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CARING
FOR CHILDREN IN THE SUN
Young children need special care when they are in the sun. They love playing outdoors, but they are not aware of how the sun can damage their skin. So as a parent or carer, it is important that you take precautions for them.
Over-exposure to the sun's
harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays causes sunburn. Redness of the skin, however
slight, is a sign that it has been damaged. Getting sunburnt as a child leads
to a greater risk of skin cancer in later life, but the good news is that
sun damage can be avoided. Experts believe that in four out of every five
cases skin cancer is a preventable disease. It is important that children,
especially babies and toddlers, are given the protection they deserve.
Babies
Keep babies less than
12 months old out of the sun and in the shade. Loose-fitting clothing will
help keep babies cooler.
Remember that babies cannot move around by themselves and may get hot and
uncomfortable if they become over-heated. Give your baby frequent drinks to
help prevent dehydration.
Toddlers and Young Children
Dress young children in loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing and a wide-brimmed hat when they are in the sun. Generously apply sunscreen - before they go out in the sun - to the parts of the body that remain exposed. Select a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15 and make sure it is water-resistant if they will be going into the water.
Encourage children to
play in the shade when the sun is hottest - around midday. You can create
your own shade with a beachumbrella
or canopy, or take advantage of natural shade under trees. Choose sunglasses
that comply with the British Standard -look on the label for BS2724:1987.
If taking children in the car, make sure there is adequate ventilation and
never leave them in the car unattended.
Hot
Tips
Contact
the Health Promotion Officer on
Tel: 51335 for more information.
