Guest Author - Kimberly Misra

You may be tempted to let sun safety precautions slide while you’re on vacation, but don’t do it! Here are ten strategies for keeping your kids safe in the sun this summer.

1. The younger the child, the more vigilant you need to be. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only minimal sunscreen use for babies under six months old. Instead, dress your baby in lightweight, long sleeved clothing and a wide brimmed hat. Use an umbrella at the beach to keep babies out of direct sunlight. When sightseeing, bring lightweight receiving blankets to protect your baby’s skin as they ride in a stroller or front pack.

2. Apply sunscreen early and generously. To get the full benefit from sunscreen, you need to really slather it on kids at least 30 minutes before they’ll be exposed to the sun and rub it in thoroughly.

3. Choose the right sunscreen. Look for an SPF of at least 15 that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. A waterproof formula is a must if you’ll be at the beach or pool. Spray bottles make application easier and neater. Stick sunscreens are handy for protecting kids’ faces, ears, and hairline.

4. Reapply sunscreen frequently. Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, more often if your children have been swimming. Don’t forget that kids can sunburn even on cloudy days.

5. Don’t forget the lips. Apply a moisturizing lip balm with sunscreen to avoid painful sun blisters.

6. Dress your children right. Children of all ages should wear wide brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect their face, especially at the beach. Bring along a swimsuit cover-up (an adult T-shirt works well) to protect kids' shoulders and back after swimming.

7. Consider SPF-rated clothing. For sunburn prone children, consider investing in sun protective clothing which blocks UV rays. These are widely available from many companies.

8. Hit the beach early. On a beach vacation, head to the beach first thing in the morning and leave after lunch to avoid the hottest hours of the days. Or show up in the late afternoon when the sun won’t be right overhead.

9. Bring shelter. A beach umbrella or sun shelter gives kids a shady place to play and eat and keeps them out of the sun, at least for a little while.

10. Treat sunburns right. If your child does get a sunburn, apply an after-sun lotion containing aloe vera to soothe their skin. You can also give them acetaminophen to reduce pain. A cool bath (with no soap) at the end of the day is soothing and helps reduce swelling.