational activities outdoors. As a rule, each person should use approximately 1 ounce of sunscreen per application. If using a new sunscreen, apply the sunscreen to a small area on your child’s back to rule out any allergies. Take care in applying sunscreen around the eyes and eyelids to avoid stinging or burning. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, and after swimming or sweating.
References:
