Sun Safety for Kids: Protecting Your Child During the Sunny Season

Insights from Dr. Mina Halim, Specialist Paediatrician at Dubai London Clinic & Speciality Hospital, located in Palm Jumeirah Mall

As the sunniest days of the year approach, it’s important for parents to understand that sun protection for kids goes far beyond beach days it should be part of your child’s daily health routine.

Why Is Sun Safety Especially Important for Kids?

Children’s skin is more sensitive to the sun than adults’, making them more vulnerable to sunburn and UV damage with even short periods of exposure.

Frequent sun exposure without proper protection can increase the risk of skin cancer and other skin conditions later in life.

Let’s make the most of the sunshine while keeping our kids safe with these simple, effective sun safety tips, based on CDC recommendations:

Top Sun Protection Tips for Children:

Protective Clothing
When possible, dress your child in lightweight long-sleeved shirts and long pants or skirts. At the beach or pool, encourage them to wear beach cover-ups. Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses for full coverage.

Sunscreen for Kids

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher and apply it generously 15 minutes before going outside. Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming/sweating.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months. Instead, keep infants in the shade, especially during midday hours (10 AM to 4 PM), and dress them in cool, protective clothing.

Help your kids build healthy sun habits early. With a little extra care, you can enjoy all the fun of summer while keeping their skin safe and glowing!

Summer Travel Health Tips for Kids: Safe and Happy Holidays

Travelling with kids during summer is an exciting way to explore new places and make unforgettable memories. However, it can come with a few health and safety challenges. With a little preparation, you can ensure that every family member stays healthy, comfortable, and ready to enjoy the adventure.

Top Summer Travel Health Tips for Families:

Pack a Child Travel Health Kit
Be ready for minor health concerns by packing a basic first aid kit. Include:

• Children’s pain reliever/fever reducer
• Thermometer
• Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS)
• Child-safe insect repellent
• Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher)
• Plasters (band-aids) and antiseptic wipes
• Any prescription medications your child may need

Stay Hydrated
Hydration during summer is crucial. Make sure your child drinks plenty of clean water throughout the day, especially in hot climates or during outdoor activities.

Food and Water Safety
If you’re traveling abroad or visiting remote areas, be cautious about what your child eats and drinks. Opt for bottled water, freshly cooked food, and avoid raw or unwashed fruits and vegetables to prevent tummy troubles.

Prepare for Motion Sickness
Help your child avoid nausea by:

• Offering a light snack before and during travel
• Keeping a bag, wipes, and a change of clothes handy
• Consulting your paediatrician about safe motion sickness medication for kids

Try to Maintain Sleep Routines
Perhaps the most challenging tip but one of the most important is to maintain your child’s regular sleep schedule as much as possible. Proper sleep helps kids stay well-rested and reduces travel fatigue and crankiness.

With these simple summer health tips for traveling with kids, your family can stay healthy and happy while making the most of your well-deserved vacation.

Hydration Tips for Kids: Keeping Your Child Healthy and Energised

Hydration in children is often overlooked, yet it plays a vital role in their overall health. While staying hydrated is important throughout the year, it becomes especially crucial during the hot summer months, when kids are more active and lose more fluids through sweat.

Because children are often busy playing or distracted, they may not realise they’re thirsty and their daily water intake can easily fall short. Proper hydration helps with digestion, energy levels, and regulation of body temperature.

Top Hydration Tips for Kids:

Lead by Example
Kids tend to copy what adults do. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of water yourself. Choose healthy drinks for kids, and avoid sugary beverages like soda or juice with added sugars.

Make It a Fun Habit
Encourage your child to start the day with a few sips or cups of water. Use colourful water bottles, fun cups, or silly straws to make drinking water more enjoyable.

Offer Water with Every Meal
Make water the go-to beverage during mealtimes to build healthy hydration habits and reduce reliance on sugary drinks.

Snack on Water-Rich Fruits and Veggies
Offer snacks that are naturally high in water content especially during the summer. Great options include:

• Strawberries
• Watermelon
• Pineapple
• Cucumbers

Remind Them to Drink During Playtime
Whether at the park, beach, or indoors, regularly remind your child to take water breaks. Kids may not recognise the early signs of dehydration until it’s too late.

Be Extra Cautious When They’re Sick
If your child is experiencing fever, vomiting, or diarrhoea, their fluid needs increase. Dehydration can set in quickly, so stay alert. Offer fluids frequently, and don’t hesitate to contact your paediatrician if you suspect signs of dehydration in children.

With these hydration tips for kids, you can help your child stay healthy, energised, and safe during the summer and all year round.