Sunlight is a rich source of Vitamin D. A little sunlight is good for your kids. However, too much sun and direct exposure to sunlight must be avoided. It can cause painful sunburn and increase the risk of developing skin cancer later on in life. The following are some tips to help protect kids from sunlight.
ClothesÂ
Clothing your kids in long sleeves and pants while going out in the sun will protect them from UV rays. Clothes manufactured from tightly woven fabric offers better protection. Make sure the clothes are dry as wet clothes do not offer much protection. Â
Hats
Choose a hat that will shade the face, ears, scalp and neck for the best protection. Baseball caps are popular among kids, but they do not protect their ears and necks from the sunlight.  Be mindful of the areas unprotected by the hats worn by children.
Sunglasses
Sunglasses will protect your kid’s eyes from UV rays, especially polarized glasses. Choose sunglasses that wrap around the eye area, for a complete blockage of the sun. Â
Sunscreen
Apply sunscreen to your child whenever they go outside. Apply the lotion generously thirty minutes before going outside if possible. Remember to cover the nose, lips and ears with the lotion. Reapply sunscreen every two hours. There are water-resistant sunscreens that can be used if your kid wants to go for a swim. The AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) recommends sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher. Zinc-based sun lotions are said to be among the safest for skin.Â
ShadeÂ
Sunlight is strongest in the middle of the day, so if possible, do not let your kids outside during this time without protection of some sort. Another great option is keeping them under shade, like under a tree or an umbrella.Â
Kids love to play outdoors. You cannot prevent them from playing outside, but you can take precautionary steps to prevent them from getting a sunburn and other adverse effects of sunlight.