Sun School

Sunny days are here again and we can’t wait to get outside with the fam and enjoy the (oh so short) Canadian summer.

But before we do, we went back to sun school for a little refresher course on safe suncare. And it all boils (like us on a sticky-hot 30 degree Toronto summer day) down to four key rules of Sun 101, so here are your crib notes:

Use Sunscreen (of Course)

• Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15
• Look for sunscreen that carries the Canadian Dermatology Association seal to make sure you are getting the best protection
• Apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before outdoor activities to ensure it has absorbed—apply in the am when the kids are getting dressed—and reapply often as swimming and perspiration reduce effectiveness
• Keep a bottle in the kids’ bedrooms, at the front door, in the stroller and in the car at all times for easy application
• Remember that an application of sunscreen is about one ounce per person (think shot glass) so an average bottle should not last long for a busy family (about a weekend)

Reduce Sun Exposure

• The best sun is no sun really (visions of youthful baby-oil tanning flash through our heads) so try to plan outdoor activities before 11 am or after 4 pm
• Water can increase the sun’s burning rays so be extra careful when waterside all day
• Children under the age of one should always be kept out of the sun (repeat five times, it rhymes)

Cover ‘Em Up

• Everyone (yes, mom too) should wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors to cover up head, neck and ears
• Protect arms and legs from sun by wearing tightly woven, loose fitting clothes and choose long shorts over short shorts, long sleeves over short sleeves
• Encourage kids to wear a t-shirt or a UV-protective swim shirt (we like the ones at Lands’ End) over their bathing suits

Make for the Shade

• Look for shaded areas from trees or buildings to play in
• Create shade with an umbrella or blanket if natural shade is not available
Keep strollers and playpens in the shade or use a UV-protective cover such as the ones from Sunveil

You’ll graduate at top of the class with these sun safety rules. No summer school for you.