As the temperatures begin to warm up, you might find yourself spending more time outdoors and in less layers of clothing. While the sun rays feel great and you might be excited about a little sun-kissed glow, it is necessary to protect your and your children’s skin from the harmful UV rays.
You are probably already pretty mindful about lathering on the sunscreen for a long day in the sun. However, it is just as important to use sunscreen when you and the kids are playing in the backyard or going on a short walk around the block. With the current situation involving COVID-19, you are most likely limited to doing just that!
If you aren’t accustomed to putting on sunscreen daily though, it can be easy to forget. A great tip to help you remember to put on sunscreen is to keep it in a convenient location within your home. For example, this might be in a basket right next to the front or back door or even on the kitchen counter!
Another tip is to schedule a “sunscreen slather” time into your routine.It’s good to apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before having direct sun exposure to give the sunscreen time to bind to your skin. If you know you always go out to play in the backyard during mid-morning, you could put sunscreen on the kids and yourself right after eating breakfast (before everyone runs out of the kitchen). Or you could apply it on the kids right after they get dressed in their daytime clothes.
It might sound silly, but it’s worth remembering that sunscreen only works if you use it! Keep your skin and your littles’ skin safe as the temps warm-up.
Here are some great options for you and your family:
- Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion – Mineral UVA/UVB Face and Body Protection for Sensitive Skin
- Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
- Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray – Water-Resistant and Oil-Free, Broad Spectrum SPF 70+
- Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 & Zinc Oxide
- Baby Organic Mineral Sunscreen Lotion by Nurture My Body- SPF 32
In addition to sunscreen, don’t forget to wear protective gear like UV blocking sunglasses and hats (this is important for young kids, too!). In more humid regions, mosquitos are also beginning to appear so I highly recommend bug spray as well.
Alas, enjoy the fresh air and the extra quality time you might be getting to spend with your loved ones right now. Though this summer might look a little different than we had planned, it is still a great season and it feels good to get outside!