Summer break is prime time for your children to enjoy the outdoors, but the sun’s UV rays can damage their skin and increase the risk of skin diseases later in life. This is why prevention and sun safety are so key in pediatric care. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take at home to help. Keep the following in mind to protect your kids in the summer heat.

How To Protect Your Children From the Sun This Summer

1. Always Use Sunblock

The importance of sunscreen cannot be overstated. Use a kid-safe sunscreen with a rating of SPF 30 or higher, and make sure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays (it should include the words “broad-spectrum” on the label). Even on cloudy days, the rays are still harmful, so apply sunblock as needed anytime your children are outdoors. Their pediatric care team may be able to recommend an effective brand or SPF if you’d like personalized advice.

2. Cover Up

Long, light clothing should be worn to cover as much of the skin as possible. Clothing helps block UV light, especially light-colored clothes that reflect it—as long as the material is thick enough that your skin can’t be seen through it. Your kids should also wear hats and sunglasses to protect their eyes from UV damage.

3. Plan Accordingly

Try to plan your summer events to avoid the strongest rays. When possible, day trips to the beach or visits to the park should be enjoyed before 11:30 a.m. or after 3:30 p.m. when the rays are less direct. Planning your beach and outdoorsy vacations toward the beginning or end of the summer season will also help you avoid the heaviest exposure to UV rays.

4. Moisturize & Hydrate

Dry or sunburned skin is more sensitive to damage from heat and UV rays. Keep your children’s skin moisturized during the summer with an approved pediatric lotion, and treat sunburn with aloe, moisturizers, and a break from sunlight until it’s healed. Staying well-hydrated with frequent water breaks will help keep skin healthy and resilient, too.

5. Be Mindful of Their Health

Check your children’s new medications or those of their friends to ensure sun sensitivity isn’t a side effect before going outside. If your child has a skin condition already, such as eczema or psoriasis, use appropriate skin treatment recommended by their pediatricians, and consult with their pediatric care specialists about their skin care needs during summer. Young children with light, sensitive skin are especially vulnerable to sun damage, so take special precautions and keep them in the shade whenever possible.

If you’re in need of pediatric care specialists, turn to the kind doctors at Mante Pediatrics. Located in Chester, SC, their skilled team offers comprehensive, gentle care in a fun and safe setting. From vaccinations to dry skin treatment to allergy care, their general services are reliable, and they offer advanced acute care for illnesses and injuries—with same-day emergency appointments available. Learn about their pediatric care online and call (803) 385-2075 to schedule an appointment with their pediatricians.