Sunburns Hurt

Date : Tuesday, June 16 2009
Source: Kim Lamb

Once upon a time your toddler could be contained under an umbrella where it was nice and cool. He would keep his hat on and he laughed with those who commented how cute he looked in his sunglasses. Now staying in the shade is rare and the dog is wearing his sunglasses! When your toddler was an infant you could apply sunscreen without a battle. Now your little man insists on putting it on, “All by myself!”

Because your child is growing up and readily asserts himself, it is important to set clear and firm rules about playing in the sunshine. Consistency in wearing a hat and sunglasses from an early age will result in less of a power struggle as your toddler grows older. Sunburn is no less serious for a toddler than an infant. An added precaution would be that only an adult or a much older family member should apply the sunscreen. Sunscreen in the eyes really burns. Also, the adult can assure proper coverage of the skin that is exposed to the sun.

Sun Safety MYTHS

• If you already have a tan or have dark skin you don’t need to use sunscreen.
• You do not need to reapply sunscreen if it says “waterproof” or that it has “all day” protection.
• Sunscreen with an SPF of 30 provides twice the protection as one that has an SPF of 15.
• A combination sunscreen and insect repellant provides good protection against the sun and bug bites.
• You can’t get sunburned on a cloudy day.

Sun Safety FACTS

• Sunscreen is needed by everyone regardless of race, ethnicity or previous tanning.
• No sunscreen is truly waterproof and should be reapplied every few hours or sooner if you have been in the water or sweating a lot.
• Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 provides 93% protection from UVB rays while an SPF of 30 provides 97% protection. Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before going outside. It’s extremely important not to wait until a child shows signs of getting red before applying sunscreen.
• Combination sunscreen and insect repellants are not the best choice as sunscreen should be reapplied every few hours and insect repellant is applied only once. Some brands are not for children, so read labels carefully before buying. Keep your toddler away from areas where insects congregate. When the sun is out, and at dawn and dusk, have your child wear protective clothing to avoid being bitten.
• Sunburn occurs on cloudy days. UV rays that cause sunburn are not blocked by clouds or the shade of a tree. UV rays are reflected off water, sand, snow, and concrete.

FUN in the SUN
It’s not practical or even possible to avoid taking your toddler outside in the warm summer months. Precautions to avoid exposure to direct sunlight are simple to remember. Here are a few recommendations.

• Plan for outdoor time earlier in the morning. Between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. is when UV rays are strongest and sunburn is most likely to occur.
• Buy a stroller with a canopy that can be adjusted for the direction of the sun rays.  
• Window shades in the back seat of your car will keep the sun off tender arms and noses while you are traveling.
• Keep an umbrella in your car to provide shade for your napping toddler and to shield her from sun while she’s sleeping on a blanket by the lake. Check your toddler frequently. As the sun moves, adjust the umbrella or stroller canopy.
• Clothes are often the best protection against sunburn. Lightweight cotton clothing that is loose-fitting is most comfortable.  Always have a hat for your toddler with a wide brim that covers ears and the back of the neck. Sunglasses are cool! Your little one looks so cute. The best thing is that her eyes are protected.
• Make sure all of your toddler’s caregivers are aware of the precautions for taking your child outside this summer.

Sunburn on a toddler’s sensitive skin is serious. A toddler’s skin is thin and can burn quickly if no sunscreen is applied or efforts are not made to keep her out of the direct sunlight. If a toddler does experience sunburn it is important to get treatment immediately. Call your doctor to let him know about the sunburn. If he feels it’s serious enough to be seen, he will let you know or offer treatment options that you can use at home.