Encouraging children to take simple precautions will prevent both short and long term sun damage while allowing them to enjoy their time outside.
 
  • Infants under 12 months should be kept in the shade.
  • Cover up children with hats, protective clothing and sunglasses.
  • Use a sunscreen with an appropriate SPF factor for each family member
    based on individual skin type.
  • Limit the time spent in the midday sun when the UV index is at its highest.
  • Monitor exposure to the sun using a UV monitor.

 

abc News - Sunscreen Tips for Kids
News NOW feature with Annie Pleshette Murphy
Sunscreen Tips for Kids

 

The UV Index is a scale given to the level of UV radiation on a given day. It ranges from 0 to 20--the higher the index, the higher the potential for damage to the skin and eyes and the less time it takes for this damage to occur.  View your local UV Index.

  Index Number Exposure Level
  < 2 Low
  3 to 5 Moderate
  6 to 7 High
  8 to 10 Very High
  11+ Extreme


For more information about UV Rays, please click here. To obtain the UV Index at any time, visit: www.epa.gov/sunwise/uvindex.html