Wearing a rashy at the beach (and doing a bit of beach yoga for fun)
The sun. In ancient times people worshipped it. When I was growing up we frolicked in it unprotected. Unfortunately now we understand that harmful sun-exposure in childhood is linked to some dreadful health outcomes in adulthood. Melanoma is the number one concern and blistering sunburn as a child is strongly associated with the development of melanoma later in life. That is why I prioritize sun protection in my own kids when we are out and about. I don’t want my kids to develop melanoma when they are older. Period. Thankfully we still are still able to enjoy the outdoors (the beach is a favourite) by keeping the risk of harmful sun exposure clearly in mind and taking a few important steps to minimize that risk.
(1) Plan the day’s activities to minimize your toddler’s exposure to the sun.
The sun is strongest between 10am and 3 pm. Plan your outside activities around this time. Do bear in mind though that your child can still burn earlier than 10am and after 3pm.
(2) Cover your toddlers skin as much as possible.
Choose loose fitting clothes made from closely woven fabrics on warm days so that your child doesn’t overheat.
(3) Have them wear a hat
A broad brimmed hat helps to protect my toddler’s neck and face.
My own childhood blistering sunburns occurred on my scalp and in my hair part which acts as a good reminder for me to remember my children’s hats. Choose a hat with a broad-brim or in a legionnaire style so your toddler’s face, neck and ears are protected. Here’s another tip – have a few spares. Keep one in the car, another in your bag etc. They are far to easy to forget and loose.
(4) Use a shade when they are in their stroller.
Dream Baby Strollerbuddy Shade gives SPF 50+ protection
We recently discovered the Dreambaby Strollerbuddy Shade Range. Our Dreambaby Strollerbudy shade is removal, lightweight and compact. By attaching it to our stroller my toddler receives an additional SPF 50+ protection.
(5) Make use of available full shade and provide shade for your toddler’s play area.
Ideally have them play under a dark shadow such as that cast by a tree or sail shad. Your toddler will still need to be protected from scattered and reflected UV radiation.
(6) Check your toddler’s clothing, hat and shade positioning regularly
Parents of toddlers will know the reason for this. Toddlers wriggle, remove hats, take of items of clothing and drop them at random places….You want to ensure they remain well protected from UV radiation so being vigilant, not just to prevent loss of objects is important.
(7) Apply a SPF30+ broad-spectrum water resistant sunscreen properly.
Broad-spectrum water resistant sunscreen (SPF 30+) may be applied to any small areas of skin that cannot be protected by clothing (such as face, ears and backs of hands). Sunscreen will need to be applied 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every couple of hours or more often if it has been wiped or washed off.
(8) When swimming dress your child in a rashie.
There may not be anything quite as lovely as a chubby little nudey rudey toddler playing at the beach. I’m all for toddler nudey beach fun but we keep that for the early morning or very late afternoon when the risk of sun damage is minimal. At other times our toddler is dressed in a rashie that protects her soft and lovely skin for her future.
(9) Beware the water
Water reflects the sunlight meaning that your toddler may be at risk from different directions. Take extra care with sunscreen application around (and in) water. This include walking by the water and boating.
(10) Beware the snow
Toddlers can become sunburned in the snow
Just as water reflects the harmful snow’s rays so does snow. Your toddler may be covered head to toe to keep them warm however any exposed skin is at risk of sunburn. Make sure you apply sunscreen regularly to these areas too.
And and extra tip (I know I said ten tips but I just couldn’t stop)
(11) Don’t forget the sunnies
I’m not real great at remembering to have my children wear sun glasses. Unfortunately though, intraocular melanoma (melanoma in the eye) is a thing. If you do have a toddler that will wear sunglasses then this is an added protection against the harmful sun’s rays.
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Dreambaby did send us a sample Strollerbuddy shade to try and I loved it which is why I’ve included it in this article.
About the author:
Danielle Esler is a medical doctor specializing in public health and general practice. She carts her three young children around for work and play.
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