Sun Safety for Kids
Friday, May 27th is officially “Don’t Fry Day” according to The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention. This is something we should all start to take seriously.
Things are different now…different than when we adults were children. There is more knowledge about the effects of the sun on our bodies, and as most of us know the ozone is being depleted causing less filtering of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation. That being said, we and our kids need more protection from these harmful rays.
How to protect our kids
- Do not allow skin to burn – this increases risk of future skin cancers
- Avoid tanning & tanning beds
- Generously apply sunscreen – it is recommended that you apply sunscreen 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Also, choose a minimum of 15 SPF protection. Make sure it protects from both UVA & UVB rays. Reapply every two hours even if it is cloudy outside, especially when children are sweating & swimming.
- Choose protective clothing. There are lots of choices out there now that actually provide UVA & UVB protection in the clothing.
- Stay in the shade.
- Make sure you are consuming enough vitamin D, which often times can be low due to the lack of sun exposure that we are allowed to have.
- Babies that are 6 months old or younger should be kept out of the sun completely.
- Pay attention to the expiration date on the sunscreen.
How to choose sunscreens
- Choose broad-spectrum or multi-spectrum protection for both UVA & UVB rays.
- Look for ingredients such as benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone (Parsol 1789) and ecamsule (Mexoryl SX).
- SPF 15 is typically sufficient. If you have fair skin or a family history of cancer you should increase this to SPF 30 or more for added protection.
- If you plan to sweat a lot or are going to be in the water, buy sunscreen that is meant for that.
Sunscreens for children
- Buy a sunscreen designated for children.
- Avoid sunscreens with para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) and benzephenones like dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, or sulisobenzone, as these may irritate young skin.
- For sensitive skin, look for titanium dioxide or zinc oxide instead of chemicals like para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), dioxybenzone, oxybenzone, or sulisobenzone. Also avoid sunscreens with alcohol, fragrances, or preservatives.
As always, enjoy the warm weather but be safe!
First Aid for Kids
First Aid Kit
In our family, summertime is when most of our injuries occur, but we have to be prepared all year long. After all, with two toddler boys, it’s nearly impossible to avoid booboos. If we are not prepared our kids could end up very unhappy, and when they’re unhappy, we’re unhappy.
I have compiled a list of items that are very important to have within moments of an injury. Whether you are at the playground, a friend’s house or even outside at home, a first aid kit is a necessity. You can find a very inexpensive empty case at a dollar store or other discount store. I highly recommend placing the following in a “kit” of sorts.
- Band-Aids in a variety of sizes, preferably character, colorful and fun ones
- Gauze pads in a variety of sizes
- Antibiotic ointment
- Antibacterial wipes
- Antibacterial hand sanitizer
- Anti-itch lotion
- Burn gel
- Tweezers
- Thermometer
- Instant cold packs
In addition, I always carry suntan lotion, bug spray, Wet-Ones and tissues in my vehicle.
If building your own first aid kit seems daunting, you can buy great “already prepared” kits. I have found one of the best sites for kid’s first aid kits to be www.mypreciouskid.com/first-aid-kit.html.
Be safe!
Rae Lynn Glispin
www.kidzcomfort.com
Trick or Treat Safety
Trick, or Treat?
Halloween is almost here! I can’t believe it! It seems that each calendar event comes faster and faster every year. And, as you all know, with Halloween comes many dangers to be aware of. We all want our kids to be safe; I know I do. So, I’ve compiled this list of safety actions for concerned parents to follow.
Constume Safety:
- Make sure your child tries on their constume and hem it if needed….avoid tripping hazards.
- Apply reflective tape so that traffic can see your child as the sun sets.
- Where comfy shoes and warm clothing underneath costume in colder climates.
- Make sure your child can see out of their mask. Make sure any makeup is hypo-allergenic and non-toxic.
Trick or Treating Safety:
- If it is dark out, carry a flashlight.
- Place some form of ID on your child if you will not be with them.
- Travel in groups or with adults/parents.
- Give your child a cell phone if you will not be with them.
- Make sure your child stays out of the road and uses appropriate crosswalks and sidewalks.
- No running.
- Use respect in people’s yards: don’t cross through flowers or garden areas.
- Stay in neighborhoods you are familiar with.
- Do NOT stop at houses with no lights on.
- Make sure your child does NOT go into anyone’s house that they do not know.
- Always be congnicent of traffic.
- Always go through your child’s candy and discard anything that looks tainted, partially unwrapped or strange.
- And Lastly, SAY THANK YOU!
Just use common sense and be mindful of your surroundings. Most of all, make sure your child has a blast.
Take care!
Raelynn @ Kidz Comfort
RSS Subscribe!
-
-
-
Sites I Visit
-
-
