Sun Protection for Young Children

How to Safeguard Kids’ Skin and Eyes from Ultraviolet Rays

Oct 19, 2008

It's important to shield young children from excessive sunlight, particularly in summer and in places with sunlight all year round.

Most people love basking in the sun but too much sun exposure is a bad thing. And it’s especially bad for young children. The American Academy of Dermatology has always stressed the importance of sun protection, stating that the practice should begin in infancy and continue throughout life. It advocates the “ABCs for FUN in the SUN” – staying away from the sun, blocking the sun with an SPF15 or higher sunscreen, covering up with clothing and speaking out about sun protection.

Applying Sunscreen

In the book All about Kids’ Skin: The Essential Guide for Parents [Sydney: ABC Books, 2008], authors Dr. Phillip Artemi and Tina Aspres say that it’s important to use sunscreens with SPF15 to 30 for children when they are out in the sun. They recommend applying 2ml of sunscreen for every square centimeter of skin. “This translates to approximately one teaspoon for each arm and a little less for the face and neck. Try two teaspoons for each leg,” they add. Sunscreen should also be used on the nose, lips, ears and the back of the neck. Additionally, it should be reapplied regularly if sweating or after swimming.

Covering Up with Clothing

While many parents like to dress their children in light clothing on hot days, this is something not recommended. Artemi and Aspres say most T-shirts and summer clothes offer an SPF of only around 6 to 7! They advise parents to choose clothes with darker colors and tightly woven fabrics. Parents should also opt for clothing with ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) ratings of between 15 and 50.

Wearing Hats

Wide brim hats offer great sun protection for the face, ears, neck and chest. In Australia, where the sun is blazing hot in summer, many schools have made hat wearing compulsory during the hot months. So parents should do the same whenever their children are out of the house. Opt for thick cotton hats. Straw hats are not suitable as ultraviolet light can shine through it. Neither are baseball caps which are not wide enough. If possible, look for hats with a UPF rating of at least 30.

Seeking Shade

The sun is hottest from 10am to 4pm in summer. So it’s best to get under shade during these hours. Remember that sun exposure is more intense in summer, in places near the equator and in the mountains. Stay indoors if possible. Otherwise, look for shade in the form of trees, buildings, canopies and umbrellas. For babies in prams, use a sun protector or drape a sheet over the pram when they are outdoors. Teach children to avoid direct sun exposure when their shadows appear shorter than they are as this indicates that the sun is at its strongest.

Protecting the Eyes

Adults frequently wear sunglasses on hot days – so should young children. The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests the selection of sunglasses that can block 97% to 100% of ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays. They should have large lenses that wrap all the way around to the temples to prevent the sun’s ray from entering from the side. In Australia, consumers are advised to buy sunglasses that comply with Australian Standards AS1067.1 and have and eye protector factor (EPF) of 10.

While sunny days are much welcome, they can also cause severe skin damage to young children. Shield children from the sun’s harmful rays by using appropriate sunscreens, wearing thicker clothing and wide brim hats, getting under shade and wearing the right sunglasses. Sun protection in childhood will go a long way in helping to prevent skin cancer and other skin disorders later in life.

The copyright of the article Sun Protection for Young Children in Early Childhood is owned by Wei Yin Wong. Permission to republish Sun Protection for Young Children in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.