July is UV Awareness Month: What Parents Need to Know About Sun Safety

Summer is the perfect time for family adventures, pool days, playground visits, and outdoor fun. While spending time outside is great for children’s physical and mental health, it’s important to remember that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can cause serious damage to young skin.

July is UV Awareness Month, making it the perfect opportunity to review sun safety habits and protect your family from painful sunburns and long-term skin damage.

 

Why Sun Protection Matters

Children receive a significant portion of their lifetime sun exposure before adulthood. In fact, experts estimate that nearly one-quarter of a person’s lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and adolescence. Too much UV exposure can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life and cause immediate issues such as painful sunburns, dehydration, and eye damage.

The good news? A few simple precautions can help keep your family safe while enjoying the sunshine.

 

Sun Safety Tips for the Whole Family

Keep Babies Out of Direct Sunlight

Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Use:

• Stroller canopies
• Umbrellas
• Trees and shaded areas
• Lightweight protective clothing

Since infants have delicate skin, shade should always be the first line of defense.

 

Dress for Protection

Clothing is one of the easiest ways to protect against UV rays.

Choose:

• Lightweight, breathable fabrics
• Long-sleeved shirts when practical
• Lightweight pants or longer shorts
• Wide-brimmed hats that protect the face, ears, and neck
• Don’t forget sunglasses; Children’s eyes are vulnerable to UV damage too. Choose sunglasses that block: At least 99% of UVA rays and at least 99% of UVB rays

When shopping, look for clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) label for added protection.

 

Avoid Peak Sun Hours

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

When possible:

• Schedule outdoor activities earlier in the morning
• Take breaks indoors during midday
• Seek shade frequently

 

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

Not all sunscreens are created equal. When selecting a sunscreen for your family, look for:

• Broad-Spectrum Protection: A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
• SPF 30+: The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. SPF 30 is ideal for most families, while SPF 50 may provide additional protection for children who spend extended time outdoors.
• Mineral-based options: For sensitive skin, consider sunscreens containing: zinc oxide or titanium dioxide

 

How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly

Even the best sunscreen won’t work if it isn’t applied properly.

Remember to:

• Apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes before going outdoors.
• Cover all exposed skin, including:
  • Ears
  • Nose
  • Neck
  • Hands
  • Feet
  • Tops of shoulders
  • Backs of knees

Reapply every two hours or after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.

 

Babies Younger Than 6 Months

Whenever possible, use shade and protective clothing instead of sunscreen. If you feel you’ll be in a situation where you won’t be able to protect your baby’s skin without the use of sunscreen, talk to your pediatrician and we can help you come up with some safe options.

 

What to Do if Your Child Gets Sunburned

Even with precautions, sunburns can happen.

To help your child feel more comfortable:

• Encourage extra fluids such as water or milk.
• Apply cool compresses or use cool baths.
• Use age-appropriate pain relievers if needed.
• Keep your child out of the sun until the burn has healed.

 

When to Call Your Pediatrician

Contact your child’s doctor if:

• Your baby is younger than 1 year old and gets sunburned.
• Blisters develop.
• Your child has significant pain.
• Fever accompanies the sunburn.

 

Children learn by watching the adults around them. Wearing sunscreen, seeking shade, and protecting your own skin sends a powerful message that sun safety is important.

 

This July, take a few extra minutes before heading outdoors to protect your family’s skin and eyes. The memories made in the sunshine should last a lifetime; UV damage should not! If you have questions about sunscreen, sunburns, or protecting your child’s skin, talk with your pediatrician. Together, we can help keep children healthy, happy, and safe all summer long.

 

For questions, to book an appointment, or any other concerns, Augusta Pediatrics can be reached at (706) 868-0389. The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only.