Learn the 5 Most Important Sun Safety Tips for Toddlers

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you will never see the shadow.” – Helen Keller… Ah, summertime. I live up in Washington State – which makes most people picture rainy Seattle type weather. But we’re here in Central Washington – Yakima, Washington to be exact – which is totally different. We have a super serious set of four solid seasons, so summertime gets HOT here. Like, tons of 100+ degree days. My dad was diagnosed with Melanoma a few years back, {recovered great} – but it gave me a serious dose of reality when it comes to sun safety. Last year Abby was still awfully little, and didn’t spend too much time outside. But now that she’s almost 2, and ready to play in the pool, the sprinklers, and just run wild around the yard and patio all day – I knew it was time to get serious about Toddler Sun Safety. Ready to learn some great new tips to help you keep YOUR little one safe while they enjoy the summer sun this year too?

“Anyone’s life truly lived consists of work, sunshine, exercise, soap, plenty of fresh air, and a happy contented spirit.” – Lillie Langtry

Last year was our first summer in this new house, with a big in-ground pool, patio, shop, nice yard, and a great big field out in the back for the kids to play. All that outdoor space is an amazing happiness to me – I love being able to have enough room for the kids to spend all day exploring and playing outside in the summer. {Plus, it makes it easier to keep up with housework when the spend most of their time not in it, lol.} But it means I’ve had to learn some new tips for keeping Abby safe when she’s spending so much time getting those bright sun rays on her all day. Here are a few of my fave tips:

1. Know the Sun:The sun’s rays are strongest from 10am – 4pm each day – meaning that’s when the majority of the harmful UVA and UVB rays are getting to your kids. But, that’s also the main playtime hours of the day too! So – you can do your best to spend time outside before or after those hours – but since that’s not really all that practical a lot of the time, just make sure you take a few extra sun-safety steps during those hours
2. Sunscreen: I’m a Coppertone Water Mom, which means we’ve learned a TON about why a great sunscreen is important. There are so many great varieties to choose from, so that you can find the perfect potion for your needs. Coppertone has everything from water resistant lotions to my fave – the Wet ‘n Clear spray that cuts right through water, giving kids protection as they move in and out of the water. Awesome. {Get a Coppertone coupon on their site!
3. Protective Eyewear: According to KidsHealth.com, “Sun exposure damages the eyes as well as the skin. Even 1 day in the sun can result in a burned cornea (the outermost, clear membrane layer of the eye). Cumulative exposure can lead to cataracts (clouding of the eye lens, which leads to blurred vision) later in life. The best way to protect eyes is to wear sunglasses.” I didn’t realize how important this was – I only bought Abby cheap-o sunglasses, because they were cute. This year we invested in better protection.
4. Drink Water: Kids get dehydrated a lot quicker than we do outside in the sun. Make sure to keep sippy cups or water bottles nearby at all times. {use the Koverz to keep kids drinks cold!} I make homemade ice pops too – with fresh fruit and lots of water- so the kids can eat ’em all afternoon. Whatever keeps ’em hydrated!
5. Block the Sun, Not the Fun: When you can’t keep the kids indoors, and can’t keep them in the shade – Take advantage of the great protection they can get from fun products from SwimZip.This is a must-have summer brand for us – Seriously cute styles, and the material in the kids swimwear is UV 50+ – which is as good as you can get. Kids get extreme sun protection, look adorable, and you enjoy the ease of full zippers that make the swimwear super easy to take on and off!

The effects of sun exposure during childhood last a lifetime – so it’s incredibly important that as moms, we do the best we can now to protect that sensitive skin from damage. More and more people every year are diagnosed with skin cancer – let’s help ensure that our kiddos do NOT grow up to one of them.

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

If you’re looking for some sweet new summertime fashions for your little ones – styles that will keep them safe while helping them look stylish – you have to check out SwimZip. {Get the super cute style that Abby is wearing here – SwimZip in Blue for Boys and Pink for Girls.} They’ve got classic styles, adorable little ruffely sets for girls, and sizes from newborn to 5T. They’re high quality, super easy to get on and off, and the fabric is chlorine resistant too! Seriously cool.

“Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.” – James Matthew Barrie

If you want to learn more about this fun summer-safety line of fashions, visit SwimZip online to see all of the newest styles, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter to stay updated on the newest products and promotions. And – if you’d like a chance to WIN your own favorite style, check out my great Summer Must-Haves Giveaway Package too! If you’re looking for more info on how to stay safe in the sun, check out these great sun-safety printables and kids activities, perfect for making learning sun safety tips fun.

SwimZip’s Mission:

SwimZip’s mission is to develop stylish, fashionable, and functional sun protective products that allow people to enjoy life in the sun. We design, manufacture, and market a range of quality sun protection products including sun protective clothes, SPF clothing, sun hats, sun protection swimwear, and rash guards.

“In summer, the song sings itself.” – William Carlos Williams

{Disclaimer: This review is part of the Summer Must-Haves Promotion from Mompact.com – I received a complimentary SwimZip for Abby to try out, so that I could give you guys my honest view on the quality, style, and function. I only share products here that have passed our set of standards – I love the SwimZip, and know you will too! Photos are a combination of my own personal shots and shots from SwimZip’s shoots – used with permission.}