The summer has just started, and it is just as important to protect yourself and your little one from the dangerous waves of heat and sun as you bask under the sunlight and enjoy every little moment. Together, let’s discover what to do to get sun-kissed instead of sunburnt, and turn every moment under the sun into a good memory.
The Importance of Sun and Heat Protection During Hot Weather
The delicate and fragile nature of our little ones does not exclude their skin. Babies and children are at a particular risk for sunburn and skin damage because of the fragile nature of their skin. High exposure to UV radiation during the first 15 years of life increases the possibility of developing skin cancer later in life; thus, sun protection is of heavy importance when it comes to shielding our kids. Your child’s sensitive skin is especially vulnerable to UV radiation.
Heat protection goes hand to hand with sun protection, and is another important factor to consider when it comes to the health of our little ones. Babies and young children are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses like heat cramps, heatstroke, fainting, heat rash and exhaustion for they are not completely capable of controlling their own body temperature and making choices to stop themselves overheating.
Sun Cream
When it comes to sun protection, we cannot overlook sun creams. If we do not want to miss a single moment of the warmth of summer, protection is important and sun creams become our greatest companions. Keeping in mind the delicate nature of our babies’ skin, it is crucial to find the right type of sun cream for them:
It is crucial to opt for mineral sun creams containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, as these ingredients are less likely to irritate their sensitive skin. When choosing sun cream for babies, look for products formulated for babies and children that are typically free from harmful chemicals and fragrances. It is another important issue to look for sun creams with an SPF of at least 30 to provide enough protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Always conduct a patch test on a small area to ensure there are no adverse reactions before applying the sun cream more broadly. If you have any doubts about the product, it is best to consult a paediatrician or a dermatologist before further use.
Clothing
Creating a barrier between our skin and the heat of the sun, clothes carry equal importance when it comes to protecting our little ones. To prevent any possible heat-related illness, it is important to be mindful of the clothes and accessories your child is wearing outside:
Prioritising lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen helps keep their bodies cool and comfortable while playing outside. Accessories for sun and heat protection also help. Wide-brimmed hats are essential for providing shade for the face, neck and ears, reducing the risk of sunburn. If they are comfortable wearing sunglasses with UV protection are also important to shield their eyes from harmful rays. Dressing children in long-sleeved shirts and long pants made of lightweight and breathable materials can also offer extra protection without causing them to overheat.
Timing – Activity Planning
Unfortunately for us, summer does not last forever and while it is important to not miss even a single drop of warmth it is just as important to be mindful of the hours we spend under the sun. To protect our little ones from excessive sun exposure, it is significant to plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when the sun’s rays are less intense and less harmful. During peak sun hours, usually between 10 AM and 4 PM, try making your little ones engage in fun indoor activities that they like where they can have fun without the risk of overheating or sunburn. Rotating between indoor and outdoor activities gives children a chance to cool down and rest.
Skin Care After Sun Exposure
After having fun under the sun, proper skin care ensures maintaining the health and comfort of your child’s skin. If your child unfortunately experiences sunburn, treat the area promptly by applying cool compresses or giving them a cool bath to soothe the affected area. Following this, you can apply aloe vera gel or a gentle body lotion curated for your baby to help cool their skin and reduce any possible inflammation. Being consistent with moisturising your children’s skin is also key to preventing peeling and keeping them hydrated, helping their skin recover more quickly and effectively.
Hydration
Staying hydrated is crucial for children, especially during these hot summer days, to help regulate their body temperature and maintain their health. Especially during summer, be mindful of signs of dehydration like dry mouth, decreased urine output, dark-coloured urine, fatigue, dizziness and irritability. To encourage kids to drink more water, make it easily accessible and flavour the water with fruits if they do not like the taste, and remind them to drink water from time to time. Offering them foods with high water content such as watermelon and cucumbers can also help ensure they stay hydrated throughout the day.
