Sun Care For Kids

As soon as school lets out, kids and sunshine go hand in hand. But anyone who's tried to rub sunscreen on a squirmy toddler knows that protecting little ones from the sun is easier said than done. Don't give up, though: Did you know that we actually get about 80 per cent of our lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18? So, we've put together a few tips and tricks to help you keep children safe in the sunshine.

It's tough enough to get a kid to sit still to rub on sunscreen. It'll be a lot tougher if you try to do it outside when so many fun temptations are just steps away. Apply sunscreen before leaving the house, about fifteen minutes before you'll be outside. Try an easy-to-apply product such as Banana Boat® Kids Roll-On or Banana Boat® Kids Spray. This way you won't miss a spot, and you can keep him still with his favourite storybook, video, or other calm activity.

• Avoid direct sun exposure between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun's rays are the strongest, and most harmful. Come up with indoor or in the shade activities instead: drawing, playing a board game, reading a book.
• Set a schedule of activities to bring kids away from the sun and into the shade every couple hours to rest, cool off, and put on another coat of Banana Boat sunscreen. To be most effective, sunscreen needs to be re-applied every two hours. A snack or sit-down game can be a good lure.
• Choose a sunscreen that's hypoallergenic so its gentle on baby's skin, and with an SPF 15 or higher.
• Don't forget to bring her favourite bonnet, his favourite baseball cap, and comfy cover-ups they won't wiggle out of.
• Reapply sunscreen after swimming and towelling off.

Banana Boat® offers the following tips on sun protection for your baby and kids

• Paediatricians often recommend using a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, such as Banana Boat® Kids SPF 30+.
• Choose a sunscreen that is hypoallergenic to reduce the likelihood of irritating your child's tender skin. Protection should be applied at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure and repeated frequently. Ensure total coverage including ears, feet and behind the knees. Avoid eyelids where children tend to rub their eyes.
• If your child goes swimming, use a waterproof sunscreen and re-apply often. Anyone taking medication, including children, should first consult a physician before using sun protection products or being exposed to the sun because of potential reactions.

In case of sunburn

If your baby is under one year old and gets a sunburn, call your doctor.