7 Answers to Questions About Keeping Kids Safe Outdoors in the Summer
Everybody needs a solid dose of vitamin D, which can come from the sun, but in the hottest months of the year, it's important to know how much sun is too much. Between going to camp and other outdoor Summer activities, most kids get their lifetime sun exposure before the age of 18, so it's important to teach them how to enjoy the sun safely to avoid nasty burns and heat-related illnesses.
Read through for seven common questions about sun and outdoor safety answered to guide your family through outdoor play this Summer.
:upscale()/ps-image-unavailable.png)
When are the best and worst times for kids to be outside?
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. are peak hours in which the sun is at its hottest and harmful UV rays are at their highest. Avoid spending excess time outdoors during these hours and try to seek shade when the sun is highest and strongest. Plan outdoor activities for the early morning or late evening, when the risks of heat-related illnesses and burns are much lower.
:upscale()/2016/06/22/900/n/24155406/5b1681587463cdae_3707042301_47e5e65a70_o.jpg)
How long should kids be in the sun and heat?
Infants and children up to age 4 are at the greatest risk of getting sick from the heat and should avoid the sun as much as possible, even when they're fully covered up. For children 4 and up, avoiding direct sunlight may be a bit harder, but activities outside — like going to the playground — should be peppered with trips to shady areas or into an air-conditioned building so that they don't risk getting overheated. Another way to keep cool in the sun is with water activities that will help to keep your child's body temperature regulated.
How long should activities in the sun be?
If any outdoor activity lasts longer than 15 minutes, the intensity should be low, especially if it's humid out. For any activity lasting longer than an hour, breaks should be scheduled every 15 minutes or so to rest and take a drink of water, especially during peak hours.
How can you prepare for outdoor activities?
- Before outdoor physical activities, children should drink water freely, and definitely shouldn't go outside already thirsty.
- Clothing should be lightweight and cover as much of their skin as possible.
- All exposed skin should be covered with a safe sunscreen of at least 30 SPF that protects against UVA and UVB rays (be sure to avoid harmful sunscreens and don't forget to reapply!).
- Eyes should be covered with a pair of sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection.
What are the potential health effects of sun overexposure?
Potential effects include sunburn, dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. You should consult your pediatrician immediately if your child is exhibiting a symptom of heat-related illness such as extreme tiredness, fever, decreased or no urination for many hours, skin numbness or tingling, vomiting, shallow or heavy breathing, muscle aches or spasms, or intense thirst. It is important to note that kids who experience bad sunburns and overexposure to the sun increase their risk of skin cancer later in life.
What if it’s a cloudy or windy day?
Even on overcast or cool days, you should still check the weather to see if the UV index is high, as these are the days kids will be able to stay outside longer without overheating. Clouds, pollution, and wind don't filter out UV rays — and they reflect off sand, water, and concrete even on cool days — so these types of days can still result in sunburns if kids are outside for too long without protection.
But isn’t vitamin D good for you?
Vitamin D is great for you, and if you or your children aren't getting enough, there are tons of foods like fish, cheese, and egg yolks that contain it. In terms of sun exposure and its link to vitamin D levels, that depends on skin tone, sun protection, and how high the sun is in the sky, but it's been estimated that approximately five to 30 minutes of time in the sun during peak hours without protection will lead to sufficient vitamin D. However, it's never recommended you leave your children unprotected while in the sun, especially during peak hours.