How to Keep Your Kids Sun-Safe & Summer Ready!
How to Keep Your Kids Sun-Safe & Summer Ready!
Once the warmer weather comes around, all my kids want to do is be outside in it. From being outdoors during the last days of school to afterschool sprinkler and pool sessions.
While it is a great thing that the girls enjoy being outdoors and being active, I know how important skin care is and that if not protected, the sun can cause harm to their precious skin.
Once the mercury starts to rise, we start our summer ready routine and it helps to keep the girls sun-safe at all times.
Did you know that according to the Skin Cancer Foundation, 80% of a lifetime of U.V. exposure occurs before age 20? So, protecting our kids’ skin is of utmost importance to us.
Read on to discover our routine and to see if you can implement it to your own.
1. Use Banana Boat Simply Protect
If you follow along, you know that we are big fans of Banana Boat and have used their products for years. Their new Simply Protect Kids sunscreen lotion is pretty awesome.
We have been testing it out for a few weeks and the girls have not been sunburnt at all. This is daily usage and long hours under the sun too. We spent two days out in the full sun during Gabby’s track meet and our sunscreen did not let us down.
TIP: Apply evenly on all exposed skin and don’t forget the ears. We often forget to, just use excess lotion on hands and rub over the ears.
The Simply Protect Kids Lotion and Spray is made with 25% fewer ingredients, including no parabens, oxybenzone or added fragrances and oils, and has a gentle, tear-free formula that is made especially for kids. The formula goes on smooth and is absorbed quickly. The best part is that it is tear-free because, seriously, kids are fidgety and it is one less thing to worry about if they rub their eyes. It is available in SPF 50 and also available in spray SPF 50+.
We make sure to apply right before school and make sure that they are evenly covered. We send some lotion with them to school to reapply throughout the day. When at home, it’s always at hand to use often.
2. Use Hats
While hats aren’t usually something my teen wants to wear, she will wear a sports cap to shield from the sun. Mimi on the other hand, will wear a nice bucket hat or fisherman’s hat with a strap and keep her head and neck protected. Wearing a hat during the summer is a must and helps in so many ways. After you’ve applied sunscreen, make sure that you wear clothes that are lightweight, breathable, and that shield from the sun.
3. Protect Those Peepers
Wearing a pair of shades isn’t just to up your coolness factor but, it protects your eyes from UV rays. If we don’t protect our eyes, it can lead to cataracts that can cloud or blur your vision. For us, they are a must and the girls like them. So, it’s a win-win! Just make sure that they provide 100% UV protection!
4. Stay Hydrated
We always have reusable bottles topped up all summer long. We always send the bottle to school too so that they can stay hydrated and can refill the bottles any time. When the girls are outside, we have lots of water ready and fresh fruit like watermelon to enjoy. Staying hydrated is so important, especially during the hot months of summer!
5. Avoid Peak Hours & Re-apply Often
It is always a good idea to avoid the peak hours and when the sun is the highest in the sky. Usually between 10 AM to 4 PM. If it can’t be helped, especially when kids are in school, make sure that you or they are reapplying as often as recommended.
If they are playing in the water, the Banana Boat Simply Protect will last up to 80 minutes. Also, don’t be fooled with overcast days. There are still harmful UV rays coming through those grey clouds! According to the SCF, 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds.
6. Apply Lip Balm
While you are protecting your skin from harmful UV rays, we often forget about our lips. Lips can burn too so, make sure that you apply a lip balm with SPF protection.
7. Monkey See, Monkey Do
One of the most important things in our routine is to lead by example. Darasak and I never spend any time under the sun unless we are protected with sunscreen. The girls have always seen us using sun protection and this makes them more enthusiastic to take care of their skin.
Not to mention, over the years, they have seen the results of having protected skin. They don’t get sunburned and they are actively avoiding the downsides of the sun, all while enjoying the best parts of summer. Plus, we all know how uncomfortable sunburns are. So, if you show your kids that you care about skin care and protection, they will care too.
What’s Your Routine?
The summer brings long days, lots of sun, beach days, pool days, and many hours spent in the sprinkler. Skincare is but a small but, incredibly important step in your summer routine. One that is so worth it and reaps so many benefits!
For more information about Banana Boat Simply Protect, visit Banana Boat here.
We are excited about the lazy days of summer and cannot wait until school is out. We have a summer planned with day trips, beach days, and vacation down south.
You best believe we will be summer ready and sun-safe this year!
How do you stay sun-safe during the summer?
Let me know, til then–cheers m’deres!
Note: This post is sponsored by Banana Boat. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own.
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Nancy Polanco is a freelance journalist, lifestyle content creator, and editor of Whispered Inspirations. She is a proud Mom to Gabby and Michaela and partner and best friend to Darasak. Having worked as part of a health care team for almost a decade, Nancy is happy to be back to her passion. She is a contributor to the Huffington Post, TODAY’s Parents, and an Oprah Magazine Brand Ambassador.
Great information to make sure we teach the children to take care of their skin and protection. Never to young and I learned the hard way.
Oh no! You are right though, never too young to learn.
I always put the sunscreen on when we go to the pool. I do have to get on my kids about drinking water as they forget.
Yes, us too, they just do not think of it. We always have to encourage it.
This is such a great post and so important to remember, after all kids skin is so precious and needs all the protection it can get.
So, very, very true.
Banana Boat is such a great line. I remember my mom using it on us when we were kids just like you’re using it on your kids now.
Aww, that is awesome!
It’s so hard to remember to reapply sunscreen! My kids put it on and jump in the spool, and I think they’re safe. Then they stay in the pool for hours. It’s so easy to forget to get them out and do it again!
Yes, it is so important too!
I actually just started the hat thing. I am getting used to it – they make my head so hot sometimes – but I do love how they look!
Yes, I feel the same but, they help so much.
Banana Boat sunscreen is such a staple here too! I love the way it smells and the fact that it works reliably.
It smells ah-mazing.
These are great ways to keep protected from the sun. It is so important to take care of your skin!
It really is!
Both of my kids are fair, and are on an outdoor swim team. We have been so careful over the years and we continue to be vigilant about protecting their skin. We love that Banana Boat sport sunscreen. You really have to be aware of when to apply and reapply as well.
Yes, you are so right. It is important to reapply often.
I go through sun screen like crazy! I never tried this kind before!
You should give it a whirl, we love it.
I love all Banana Boat sun products and have them with me everywhere I go. My family is in the sun year round, and sun protection is an important part of our lives.
So awesome that you stay nice and safe!
Love that this sunscreen doesn’t contain bad chemicals. Just recently found out so many sunscreens contain really terrible ingredients!
xoxo
Annie
I like that it has less ingredients too!
I am through my first full thing of sunscreen this summer. Time to get some more banana boat!
Yessssssss!
Wearing sunscreen was a topic of conversation on the radio today. When I was young getting a sun burn was just part of spending time outdoors or at the pool. Now since we are aware of the dangers of skin cancer we use sunscreen.
It certainly was a part of growing up for us too. Now we know better, you are right!
Ah! That is so important. I heard that is absolutely crucial for the kids under five not to get sunburned.
Yes, it is so important to take care of our skin.
Banana Boat products are great. We use them all year around here.
Same here!
The part about leading by example is quite important. It is very thoughtful of you to share such important information.
Thanks so much!
Our family normally uses sun screen protection every time we go outside of the house most especially during this summer season and I think I also need to try this brand because of its high SPF and it looks safer for my kids.
Yes, give it a try. It is our fave.
Really awesome tips! This will help kids enjoy summer!!
Sweet, hope they help!
What great summer protection tips! And it’s so true about the monkey see monkey do with kids
It is so true! If they see us they will do it too.
Sunscreen is so important! I never leave my house without in during the summer months!
Me too, even during the colder months.
I need to buy some sunscreen before we leave next week. It’s important to protect our skin from the harsh sun exposure.
Yes, it so, so, important!
banana boat is my go to for sunsceen. great reminder to keep the kids covered.
That is awesome!
Sometimes the heat can become a little harsh during the summer that’s why you always need to be prepared. Hydration and a good sunscreen is the key.
I completely agree!
I love how Banana Boat Simply Protect has less ingredients. I need to grab this brand before we head to the beach again.
Yes, that is awesome! The less, the better!
Sunscreen is so important, especially for the little ones. I always make sure to have it on my children. I hate to see anyone with a sunburn. It’s certainly no fun.
Definitely not. Does not feel good and it is not good for the skin!
You definitely want to have your sunscreen on when you go out. I take mine everywhere in the summer.
Yessss, it is so important!
What a wonderful post! Keeping the kids safe in the sun is important, especially because it summer–they want to play all day. Thanks for sharing! 🙂
My pleasure, sun safety is definitely important. Especially if they want to be under it!
I keep hearing so many stories of kids getting sever sunburns! Glad to hear of a product that works so well!
Yes, it has never failed our family.
I absolutely love using this brand for myself and my kiddos… we go through a lot of it because we go swimming twice a day now that summer has arrived.
That is awesome! Glad you are protected.
I haven’t tried this sunscreen but I may now! Love your pictures too!
Thanks so much! Yes, we love it in our house.
The first thing I pack for the kids if we’re going to be near water is sunscreen. I spent too many years sunbathing and I don’t want their skin to age like mine. This is a really good brand.
Yes, I agree! I have been pretty adamant about their skin care.
i have never about this brand before. thank you for introducing me to this product 🙂 and im glad to hear that it works well
No problem.
I’m so glad you mentioned the eyes and ears. They really need to be protected too.
Yes, we often forget them.
You always want to keep the kids safe during the summer months. It can be dangerous to their skin.
It really can!
Taking care of your skin is so important, especially under the sun! Too curious to try this sunscreen now, sounds great!
Hope you love it like we do.
I know how important sun protection is. My kids have grown up with SPF so they actually ask for it before they go out.
That is a great habit!
This is definitely a good way to keep kids summer protected. I’m a huge huge advocate of sunscreen and SPF in the most simple of products. It’s important to protect your skin.
So am I, it is so important.
I don’t usually go out so I am not used to using sunscreen. I know I need to be more serious about skincare though. I’ll let my sister know about this product for my niece to use.
Yes, it is definitely important.
I really like the spray on Sunscreen options. It helps to get coverage everywhere. These are great tips to be protected and enjoy the sunshine.
Yes, that is what is all about. Fun in the sun!
My kids love to be in our swimming pool literally everyday during the hot summer, so we’re stocked up with lots of sunscreens in our house this time of year. These are great tips for protecting your family’s skin against the harmful UV rays.
Yes, I completely agree!
Banana Boat is a brand that has been around for years and there’s a good reason for it. Love the coverage and scent of the Banana Boat sunscreens!
Yes, I love Banana Boat. Works so well and it smells amazing.
Lots of great tips here. We do all of them, but getting sun cream in a toddler is hard!
Yes, they also have it in spray form, maybe that would work better for you?
Those tips would apply to everyone, kids and grown ups alike! I am quite bad at protecting myself from the sun! i know i need to drink more and always put sunscreen on!
Yes, both water and sunscreen are musts.
We have used Banana Boat for a really long time. Their products always give some great protection.
They really do, we have always used it in our house.
I love banana boat, its my go to sunscreen. I do my best to try to apply as frequently as possible.
Me too, it is so important.
I’ve used Banana Boat sunblocks before and it’s amazing! Yessss sun protection is a must-have! I can’t leave without it.
Definitely a must have!
We have a swimming pool in our house so every summer we go through tons of sunscreens because my kids swim twice everyday ha!
That is awesome, I am glad that they are protected.
Your right monkey see monkey do.We have to teach them how to take care of themselves
Yes, it makes a huge difference!