Protecting your child from the sun: this is how you do it
lubricate
Did you know that children up to the age of ten are only allowed to play unprotected in the sun for eight minutes a day? It has to do with the sun’s power.
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Lubricate, lubricate and lubricate some more. Use a sunscreen with at least protection factor 30, preferably even factor 50. Even if your child already has a tan of his own, or because of the sun.
Lubricate it well thirty minutes before going out into the sun. Then every two hours and after sweating, swimming and drying off. Oh, and don’t forget the lips and ears. Your child will tan faster in or on the water, because sand and water reflect UV rays. So are you taking a boat trip or is your child swimming in the sun? Then rub it in more often.
Also read:
How to protect your child’s eyes from the sun >
clothes
You can also prevent your child from getting the sun (too long) on his skin by dressing him well. So: cover his arms and legs with long clothes, protect his eyes with UV-blocking sunglasses and protect his face and neck with a cap or hat. Wet clothes allow more sun rays through. KWF, among others, therefore recommends the use of UV-resistant swimwear.
keep out
Is it between 12 noon and 3 pm? Then rather keep out of the sun for a while. Simply, under a parasol, tree or indoors. At that time it is the hottest of the day and the sun is the strongest. This increases the chance that your child will burn himself.
How can you be sure the rays are powerful? Check your shadow: if it is long, your child can play outside without worry. If it is short, it is better to keep the sun out for a while. And always keep babies out of the sun.
Still burned?
Then take your child out of the sun immediately and put him under a lukewarm shower. Then rub it in with aftersun or a cooling body lotion. It is wise not to let your child play in the sun for a few days. Give him plenty of water to drink to prevent dehydration.
Is he not feeling well? Then keep a close eye on it. If he suffers from headaches, chills or palpitations, you should always consult a doctor. Burnt skin can flake and itch. Explain to your child that he should try not to scratch, as this can cause infections on the skin.
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