With the days getting warmer and longer, it’s time for holidays, which means that kids will get a long break from the regular classroom activities. But with temperatures and humidity going up high, the risk of heat related illness also increases. Kids want to spend more time outdoors during this time ignoring their health. So parents need to be more careful to ensure that their kids are safe from the unbearable heat.

The rays of the sun can be very dangerous for your skin and this causes burning and ageing. Getting sun burnt also increases the risk of skin cancer. Not only this, kids also get heat exhaustion when their bodies are unable to cool themselves fast enough. They may feel overheated, weak and tired and this requires medical attention.  The good news is that, sun is not your enemy, if you keep yourself well hydrated, wear proper clothes, use a sunscreen and avoid the peak heat of the day.

Here are some tips to keep your child safe during from the sun during their vacations and help them enjoy outdoors.

Avoid strong rays of the day: Do not allow your children to play in the sun during the hottest time of the day that is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Since the sun reaches its peak during this time, any outdoor activities should be restricted. Let them stay indoors and enjoy activities in the shade.

Keep them covered: Dress your little child in lightweight, loose-fitting and light colored clothes that are made from natural fibers like cotton. These fabrics tend to breathe and are better than any synthetic material. Make them wear a long sleeved dress to protect the skin from the sun.

Use sunscreen with SPF 15: Always apply sunscreen lotion 30 minutes before your child goes outside to allow it to absorb properly into the skin. The UV rays cause sunburn and wrinkling and cause damage deeper in the skin. Reapply it every two to three hours and don’t forget to use them even if the days are cloudy. The heat may not be there, but the UV rays may still cause damage to the skin.

Keep them well hydrated: It is very important to have plenty of water during the summer season. Most kids play a lot and sweat out in the heat. Drinking plenty of water will flush out all the toxins from the body and helps to keep the blood flow properly. Provide your kids with fresh juices, buttermilk, lemon juice or coconut water to keep them hydrated.

Use hats and sunglasses: Wearing a cap or hat with a wide brim will help to keep the face, ears and back from sunburn. While you protect the skin with a good sunscreen lotion, don’t forget that the eyes are also exposed to the UV rays. Choose comfortable sunglasses that come in kid sizes and attractive colors to protect their eyes from the direct rays of the sun.

Summary

Summer days can be great for long outdoor activities, but parents should always be careful to ensure that their children do not suffer from intense heat. Always supervise them when they play outside and strictly follow the tips to protect them from the harmful rays of the sun.