Play it Safe in the Sun     

There is more to protecting your child from the sun than just using sunscreen!  Here are a few other things you can do:

• UV rays are strongest and most harmful during the middle of the day.  It is best to play indoors or in the shade between 10:00 - 3:00.  This can prevent sunburn!

• Cover your child's skin with clothing!  Long-sleeved shirts and long pants with a tight weave are best.   Better yet, look for sun protective wear.  Clothing labeled sun protective should have a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 15 or higher.  The higher the number (50+ is the highest), the more protection it gives.  You may also double up on protection by putting sunscreen on your child before getting him/her dressed.

• Put a hat on your child!  Hats should shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck so wide brim hats are best.  Baseball caps don't protect the ears or neck.  Be sure to put sunscreen on those exposed areas.

• Teach your child to wear sunglasses!   They protect your child's eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible.

• Use suncreen with at least SPF 15 and UVA & UVB protection.   Put sunscreen on 30 minutes before going outside.  Reapply it during the day - even if it is "waterproof" or "water resistant".  Remember, sunscreen will allow your child to spend more time in the sun without getting sunburned, but it only reduces damage from UV radiation, it doesn't eliminate it!

• Parents are an important role model for their children, so protect your own skin at the same you protect your child's.