Keep your kids out of the sun with these kid-friendly sunscreens, sunglasses and hats

Sunscreen made with children in mind

Most sunscreens formulated for children will have an SPF of 50 or higher to provide effective protection from UV rays. A sunscreen’s sun protection factor relates to the protection the formula provides only from UVB rays (burning rays), but to make sure you and your kids are also protected from UVA rays (rays that cause premature aging), look for: Sunscreens labeled “broad spectrum.” .

SPF indicates how long it takes for your skin to burn when you wear sunscreen compared to not wearing sunscreen. For example, if you normally burn after 10 minutes in the sun, applying an SPF 30 sunscreen theoretically allows you to stay in the sun 30 times longer (300 minutes) before burning, as long as you apply adequate sunscreen to your skin. For adults, this is about seven teaspoons for the entire body.

No sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays, but as an indication of the differences between SPF ratings: SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, SPF 50 blocks about 93% of UVB rays. It blocks 98% of UVB rays and SPF 100 blocks approximately 99% of UVB rays.

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s suitable for the whole family, choosing a children’s formula is a great option because they’re generally made for sensitive skin, go on easily, and aren’t too sticky. Be sure to check that the sunscreen you choose is water resistant, apply at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply immediately after swimming or sweating.

Avene Sunsitive Children’s Spray SPF 50+, $44.99

Cancer Society Children’s Pure Sunscreen Lotion SPF50, $23.49

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Wet Skin Sunscreen SPF50, $43.99

Hats with a UPF rating

If you’re going to be spending a few hours outside, choosing a hat that provides protection from UV rays and also using sunscreen will help further reduce your child’s chances of getting burned.

Many hats on the market now have a UPF rating. UPF measures the effectiveness of a fabric in blocking ultraviolet radiation, and a garment with a UPF 50 rating allows only 50 of the UV rays from the sun to penetrate the fabric, meaning it blocks 98% of UV radiation. Essentially, UPF is to clothing what SPF is to sunscreen; Therefore, the higher the UPF number, the greater the protection from UV rays.

Crywolf Legionnaire Hat, $34.99

Bedside Hats Wanderer Reversible Girl’s Bucket Hat, $43.75

UV protected sunglasses

There are plenty of kids who will refuse to keep their sunglasses on (let alone a hat!), but if you can fit your little one into a pair of sunglasses, they’ll have extra protection that can help prevent eye damage.

When it comes to children’s sunglasses, just like when choosing sunscreen, you want to read the label to make sure they offer adequate protection. Most UV protection in sunglasses is achieved by applying a special coating to the lenses or by using lens materials that inherently block UV rays.

Glasses labeled as UV400 provide almost 100% protection against UV rays. This is a standard that means the lenses block all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers, which includes both UVA and UVB rays.

When it comes to clumsy little hands (and mouths and feet), it makes sense to look for sunglasses that can also withstand some hard knocks.

Zazi Tones Kids 3+, $35

Izipizi Eyewear Kids Sunglasses, $69