How Can I Protect My Children from the Sun

• Keep children out of direct sunlight during the peak burning hours of 10 am to 4:00 pm. If it is not possible to practice indoor activities, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella or a pop-up tent. 
• Apply sunscreen - sunscreen ought to provide a broad spectrum of protection and should contain chemicals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that protect against both UVA and UVB rays. The higher the Sun Protection Factor (SPF), the better. Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors and reapply it every two hours. Don't forget to protect ears, noses, lips and the top of feet. 
• Keep a child's skin covered with clothing is best. You can find clothing such as swimsuits and t-shirts made with sun protection built into it. 
• Get a hat; hats that shade the face, scalp, ears and neckcare are easy to use and give great protection. 
• Wear sunglasses. Children should wear polarized sunglasses when outdoors.

Too much sun hurts

• Turning pink unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun's UV rays even as little as 15 minutes. If your child's skin looks a little pink today, it may be burned tomorrow morning. To prevent further burning, get your child out of the sun. 
• Tan. There's no other way to say it, tanned skin means damaged skin. Any change in the color of your child's skin after time outside indicates damage from the UV rays. 
• Cool and cloudy. Children still need protection. UV rays, not the temperature, do the damage. Clouds do not block the UV rays.
• Oops! Kids often get sunburned when they are outdoors for longer than expected. Remember to plan ahead and keep sun protection hand, in your car, bag or your child's backpack. 
• Keep in mind that the sun's rays bounce of surfaces like water, snow, cement, and sand.