Four Ways to Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer

With the high heat kicking in and little ones wanting to head out for some fun in the sun, it is very important to ensure their safety in the Dubai summer.

Cover Up

Swimsuits can put children at risk of severe sunburn. With the sun at its harshest in the summer, it is important to ensure that the skin is covered up. Sometimes sunscreen is not enough to help protect from sun damage. Make sure that your children are protected from harmful UV rays at the beach or pool by making them wear long-sleeved tops, long pants, and dark-colored clothes. Parents must always ensure the clothes are dry as this provides the best protection.

Sunscreen is Key

Though this seems like the most obvious thing to do, parents often forget how to properly apply sunscreen. Remember to apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and UVA and UVB protection (broad spectrum), a minimum of 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Unprotected skin can suffer sun damage in a little as 15 minutes of exposure. Parents often forget to protect their children’s ears, nose, lips and the top of their feet as these are the areas that are often the most unattended to, and most exposed to the sun.

Keep Cool and Carry On

Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears and neck are incredibly necessary to keep your children from harmful effects of sun damage as well as heat exhaustion. While, baseball caps can look stylish, they do little to keep your children safe and cool during the Dubai summer. In addition to shaded hats, it is also important to remain hydrated where children under the age of 12 should be drinking a minimum of 1.5 liters of water daily.

Don’t Forget the Eyes

Sunglasses are an essential usually only used by adults, but they protect your children’s eyes from UV rays, which can lead to cataracts later in life. Invest in sunglasses that wrap around the eyes and block UVA and UVB rays.

(Credit: Dr. Sarah Rizk, specialist pediatrician, SHAMMA Clinic)