Summertime in Albuquerque is all about bright sunshine, outdoor adventures, and making memories with our little ones. While the Land of Enchantment offers endless opportunities for outdoor fun, it’s crucial to keep sun safety at the forefront of our minds.
At high altitudes, the atmosphere tends to be thinner than places closer to sea level. UV exposure at high altitudes is substantially greater than at sea level. Because Albuquerque is over 5,300 feet above sea level, we all need to be even more careful about safeguarding our skin (and our kids’ skin) against the sun than we would at lower elevations.
Check out the list below to ensure your kids stay safe and protected while enjoying the New Mexico sun.
Thank you to Lovelace Health System for sponsoring this article.
The earlier we protect our children, the more likely they will continue sun safety actions throughout their lives. With more than two million people diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States every year, these good habits can keep them safe and happy throughout their lives.
Always consult your child’s pediatrician or family practice provider for the best information for your child. If you need a health care provider for you or your baby, please call Lovelace Medical Group at 505-727-4500 to schedule an OB/GYN appointment, and call 505-727-6200 to schedule a primary care appointment.
1. Avoid being in the sun at the hottest times of the day.
The sun’s rays are most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade, slather on the sunscreen, or plan an indoor activity during those times.
2. Choose the right sunscreen.
Selecting an appropriate sunscreen is your first line of defense against harmful UV rays. Here’s what to look for:
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ensure the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- SPF 30 or Higher: An SPF of 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, which is typically sufficient for most skin types.
- Water-Resistant: Ideal for kids who are swimming or sweating.
- Mineral-Based Sunscreens: These are gentle on sensitive skin and provide effective protection.
Apply sunscreen generously 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
3. Choose sun-safe clothing.
Clothing can provide excellent protection against the sun. Here’s how to dress your kids for safe sun play:
- Lightweight, Long-Sleeved Shirts and Pants: Look for UV-protective clothing with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating.
- Wide-Brimmed Hats: These protect the face, neck, and ears.
- Sunglasses: Ensure they offer 100% UV protection to safeguard your child’s eyes.
4. Don’t forget sun exposure happens during car rides.
Children can get sun damage during long car rides. Consider protection from the sun by applying a UV-blocking shade or film to the window closest to a child’s car seat.
5. Keep a sunscreen stick handy.
In my experience, using a sunscreen stick is so much easier than applying lotion to a kid’s face. I recommend keeping sunscreen sticks handy for those days when you decide on an impromptu trip to the park.
6. Make sunscreen application fun.
Build in a few minutes for some fun sunscreen application. Here are a few ideas.
- Put sunscreen on a makeup sponge or brush and let kids apply it to their own faces. (Obviously, you should check for complete coverage.)
- Draw shapes (suns, hearts, stars, etc.) with sunscreen on kids and let them rub them in. You could even play connect the dots.
- Have a sunscreen race. See who can apply sunscreen the fastest and most thoroughly.
- Take turns. You put sunscreen on them. And then give them a chance to put it on you.
- Give them options. Ask if they want the blue bottle or the yellow bottle.
- Find a great sing-along song and sing it together as you apply.
7. Educate your teens and tweens.
For older kids, education and expectations go a long way. Oftentimes, they are more independent and will have to remember to protect themselves from the sun on their own at sports practice or their friend’s house. Remind them of the long-term repercussions of skin damage, including wrinkles and possibly skin cancer. For teens who really want a tan, try tinted sunscreen and sunless tanners. It’s also a great idea to buy them a moisturizer that contains SPF.
8. Don’t ignore lips.
If you’ve been a resident of New Mexico longer than five minutes, you know chapped lips can happen so quickly. The sun can damage lips as well. Use chapstick with an SPF to keep those lippies soft and healthy.
9. Sun safety is different for babies than it is for older children.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Skin Cancer Foundation, and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend avoiding the use of sunscreen products on children under six months. Keep babies in the shade under a tree, an umbrella, or the stroller canopy. Read more about sun protection for infants here.
10. Lead by example.
Kids mimic our behavior, so practicing sun safety yourself sets a positive example. Wear sunscreen, protective clothing, and sunglasses. Show them that sun safety is a family affair. What you say hardly matters if you head to the tanning bed yourself.
With the right precautions, your kids can enjoy all the wonderful outdoor activities Albuquerque has to offer without risking their health. As moms, our role is to protect and educate, ensuring our little ones have fun in the sun safely.
