Photo Credit: Stacie Connerty
This post is sponsored by Capri Sun; the official drink of the Connerty kids and the perfect way to quench your thirst after some unstructured play.
Summer is just about here… and so is the sun! Keeping kids safe in the sun is not always an easy feat. I tend to be a bit of a fanatic about sun safety because we are outside so much pretty much year round.
Unstructured, active, childhood play seems to be a rite of passage for my children just like it was for me during my children. Our kids spend hours outside in the neighborhood just playing with their friends. My husband and I will walk or bike around the neighborhood while they are playing. However, I need to make certain that they stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Keeping your kids safe from the sun can be done with these tips.
A broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with 30 or higher SPF is best, especially if they'll be outdoors for extended periods of time or participating in sports and swimming. Use sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for the face, shoulders, etc.
Do your research about the sunscreen you are using and know which ones are best for your family’s skin type. I use the highest I can find for myself.
Teach your kiddos to apply sunscreen properly, before they get out in the sun. The rule in our family is 30 minutes before you go outside, you put sunscreen on and let it fully dry. If you put it on and immediately go outside, you run the risk of sweat ruining your full coverage.
Show them how much to use, how to apply sunscreen to all areas of skin that are exposed, and point out the parts that burn easily – such as the back of the neck, shoulders, and face. Don't forget the tops of their feet!
While it's fun to be out in the sun all day, you need to limit your sun exposure between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. This is when UV rays are the strongest.
Wear a hat with a brim and sunglasses, to cover as much of your face as possible plus a swimsuit coverup as needed. Look for high-UPF swim shirts to protect even more!
Every hour and a half or so, it's time to reapply. Sunscreen can wear off after swimming, and even sweating. Supervise kids to make sure they're covering all of their exposed skin areas, because some are easy to miss!
It's very important to stay hydrated all the time, but especially when you're out in the sun. The risk of heat related illnesses is very real, so be sure to keep cold water with you at all times. Remind the kids to drink up! They might forget if they're too busy playing.
To keep us all hydrated, we keep a well-stocked cooler in the open garage during those hot summer days. We fill it with CAPRI SUN. On a really hot day, my kids love nothing more than a slightly frozen CAPRI SUN Organic in Grape. They ask for them by name and flavor. I have to admit, that I have tried them myself and they are really good.
Even if there are clouds, your children can get a sunburned. Did you know that UV rays can bounce back from water, sand, snow, and even concrete? Cover up to be safe.
If they see you wearing sunscreen, they'll be more likely to want to wear it, too! Plus, you need to protect yourself from the sun as well.
Photo Credit: Stacie Connerty
I wanted to share a little more about what we are drinking. CAPRI SUN Organic is made with 66% juice plus has no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. There is no added sugar and it is sweetened only with fruit juice. You get 100% of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.
CAPRI SUN Organic offers kids a taste they will love and gives parents a wholesome option. Find Capri Sun Organic nationwide for $4.29 for a 10-pack of 6-ounce pouches in the following flavors: Fruit Punch, Tropical Punch, Apple and Grape.
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