728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Toddler Health › Put a Stop to UVA and UVB

Put a Stop to UVA and UVB

Protective Sun Gear for Infants and Toddlers

By Renee Roberson

Pages:  1  2  3  

Susan Martonik, a spokesperson for the Vision Council of America, warns parents that exposure to UV rays – particularly early in life – plays a part in the development of several eye diseases, including cataracts, melanoma and age-related macular degeneration.

"When choosing eyewear, parents should look for sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection," Martonik says. "They might also want to consider polycarbonate lenses since they are the most impact resistant and can stand up to kids' active lifestyles."

When to Play
In addition to wearing sunscreen and wearing protective eyewear, it is also extremely important to limit sun exposure by trying to stay out of the sun during the middle of the day, when the UVA and UVB rays are strongest. If possible, try to do outdoor activities when the sun isn't overhead as much.

"I like the 'shadow rule' – try to be outside only when your shadow is longer than you are tall," Dr. Eichler says.

Problems That Can Occur
"Long-term effects of sun damage include an increased risk of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin in the form of wrinkles, rough texture and blotching," Dr. Eichler says. "Just one blistering sunburn in childhood is estimated to double the risk of getting melanoma later in life, so you can never be too careful when it comes to protecting your children from the sun."

If your child does get a sunburn, Dr. Eichler recommends applying cool water compresses and moisturizers, such as aloe vera. He also advises parents to be particularly careful with a child's sun exposure for at least two weeks after the burn, as the skin will be extra sensitive to further sun damage during that time.

iParenting Media Award-winning Sun Protection Products

The Seal of Approval

When shopping for protective sun gear such as umbrellas, sunglasses, protective clothing and laundry protects, be sure to look for the Skin Cancer Seal of Recommendation. To earn the seal, a manufacturer is screened by a special photobiology committee and must prove that its product sufficiently and safely "aids in the prevention of sun-induced damage to the skin," says Rob Davis, a spokesperson for the nonprofit Skin Cancer Foundation.

More than 411 sun-protection products carry the seal. It may appear on labels, packaging and advertising. For a complete list of products that have qualified for the Skin Cancer's Seal of Recommendation, visit www.skincancer.org.


Pages:  1  2  3  

Want to see more?

Comments

There are no comments for this article yet.Be the first to add a comment.

Post As:
Enter your comment below:
Title
Comment Text
CAPTCHA
Please note that any comments submitted become the property of Disney Family / iParenting and can be edited and posted at our discrection.