Sun Safety for Children

Children's skin is more sensitive to the sun than adult skin, and sun damage in childhood significantly increases the risk of skin cancer later in life. Just one blistering sunburn in childhood doubles melanoma risk. Protecting your child from the sun now sets them up for healthier skin for life.

Understanding UV Risk AAP

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation damages skin, and children are especially vulnerable.

Why children need extra protection:

Children's skin is thinner and more sensitive
More years ahead for damage to accumulate
Spend more time outdoors than adults
May not recognize when they're getting burned
Early sun damage has lasting effects

Types of UV rays:

UVA: Ages skin, contributes to skin cancer
UVB: Causes sunburn, primary cause of skin cancer
Both types cause damage even on cloudy days

Risk factors:

Fair skin, light eyes, red or blonde hair
Family history of skin cancer
Living at high altitude or near equator
Certain medications increase sun sensitivity
All children, regardless of skin tone, need protection

Sunscreen: The Basics AAP

Sunscreen is essential, but proper use matters.

Choosing sunscreen:

Broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB)
SPF 30 or higher
Water-resistant for swimming or sweating
For sensitive skin: mineral/physical sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)

For babies under 6 months:

Keep out of direct sun entirely if possible
Use shade, hats, and clothing first
Small amounts of sunscreen on exposed areas okay if needed
Consult pediatrician with questions

How to apply:

Apply 15-30 minutes before going outside
Use enough: 1 ounce (shot glass) for full body
Don't forget: ears, back of neck, tops of feet, scalp (if thin hair)
Reapply every 2 hours
Reapply immediately after swimming or sweating

Common sunscreen mistakes:

Not using enough
Not reapplying
Missing spots
Using expired sunscreen
Thinking one application lasts all day

Protective Clothing Skin Cancer Foundation

Clothing is often the best sun protection.

What to look for:

Tightly woven fabrics
Darker colors block more UV
Dry fabric protects better than wet
UPF-rated clothing for best protection

UPF clothing:

UPF = Ultraviolet Protection Factor
UPF 50 blocks 98% of UV rays
Available in swimwear, hats, shirts
Worth investing in for active outdoor kids

Essential sun-protective items:

Wide-brimmed hat (protects face, ears, neck)
Sunglasses with UV protection
Long-sleeved shirts for extended outdoor time
Rash guards for swimming

Seeking Shade

Shade strategies:

Play in shade during peak sun hours (10 AM - 4 PM)
Use umbrellas, canopies, or tents at beach/park
Position activities under trees
Create shade with pop-up tents

Remember:

Shade doesn't block all UV
UV reflects off water, sand, concrete
Still use sunscreen in shade
Clouds don't block all UV

Time of Day Matters

Peak UV hours:

10 AM to 4 PM is when UV is strongest
Plan outdoor activities for morning or late afternoon
Use the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you, UV is intense

Adjust activities:

Morning swimming or playground time
Indoor activities during peak sun
More protection needed midday

Special Situations

At the beach:

UV reflects off sand and water (double exposure)
Reapply sunscreen frequently
Use shade umbrella or tent
Rash guards excellent for prolonged play
Watch for signs of overheating too

At the pool:

Water-resistant sunscreen is essential
Reapply after swimming even if "water-resistant"
Use shade for breaks
Rash guards help if in water for long periods

Sports and outdoor activities:

Apply sunscreen before leaving home
Pack extra for reapplication
Hats with brims where possible
Water breaks in shade
Know signs of heat illness

Cloudy days:

Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds
Protection still needed
Easy to burn on overcast days

Winter sun:

Snow reflects UV (nearly doubles exposure)
Sun protection needed for skiing, sledding
Lips need protection too

Sunburn Treatment AAP

Despite best efforts, sunburns happen.

For mild sunburn:

Cool baths or compresses
Aloe vera gel
Keep hydrated
Avoid further sun exposure until healed
Light, loose clothing

For more serious sunburn:

Ibuprofen for pain and inflammation (if age-appropriate)
Moisturize gently
Don't pop blisters
Watch for signs of infection

When to call the doctor:

Blistering sunburn
Fever or chills
Signs of dehydration
Sunburn in infant
Severe pain
Signs of infection

Teaching Sun Safety

Habits to build:

Applying sunscreen before going outside becomes routine
Wearing hat and sunglasses
Seeking shade naturally
Understanding that tanning is skin damage

What children should know:

Sun can hurt your skin
Sunscreen helps protect you
Hats and sunglasses are important
Shade feels good when it's sunny
Tell an adult if your skin hurts or feels hot

Eye Protection

Children's eyes are vulnerable:

Children's pupils are larger, letting in more UV
Lens doesn't filter UV as well as adult lens
UV damage accumulates over lifetime

Sunglasses for children:

Look for 99-100% UV protection
Wraparound styles block more
Make sure they fit properly
Start the habit young
Keep extras on hand (kids lose them!)

Special Considerations

Medications and sun sensitivity:

Some medications increase sun sensitivity
Check with pharmacist about child's medications
May need extra protection

Skin conditions:

Some conditions worsen with sun exposure
Follow dermatologist's recommendations
May need stricter sun avoidance

Children with darker skin:

Still need sun protection
Skin cancer is possible in all skin types
Sunburn is still possible
Sun damage affects all skin types

The Bottom Line

Sun protection is essential for children and establishes lifelong habits. Use sunscreen (SPF 30+, broad spectrum, reapplied every 2 hours), protective clothing, shade, and sunglasses. Limit time in peak sun hours. Remember that sun damage in childhood has lasting effects—protecting your child now protects their future.

Clara is here to help you keep your child safe in the sun!