Stay Sun Safe this Summer - Sun Exposure Guidelines & Protection for Children

Earlier this year, the American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidelines for sun exposure in children and teens. See all of their 2011 Summer Safety Tips here. Some highlights are:

For infants, your best option is to cover their skin with lightweight clothing and shade their heads with wide-brimmed hats. If for any reason adequate protection from clothing and shade are not available, you can apply a minimal amount of suncreen (15 SPF or higher) to small areas, such as the face and back hands.

For older children, covering up with clothing is still the best bet. Encourage baseball-type hats with a large bill and sunglasses that provide 97% -100% protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Limit exposure during peak sun hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Apply sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher on both sunny AND cloudy days. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.