Sun Protection for Children

As the weather warms up it’s crucial to prioritise sun protection for children. Kids are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV rays, which can lead to serious skin issues later in life. At Mernda Village Medical Centre, we know the importance of adopting effective sun protection strategies to ensure your child’s skin remains healthy and safe.

FACTS ON THIS PAGE

Sun Protection Times

Understanding the best times for sun protection is vital. UV rays are at their strongest between 9 am and 4 pm. During these hours, it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your child from sun exposure. Make sure you and your child avoid the sun, seek shade, and apply sunscreen during these peak hours.

Two kids wearing sunglasses and floating in a pool under the bright sun.

How to Be SunSmart

Being SunSmart involves a few simple practices:

  • Seek shade: Whenever possible, stay under cover to minimise direct exposure to UV rays.
  • Wear protective clothing: Opt for long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to shield the skin.
  • Use sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
  • Wear sunglasses: Protect your child’s eyes with UV-protection sunglasses.

SunSmart at Victorian Schools

Being SunSmart at school is crucial for maintaining sun safety. Many Victorian schools have implemented SunSmart policies to protect students during outdoor activities. These policies typically include:

  • Encouraging hats and sunglasses.
  • Providing shaded areas in playgrounds and outdoor sports facilities.
  • Teaching students about the importance of sun protection.

How to Teach Your Child to Be SunSmart — Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide 

Teaching your child to slip, slop, slap is an easy way to remember sun safety:

  • Slip on a shirt: encourage your child to wear sun-protective clothing, such as long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Slop on sunscreen: apply sunscreen that’s SPF 50 and cover all exposed skin carefully.
  • Slap on a hat: a wide-brimmed hat offers additional protection for your child’s face, ears, and neck.
  • Seek shade: Whenever possible, find or create shade, especially during peak UV hours between 9 am and 4 pm.
  • Slide on sunglasses: Protect your child’s eyes with sunglasses that meet Australian standards and block 100% of UV rays.

Introduce these simple steps into your child’s daily routine to ingrain lifelong sun protection habits.

Sunscreen and Children

When it comes to sunscreen and children, choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Apply it generously to all exposed skin and reapply every two hours or after swimming. Be mindful of potential skin sensitivities and opt for sunscreens designed for sensitive skin if needed.

Sunscreen and Babies

Sunscreen and babies require extra caution. For infants under six months, it’s best to keep them out of direct sunlight. When sunscreen is necessary, use a product specifically formulated for babies and consult a healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for your child’s sensitive skin.

Children playing in a pool under the sun with a pink inflatable flamingo float in the foreground.

Skin Cancer and Children

Early sun exposure is a significant risk factor for developing skin cancer later in life. By practising sun protection for children consistently, you’ll help reduce their risk. Skin cancer can develop from accumulated sun damage, making it crucial to start protecting your child’s skin from a young age.

Sun Protection FAQs

When should I start protecting my baby from the sun?

From birth, it’s essential to protect your baby from sun exposure. For babies under six months, avoid direct sunlight and use protective clothing and shade.

How often should sunscreen be reapplied?

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours or more frequently if your child is swimming or sweating.

What type of hat is best for sun protection?

A wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears, and neck is ideal for sun protection.

Are there any sun safety tips for outdoor activities?

Yes, seek shade whenever possible, dress in protective clothing, apply sunscreen regularly and encourage breaks from the sun.

Contact a GP at Mernda Village Medical Centre today for more advice on sun protection for children.

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