Sun Safety for Kids – Tips and Tricks

Sun Safety for Kids – Tips and Tricks

By Babysits
7 min read

In Australia, it's particularly important that we teach our kids how to stay safe in the sun! Read our tips on sun safety so you can rest assured while your kids enjoy some fun in the sun this summer.

Why is Sun Safety Important?

While it’s important for everyone to get some sunshine into their day, it’s also vital to be sun smart and practice sun safety at all times. Why? An excess of unprotected exposure to the sun’s UV rays can do a lot of damage; to your skin, immune system and can also cause skin cancer.

That’s why it’s super important that babies, toddlers, children and adults all get adequate sun protection every day! Overall, kids with lighter skin tones have less melanin in their skin to be able to absorb sun’s UV rays. Whereas kids with darker skin tones have more melanin and so are better able to absorb the UV rays from the sun. However, all skin types still require proper sun protection as excessive exposure, tanning or burning can cause serious skin damage.

Kids at the beach

Sun Safety for Kids Tips

Finding Shade

In the southern hemisphere, the sun is usually it’s strongest between 10am and 3pm, and in Australia the sun is normally strongest during the summer (please note, it is always best to check the exact sun conditions around where you are to be properly prepared).

Try to stay out of the sun or in the shade during the times when the sun is it’s strongest. Even if you’re not going to the beach or the park and even if it’s cloudy or overcast, sun safety still needs be practiced. Most sun damage actually happens from sun exposure during day-to-day activities and play so please remember to stay in the shade and apply and reapply sunscreen as well as make sure the kids are wearing sun smart clothing.

Wearing Sunglasses

Did you know that the sun can damage the eyes as well as the skin? Sun damage to the eyes can cause a burned cornea as well as cataracts later in life. The best way to protect your little ones, and yourself, against sun exposure is to wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection.

Make it fun for the kids to choose their own pair of sunglasses that they will love wearing all the time! Think favourite cartoon characters, multicoloured frames, cool shapes etc.

Using Sunscreen

Sunscreen is an absolute must when it comes to skin protection against the sun. Even if it’s a cloudy day or the kids are not going to the beach, it’s still very important to apply sunscreen for adequate sun protection.

When it comes to choosing the right baby sunscreen or a sunscreen for your child or toddler, there are a few factors you need to consider.

Is it SPF 30?
Is it broad spectrum with UVA/ UVB protection?
Does it have a clean and natural formulation, without any nasty chemicals?

Little Innoscents Natural Sun Lotion SPF 30 ticks all of the above and is great natural sun lotion choice for the whole family.

Little Innoscents natural, mineral based Sun Lotion SPF 30 is a great option when it comes to sun safety for kids. Zinc Oxide is the only active ingredient, alongside soothing Vitamin E, Cucumber, Rosehip extract and organic Green Tea. There are absolutely no nanoparticles, chemicals or preservatives. It can be used from 6+ months, is water resistant for up to three hours and offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

Little Innoscents Natural Sun Lotion SPF 30 is cruelty free, comes in recyclable packaging and is proudly Australian made and owned.

When using the Sun Lotion, ensure to apply liberally to dry skin, 20 minutes prior to sun exposure. Ensure a visible layer is applied before rubbing in. Reapply every 1-2 hours and again after swimming, exercise, excessive perspiration or drying off with a towel. Remember to avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, eyewear and a hat.

To find out more information about the Little Innoscents Natural Sun Lotion SPF30, please go to: https://littleinnoscents.com.au/natural-sun-lotion-spf30-uvauvb/

Plus, get 20% off when you use code SUNCARE at the checkout! Valid until the end of February 2021. Applies to Natural Sun Lotion SPF 30 only.

Kids having fun in the sun

Wearing Sun Smart Clothing

One of the best ways of practicing sun safety for kids is to make sure they are wearing sun smart clothing that offers enough protection against the sun’s rays. To check whether your kids’ clothes is adequate, place your hand inside the clothes and make sure you can’t see through the clothing.

The best sun protection for babies is shade; babies have thinner skin than adults and so have underdeveloped melanin levels, therefore their skin burns easily. Keep your baby out of the sun whenever possible and if they must be in the sun, make sure adequate sun protective clothing and hat are worn.

Don’t forget to use a natural baby sunscreen that doesn’t contain any nano-particles, chemicals or preservatives such as Little Innoscents Natural Sun Lotion SPF 30.

Skin Monitoring

It’s important to get to know your kids’ skin so you know what’s normal, and regularly check it for any new spots or irregularities. Any changes to the skin should be checked by your paediatrician or GP. For further advice on how to best check skin for skin cancer, please visit: https://www.sunsmart.com.au/skin-cancer/checking-for-skin-cancer

Summer-time Activities that are Sun-safe

There are a lot of ways to keep the kiddies engaged and having fun while escaping the sun at home.

Board Games

On particularly hot days, all you may want to do is stay inside and escape the summer heat. This is where all those board games come in handy! They are a great way for the whole family to spend quality time together. Puzzles, Lego, drawing or painting are other activities that would be fun to do indoors.

Family playing board games

Cool Treats

There is probably nothing as enticing as a cool, fruity icy pole on a scorching summer’s day! Why not make some delicious homemade icy poles and get the kids involved in the process? They will love being chefs for the day and helping out in the kitchen, and will get a tasty, icy treat as a reward for their hard work. You can also make cool summer snacks that are healthy and still delicious, such as these yummy fruit skewers that can be prepared in advance and left in the fridge so they’re nice and cool when ready to eat.

Yoghurt Icy Poles

Let’s DIY

Of course, we can’t forget about the endless hours of fun DIY can be – it’s a great sun safe alternative to playing outdoors on a hot sunny day. We have a whole range of DIY as well as other fun kids activities that are perfect for keeping the little ones entertained!

This article was written in collaboration with Little Innoscents - Australian Made and Owned natural skincare and aromatherapy company. Little Innoscents mission is to offer a range of safe, trusted, Australian made, premium products – that are within affordable reach. To find out more about Little Innoscents, their range of products, stockists or to shop online, check out their website here: littleinnoscents.com.au

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