The warmer months are now upon us and with that means more time in the sun and higher UV alerts. We try to utilise the safer hours in the sun by going out and playing when the UV alert is lower, however this is not always possible. Kids will be kids and will take advantage of every minute they can.

I have always been fanatic about putting sunscreen on the kids, even as babies.  However I always forget about protecting myself. It is just as important for parents to protect their skin as it is for their children. Last week I had a suspicious mole removed which is now serving as a very good reminder why it is so important to not only use protection from the sun but also to have regular mole checks.

Banana Boat SPF 50+ Sunscreen

Brands make it easy for parents these days to know which sunscreens are suitable for what children and which age groups. Oh and of course their parents. Banana Boat recently offered me some samples of their SPF 50+ sunscreen lotions, sprays and roll on options. There is something about the smell of them that has always made me want to get outside and enjoy the sunlight. Or maybe it is just the old Banana Boat ad that instantly starts playing in my head!

Sunscreen Options

Just like clothing is made differently and hats come in different sizes; sunscreen also have their protection features. Each to suit a different kind of person.

Sport

This 400ml pump bottle is 4 hour water resistant and designed to be non-greasy. Made with the Australian sun in mind; your family can enjoy hours of protection in the sun with the Sport SPF 50+. Perfect for the whole family!

Kids spray

With the most advanced protection, this SPF 50+ spray bottle offers kids very high protection from the sun in a convenient sunscreen spray. It is 4 hour water resistant and as it is designed for kids; the non-greasy formula won’t run into their little eyes. The spray makes it so easy to apply to your child and is gentle on their delicate skin while remaining tough against the sun.

Kids roll on

This option is exactly the same as the Kids spray above however in a convenient roll on bottle. This makes it easy to carry and even easier for the kids to apply themselves. All the same benefits but in a handy 75ml roll on bottle!

Baby spray

I love that this sunscreen spray is SPF 50+ whilst remaining mild and gentle with no added fragrance. This allows it to be suitable for the delicate skin of a baby. Featuring the same benefits as the kids spray option; 4 hour water resistant, won’t run into eyes and a very easy to use spray, this sunscreen has babies and their parents in mind.

It is no surprise that the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends the SPF 50+ Banana Boat products. They are reliable, trustworthy and convenient. For more information on the Banana Boat Kids and Baby range see here or if you would like to read more about the importance of protecting yourself from the sun.

Disclosure: I received the above products for the purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

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Summer is an exciting time for kids. It means running around outside under the sprinkler, building sandcastles at the beach with friends and cooling off with a refreshing ice cream. Keep your child’s summer untainted by sunburn by following these few safety tips.

Protect their skin

Sunburnt skin ruins summer fun. Teach your child early on how to be sun smart; then they can enjoy the benefits of a healthy Vitamin D dose and not suffer the associated pain of itchy, peeling and painful burnt skin. The first step is to engrain habits early. Make a routine, do each task in the same order every time. Sunscreen should be SPF 30+ and be applied at least 20 minutes before going outside and reapplied every 2 hours thereafter. Get your child used to wearing sunglasses from an early age and make it fun by purchasing bright colours, or let them choose their special pair. Lead by example and wear a broad brimmed hat. Retail stores stock a range of stylish items; you don’t have to look like a daggy parent to be sun safe. Again, let your child have some input in the hat purchasing process (within reason). Spending a little more on the spider man hat is well worth the extra 10 dollars if they are excited to wear it. Shelling out a little more money now may mean saving them from skin cancers later.

Responsible fun in the sun

It’s easy to play in the sun safely if you know how. Being in the sun at the wrong time can be the difference between a great summer play day and vomit inducing heatstroke. Dehydration can cause a myriad of problems. Prepare your children and have them drink plenty of water before they go out in the sun. Ensure they take periodic breaks to rehydrate and snack on water based fruit. If your child happens to get dehydrated during the day, make hydration fun and give them electrolyte ice blocks. No amount of diligent water consumption will keep your child hydrated if their essential salts are depleted. Limit time outside between the hours of 11am and 4pm or have your children play in the shade during this period. Don’t be fooled by cloudy skies, the majority of UV rays cut through cloud cover and your child could still end up with burnt skin. Get your kids in the habit of applying an after sun moisturiser such as aloe vera to keep their skin soft and hydrated. Grown your own plant for a fun holiday project.

Swim safely

Swimming in the backyard pool provides hours of entertainment and forms irreplaceable childhood memories. However, extra precautions need to be taken when spending sunny days in the pool. Sunscreen washes off in water, therefore more frequent applications are necessary. Body parts submerged in water are still susceptible to the sun. Check the pH level of your pool and have your children wear protective goggles to ward off all-too-common eye injuries sustained from pool chemicals. Invest in a pool cover, such as those at Fabric Solutions, to minimise evaporation, thus, reducing the need to use extra chemicals.

Implementing a sun safety routine will make it second nature for your little ones. Summer time will be a breeze and they will thank you later in life when they don’t have to go under the laser.

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