The summer holidays lead to trips away, days out, and more time outdoors during the warmest time of the year. We've put together these sun safety tips to make sure your kids travel safely this summer and stay protected.
Photo by Juan Salamanca: https://www.pexels.com/photo/2-girl-s-swimming-during-daytime-61129/
Sunscreen Should Be Used
Getting kids to sit still long enough to put on sunblock can be a nightmare in and of itself, but it's important to use the right protection at the right time to avoid sunburn. For example, you should put on a lot of sunscreens every morning before you leave and reapply it every few hours (even waterproof creams will start to fade after just a couple of hours of wear). Factor 15 is the absolute minimum you should use, but if your child has very pale skin or is sensitive to the sun, you shouldn't use less than factor 25.
Plan Your Days
Once at the beach or pool, it's unlikely that your child will be happy to take frequent breaks in the shade. Try to plan your days so that your child spends as little time as possible in the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when it's the hottest. To make sure your kids don't get too much sun or become dehydrated, plan a long lunch, some indoor play, or even some reading or tablet time in the shade. UV light can be very strong even on cloudy days, so don't be fooled! Part of your planning should include gaining knowledge of essential first aid. You can do this at cprcertificationnow.com.
Cover Up
When it comes to protecting your kids from the sun this summer, the right clothes can be just as important as sunscreen. When you're out and about, make sure they have on UV glasses, hats with brims, and breathable clothes that cover their shoulders. Dark colours, long sleeves, and pants will help protect them, but if they have to take off their clothes and put on their swimsuits, make sure you have a big umbrella to give them shade.
Consider Medications
It may sound strange, but some medicines can make the skin more sensitive to the sun's UV rays. Talk to your doctor before your trip to find out if this is the case for you. Most of the time, antibiotics and acne medications are to blame.
Show How It's Done
Don't get so busy getting the kids ready for the sun that you neglect to protect yourself. Use a lot of sunscreens all day to show the kids how important it is, and make sure everyone drinks a lot of water to avoid sunstroke and other easily avoidable illnesses.
Travel Insurance
Holiday insurance is an important part of planning a family vacation, because if you or your kids get sick on the trip, you can get medical care knowing that any expensive bills will be covered, as long as you call the emergency medical helpline of your insurance company, who will guide you through the process. Visit Holidaysafe.co.uk to learn more about family travel insurance that has won awards.
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