Going on a trip can be a great way to bond with your children and create meaningful memories.
Our blog “5 Ways to Make Children Have Fun While Traveling” emphasizes letting them enjoy their trip by being patient and flexible, planning activities that focus on your kids, and always bringing food.
However, along with fun, keeping your kids safe as they enjoy your vacation is essential.
This is particularly important when it comes to the sun.
The CDC explains that overexposure to UV rays when traveling can have acute effects like sunburn and delayed effects like sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.
As such, it’s your task as parents to ensure your kids enjoy their trip without serious risk due to the sun.
Here are some ways you can do that.
Regularly Apply Sunscreen
Sunscreen should be the first thing on your list when it comes to sun protection.
Verywell Family states sunscreen is crucial for all children older than six months, as it offers protective benefits against the sun’s harmful rays.
Preventing sunburn can help your kids avoid cumulative sun damage that can lead to tougher and wrinkled skin later in life, as well as, in more serious cases, skin cancer.
On your trip, choose sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher.
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen is an excellent SPF 50 broad-spectrum lotion that blocks UVA and UVB rays.
Pediatricians and dermatologists recommend it for kids as it is great for sensitive skin.
Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or more if your kids go for a swim or play in the water.
This can ensure they have lasting protection under the sun.
Ask Your Kids to Wear Sunglasses
Protecting kids with sunglasses is vital since their eyes are more vulnerable to sun damage than adults.
The CAEPS describes sunglasses as “sunscreen for your eyes” because they can prevent redness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and temporary vision loss that may be caused by overexposure to UV rays.
However, they stress the importance of a reliable pair that offers 99 to 100 percent protection against UV radiation.
Otherwise, it may increase the risk of eye diseases in the future.
This is why you should spend extra for an established sunglasses brand, as cheaper models may not provide the protection they claim.
The sunglasses from Ray-Ban guarantee 100% UVA and UVB protection.
The brand also offers kids’ versions of its classic Aviator and Wayfarer designs and newer style trends, with a wide selection of frames and lens combinations.
By choosing a stylish pair your kids will like, they will be more motivated to keep them on, protecting them from the sun as they enjoy their vacation.
Provide a Hat for More Shade
Another way you can protect your children from UV rays is by blocking direct sunlight.
As such, you can provide them with extra shade through a sun hat.
Asking them to wear one whenever your itinerary involves long hours outdoors can give added protection to their face, eyes, and head.
Of course, your kids will need to move comfortably to be safe, and a brim that’s too wide can obstruct their view.
That’s why you should check out Posh Peanut accessories, which are stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly.
Your kids will love their colorful bucket hats, which have a big enough brim to block out the sun without reducing visibility.
Traveling is an essential part of your kids’ childhoods.
By keeping them safe, they can treasure these memories and stay excited about the world.