Why Sunscreen For Kids Is Important

So why is sunscreen for kids important? You work so hard to keep your kids safe around your pool, but one of the most dangerous aspects of having a pool, can’t be protected by a fence. We are talking about the sun. Here in Florida the sun is more intense than perhaps your summers you remember up in Minnesota. Let’s take a look at why the sun in dangerous and what you can do to keep your family safe now, and years in the future.

Florida Is So Hot For Three Reasons:

• Its location
• The water bordering it
• The resulting humidity

Florida is close to the equator and is also mostly surrounded by water, which creates high humidity and a tropical climate (or subtropical in northern parts). Is it actually hotter in Florida than other places in the US in the summer. Yes, and No. Of course our west and in desert regions the temperature can be well over 100 degrees. Here in Florida, the “feels like” temperature is higher and feels hotter because of the high humidity, even at night.

Why Sunscreen For Kids Is Needed

While we all like to be out in the sun in the summer playing in our pools, we need to consider the sun. Damage from years outdoors exposed to the sun can cause serious problems later in life. Skin spots and cancers can be greatly reduced with products like sunscreen. Those that are most at risk are fair skinned people. However, no matter how dark or how much time you usually spend in the sun, you are increasing your risks for skin damage the more you stay in the sun.

Starting with the habit of using sunscreen at a young age on your children will do a couple things. First your kids will get accustomed to wearing sunscreen. This may encourage them later in life when they are adults to continue using it. Also it can protect your child’s skin in the future. Damage from the sun can be a cumulative effect over many years of being exposed to the sun.

What Kind Of Sunscreen For Kids Is Best?

There are many different types of sunscreen for kids available to purchase today. What you choose may depend on your activities, sensitivity of skin and the SPF factor. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 provides protection against 93% of UVB rays, while one with an SPF of 30 provides 97% protection. Keep in mind that a sunscreen with an SPF of 2 only provides 50% protection. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 to 30. There is not much increased advantage in using SPF 50 or 100. It really only adds about 3% of protection.

Keep in mind the sun is most intense here in Southwest Florida between 10am and 4pm. If you and your kids will be in and out of the water, you should consider buying one that is waterproof or designed for water activities. Even though these do say they are waterproof, you really should follow the manufactures direction and reapply about every 2 hours. Being in the water, or just sweating, can reduce the effectiveness of the sunscreen.

Here at Baby Barrier we want to help you keep your kids and family safe. Follow these suggestions and help keep your family safe from the suns harmful effects. If you do not have a pool safety fence, you need to consider one. We wrote a great article on the benefits of a pool safety fence and how it can add value and peace of mind around your pool.