Protecting Your Child From the Sun

It’s that time of year again and the Florida sun is shining brighter than ever. Your kids are home from school and craving all things outdoor activity-related. Activities in the sun are happening for your family and protecting your child from the sun is a priority. Here are some sun protection tips that will keep your kids safe from UV rays all summer long!

The Right Sunscreen and the Right SPF

Should you use SPF 50, 100, 75, or is 30 enough? The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) strongly suggests that you use SPF 30 or higher on your children. It’s also important to make sure that no matter what sunscreen you choose to use, that it is also “broad-spectrum”. Basically, this means that the sunscreen will protect from both UVA (long wave) and UVB (short wave) rays. Reapplication is also very important. Even with a “water-resistant” sunblock, re-applying every 30 minutes is the best way to make sure that it is properly protecting your child from sun rays.

Rash Guards, Hats, and Sunglasses for Your Child

Another great way to protect your kids from the intense Florida sun is to cover up! A bonus to this is that every little one looks especially cute in a rash guard, hat, and sunglasses. Rash guards are typically long-sleeved shirts that are specifically designed to be worn in the water. The sunblocking ones are great even if you aren’t planning on getting wet. Hats and sunglasses are an excellent way to protect your child’s face and head from harsh UV rays. This article provides a great list of different options for all three of these things! Please note, that even if your child is wearing these things, it is still important to use sunblock as well. These pieces of clothing are just a great addition to sunscreen but should not be used in place of.

Avoiding Harsh UV Times and UV Index Awareness

There is a time of day where the UV rays are much more harmful than any other time of day. Typically between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM. So, if you’re planning on doing something outdoors, it’s best to keep it between early morning and late afternoon. We know this isn’t always the most doable thing so another great resource is knowing the UV index. The UV Index Scale is used in the United States to determine how harmful the UV radiation is daily. Most weather apps will inform you of the UV index. This way, you can decide when is the safest time for your family to be out in the Florida sunshine. 


In the summer, you shouldn’t have to hide from the sun and worry about your children getting burnt. With the right sunscreen, proper attire, and an awareness of the UV Index, your family can safely enjoy the sunshine. At Connection Point, we miss our students so much during the summer break but love seeing all of the fun family time they get to enjoy! Please be sure to tag us in your photos on social media (@cpointelc) so that we can see all of those fun outdoor activities. Stay safe, stay protected from the sun, and have so much fun this summer!

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