Protecting Your Kids From The Sun

Summer is finally here! Its time to put away those Wellington boots and warm winder clothing and bring out those summer clothes. A hot summers days is a great time to enjoy family picnics, garden parties or a trip to the beach, but its also a time to be mindful of protecting family members from the sun.

Many parents are aware of the long and short term effects that the suns ultraviolet light can cause to a persons skin, and will be particularly concerned with the sensitive skin of young children.

A number of recent Scientists and Doctors reports offer evidence that damage from the suns harmful rays accumulates throughout a persons life, and shows that a majority of damage to skin often occurs at an early age. All reports emphasis just how vital it is to take the necessary steps to ensure a child does not suffer any potentially harmful exposure or burning as they grow.

Covering children in sun creams from head to foot is one of the most common ways to protect young skin, but sun block cream alone is often not enough. There are many other products available that you can also use in conjunction with sun creams such as sun protection swimwear, sunglasses, sun hats and sun proof tents. You will find these and more sun protective products for children available to buy both online and in high street stores.

When buying sun protection clothes you need to make sure that they are approved as a sun protective garment and provide an adequate level of UV protection. You can check the label and ensure that the level of protection provided is at least equivalent to a factor 50 sun block. These swimwear lines come in different designs and lengths. Younger children will usually benefit from one piece sun suits, designed with short sleeves and legs that provide coverage from knees to elbows. Older children may prefer two piece sets, but you may also want to consider buying a childs wet suit as the material these are made from provide total sun protection.

Its also important to compliment your childs beach UV swimwear with a good sun hat. There are many different designs available, included caps and wide brim hats, but for the best coverage opt for one of the legionnaires style sun hat. These have both a large cap at the front and an extra piece of material at the back to cover the back of the head and neck. As with the UV swimwear, hats also carry approval labels which you should look for.

Dont forget their eyes! Whilst it may not be the most obvious thing to protect, after all you dont get sunburn on your eyes, it is very important that children wear sunglasses on sunny days. Babys eyes are extremely sensitive to bright sunlight, and specially designed baby sunglasses are now readily from a selection of makers that are designed to fit securely to a young childs head via a comfortable strap to keep them in place. Remember, a very young child will spend some time looking skywards when being pushed around in a pram or pushchair. As with skin protection, studies have shown that the earlier children wear sunglasses the better for long term eye protection. The quality of the lenses in childrens sunglasses vary widely, and it is particularly important to ensure that the sunglasses you buy are UV400 rated model and approved to AS 1067-1990 or equivalent standards.

We hope you follow the advice offered here, but would remind you not to forget the sun cream! Specially made sun creams for children are widely available, and are articularly kind to a childs soft skin. Choose a high factor sun cream wherever possible and enjoy your family days in the sun.