General Sun Protection
Shade Those Peepers
Treating Sunburn
Screening Sunscreens

Protection from the sun is particularly important for children. In fact, studies show that excessive exposure to the sun during childhood increases the risk of skin cancer in adulthood. A young child's eyes are also susceptible to irritation from the sun's harsh glare.

To guard against problems now and later in life, it's up to parents to take the necessary steps to protect their children's skin and eyes from the damaging effects of the sun.

Here are some tips to keep your little ones safe while having summer fun outdoors:

• Avoid sun exposure from 10 am to 3 pm. These peak hours of the day are when the sun's rays are most intense.
• Cover baby with a long, white, cotton shirt and a wide-brimmed hat. Try to use sun-protective clothing for children that offer an SPF of at least 30. Wet hand-me-down t-shirts provide an SPF of 6. (adult T-shirt's work well)
• Place your infant or child under a large sun umbrella. Don’t forget to protect baby from sunrays reflecting off the water and white sand.
• Cover your child with sunscreen. Choose a product that's gentle but effective for tender young skin. Be sure to apply an opaque zinc oxide generously and repeatedly to particularly exposed areas, such as the nose, cheeks, and ears.
• Apply lip balm with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. This will help protect your child's lips from sun blisters.