Safe Sun: How to have an amazing and safe summer season

If you live in the United States, it is more than likely on the brink of the summer season and the temperatures are creeping up and hitting over 100 degrees in some parts of the country. On the milder days where the temperature hovers around 85 degrees, you and your family will want to go out and enjoy everything the summer season has to offer. Whether it be the beach or your local town pool, it is absolutely imperative that you keep yourself and your little one protected and healthy under the sun ray.

Never leave the house without a hat
I know, I know; hats are not the most stylish accessory and definitely do not match well with every outfit but they are truly a life saver under the summer heat. For your little one, they should wear a hat every time they go out doors with the intentions of staying outside for more than a half hour or so. The shade will outweigh their not so adorable hat hair.

Always, always, always wear sunscreen
There are various types of sunscreens on the markets ranging from organic to those made just for small babies. There is certainly a sunscreen to suit your needs out there. No matter what, leave your house with sunscreen protection with an SPF of at least 30 and always protect your child’s skin with age appropriate sunscreen.

Stay hydrated
A major part of practicing safe sun is staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water. The sun will suck all of the moisture out of your body before you know it and leave you feeling like a dried up prune. If you and your family are headed out for a day trip or plan on hanging out at a family barbeque out doors, make sure you are drinking and encouraging plenty of water.

Pay attention to your body and your little one’s body
Heat exhaustion can creep up on you but is powerful and can take you down quickly. If your child seems overly exhausted, weak, or dehydrated; get them out of the heat immediately and try to cool them down with cold compresses. Seek medical attention of necessary. The same goes for you. If you are feeling dehydrated, overly tired, dizzy, nauseous, or weak; get out of the sun and help your body cool down. Grab a cool drink of water, use cold compresses, and take a seat in the shade or under a fan.

Take frequent breaks
It is incredibly easy to get wrapped up in having fun when you are out with your family but it is just as important to incorporate small breaks where you can relax under the shade, rehydrate, and allow your bodies to cool down to prevent over heating.

Having fun in the sun doesn’t have to be a gateway to sunburns, heat exhaustion, or over exposure. Just take it easy, drink plenty of water, and never forget your sunscreen!

By Latifah Miles, MINI+ME contributor