The Dark Side of Sunshine | Protecting Your Family From The Sun

Whether you are heading off to a tropical vacation or just spending some time soaking up the great outdoors in Denver it is important that the whole family is protected from the sun and it's harmful rays.

"Oh Mr. Sun. Sun. Mr. golden sun. Please shine down on me."

Aside from providing our bodies with vitamin D, which increases calcium, Mr. Sun also has a 'dark side'.

According to the Mayo Clinic Melanoma is the most common cancer in women age 25 to 29, and second only to breast cancer in women 30 to 34, according to The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Denver is a MILE high. Which means we enjoy the beautiful views of being at 5,280 feet elevation, but with that comes the sun!

So lather up, Mom!

But how is the sun negatively affecting our children and how do we protect our babies from the sun's harmful rays?

When a child gets sunburn their chances of getting skin cancer later in life greatly increase. Unlike adults, all children are much more sensitive to sunlight and don't need to be at the beach or a pool to receive the sun's negative effects.

Our babies must be protect from the sun each and every time they are outside. 

Like all parents, when we learn that something can be hurting our children we go into protective mode.

How can you protect your babies from the sun?

Sunscreen.

Every time your little ones are outside they should have an even layer of sunscreen on. It is important to be using a UVA & UVB sunscreen that is above SPF15. Make applying sunscreen to your children part of your morning routine before starting your day.

The Honest Co. makes a sunscreen safe for babies that is SPF30. This Non-nano zinc oxide formula is pure, hypoallergenic, and mineral-based.

Babo Botanicals makes a sunscreen suitable for babies, children and adults too. Remember to talk to your doctor about sunscreen for babies younger than 6 months of age.

Proper outdoor attire for your little ones.

Be mindful of how much skin is exposed when dressing your children for the outdoors. You can also incorporate some super stylish and protective accessories for your little ones to wear.

For baby? A solid brim sun protection hat from iplaybaby and a pair of infant sunglasses from babiesRus will do the trick.

For the older kids? Flap Happy hat's are both stylish and protective and paired with a pair of  shades from Real Kids Shade your little one is sure to be the 'coolest' kid on the block.

Lastly, shade.

Park your family picnic underneath a great big tree, or find a shady spot in the park to play. If there is no shade to protect your family from the sun's harmful rays, make some! Invest in a collapsable umbrella or popup tent for trips to the beach, or hot summer days!

Doulas of Denver wishes you and your family a SAFE summer!