Sun Safety: Don't Let the Weather Be Your Guide. Protect Your Child from Over-exposure to the Sun’s Harmful Rays with These Helpful Sunburn Prevention Tips and Sunburn Treatment

It's summertime.  School's out and the kids are ready to play!  Don't let their summer fun be ruined due to over-exposure to the sun's harmful rays.  By following these easy preventative measures, you and your little one can have a summer full of laughter and memories to last a lifetime. 

1. Don't let the weather be your guide. Sunny? Cloudy? Doesn't matter. Get in the habit of applying sunscreen every day.
2. Choose a sunblock with UVA and UVB protection, a spf of 30+, use a physical block rather than a chemical block. 
3. Apply sunscreen (SPF 30+) at least 15-20 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 1-2 hours and after swimming (even if it says waterproof).
4. Wear a hat. Hats keep out 50% of UV radiation.
5. Avoid long periods of time in direct sun during the hours of 11-3 pm, choose a shady spot if possible.
6. Keep babies under 6 months old out of the sun. Remember that your baby's skin is thinner than yours and therefore burns more quickly than an adults. Dress him or her in light loose clothing, have a parasol on the carriage, have them wear a hat, keep them in the shade.
7. Don't forget the "forget-ables"- double check to make sure the back of their neck, under eyes, tips of ears and toes have been covered.
8. Be a good example. These sun suggestions are not just for children, they're for us too!
9. Offer plenty of fluids and watch for signs of heat exhaustion/ heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, red, hot, dry skin (no sweating), quick pulse, confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea and unconsciousness.

How to treat a sunburn
A typical sunburn (caused by UV radiation- which is why you can get a sunburn on sunny or cloudy days) is a superficial burn, also known as a first-degree burn. They are red and warm, but there are no blisters. Skin may peel after a few days. This type of burn does not leave scars and actually requires little care.

1. Communicate that yes, their skin got burned, that's why it hurts but the great thing about skin is it has already started to heal itself and will be "back to normal" very soon.
2. Keep them out of the sun. 
3. Cool the burn with running water, a tepid shower for older children is nice.
4. Dress in loose fitting clothing.
5. Give Ibuprofen (if older than 6 months) or Tylenol because burns hurt. 
6. Never apply ice, grease or butter to a burn as they may cause more damage to the skin and increase the risk of infection.

A severe sunburn (caused by UV radiation) qualifies as a second degree burn. You will see blisters and swelling. A physician should evaluate all second and third degree burns.

Things you can do to make your little one feel better:

1. Keep them out of the sun.
2. Cool the burn with running water.
3. Blisters provide a barrier to infection: leave them intact until seen by a doctor. Do not pop/drain the blister.
4. Cover burn/blisters with a clean bandage.
5. Give Ibuprofen (if older than 6 months) or Tylenol because burns hurt.
6. Check burn for infection every day. Signs of infection: redness, drainage, increasing swelling, worsening pain, fever.
7. Never apply ice, grease or butter to a burn as they may cause more damage to the skin and increase the risk of infection.

About the Author: Special thanks and warm appreciation  to Tara Summers-Hermann, RN, BSN.  Tara and her M.D. husband, Luke are the Owners and Founders of Baby MedBasics.

Baby MEDBASICS is a comprehensive all inclusive emergency guide designed for parents and anyone who cares for children.  With brightly color-coded tabs, spiral binding, simple instructions and illustrations you'll be able to handle choking, CPR, bleeding, fever emergencies and more!  Baby MedBasics turns your moments of panic into moments of action.

Purchase BabyMed Basics Home and Travel Emergency Care Guides for your home, caregiver even grandparents home!  Keep the handy travel pack available with you where ever you go too; conveniently attaches to baby's stroller and your diaper bag.

Download the BabyMed Basics iPhone Ap and have the convenience of expert advise and step by step action with you wherever you go!

Spiritied Red, White and Blue Boy's and Girl's Fashions!

We've Got Spirit, Yes We Do!

Picnics, parades, BBQs, fireworks and fun! This year your little one will be celebration ready in Red, White and Blue cool!

Fashionable frocks like our NEW All American Girl onesie or shirt (shown above) is 100% Spirit! When paired with matching bloomers, our Red,White and Blue tulle tutu skirt and Piggy Paint's Non-toxic Nail Polish gift set in Little Miss Firecracker, you've a look that's explosively cute!

Your little slugger can enjoy his first celebration too in our NEW Baseball Layette Gift Set (shown above) complete with the cutest baseball booties and cap! Go get'em tiger!

While out having fun in the sun keep their delicate skin (and yours) protected. Episencial's All Natural Sunscreen with SPF 35 is made for the very young and the young-at-heart. With only all natural ingredients, you can feel confident with your choice. Of course, sun hats are a must but don't be boring. Our adorable girl's sun hats are embellished with fabulous flowers and just a touch of bling for a look that is picture perfect. If you're celebrating at the beach or by the bay have your little one ready in our Chichanella Bella Vintage Inspired Girl's Bathing Suits. Inspired by fashions from the 20's, 30's 40's and 50's she'll hit the boardwalk looking like your personal Coney Island Doll!

Shop 4th of July Fashions and Gifts Today

Vintage Inspired Girl's Bathing Suits Bring You Back To A Time of Boardwalks and Ferris Wheels

Fun in the Sun: Tot Bathing Suits Make a Big Splash This Season

It’s time to strip away the layers, pull out the shorts and flip flops and plan for fun in the sun.

This season tot bathing suits and pool side fashions are making a big splash! Children’s wear designers take swimsuit fashions two-steps forward and transfer favorite every day looks to create new and bold swimsuit designs. Styles range from traditional to retro inspirations, fabrics are bold and sassy; when infused you get fun, whimsical swimwear perfect for the innocence of child’s play.

Vintage inspired swimsuits hit the boardwalk this summer and take center stage. Influenced by the bathing beauties of the 20’s, 30’s, 40’s and 50’s, era inspired bathing suits combine amazing details like rouching and ruffles paired with whimsical prints in polka dots and stripes to create a look that will take you back to simpler times of boardwalks and Ferris Wheels.

Ballerinas by the bay. Our love for tutu skirts and ruffles does not end just because it’s summertime. This fashion trend continues on strong in whimsical bathing suits. Look for tutu-esq skirts layered over one piece suits and bikini bottoms. Popular colors to look for are ballerina pink, turquoise blue and lemon yellow.

Long board shorts for boys rock the waves! Bold prints and themes range from nautical to preppy to punk. There’s no holding back. So, regardless of whether you’re into classic nautical themes or skulls and cross bones there’s a suit out there to fit your little guys personal style.

Special Features and Gear
Fabric has come a long way. Many of today’s swimsuit designers have infused sun protection into fabrics creating greater UV protection.

Sun hats are a must have and protect your little one’s head and face from the harsh rays of the sun.

Cover-ups and shade umbrellas provide your little one with an extra barrier against the sun’s rays when you expect to be out for any length of time.

Don’t forget the sunscreen! Look for sunscreens that are made specifically for little one’s delicate skin and provide adequate UV protection like Episencial's Sunny Sunscreen with an SPF of 35. Consult your pediatrician if your child is 6 months or younger.

This article was originally written and published for Style Cafe Moms Magazine, May/June 2010. 

About The Author:

Wendy Navarro is the proud mom of three and owner of Saige Nicole’s www.SaigeNicoles.com an online boutique for baby and toddler girls and boys specializing in boutique clothing, accessories, gifts and décor that capture the essence of childhood frolic and whimsy.