What Do you think about applying sunscreen on your children?

Question

As a single mom of a 12 year old son, where we live its extremely hot during the summer. To all you moms out there how do you feel about applying sunscreen and protecting your child in the sun?

Even if he is 12 when we go to the beaches, or swimming pools, it will be ME who will be slathering sunscreen on him because I think that If I do it my self, I will feel more satisfied and that my son will be protected much more.

I dont believe that "oh mommy is putting sunscreen on me" becasue its out jobs. I use 1 tablespoon of sunscreen per arm and 2 per leg and 4 for back and front, so I know he is protected.

what do you do to keep your children safe in the sun and at what age?

Answer 1

here's one I have been thinking about for a while... very good question.... !

I was not for or against it till this year.... I am old enough to have been around when we went running around, in pools, lakes, rivers.... and never once bothered to put anything but baby oil on! lol... the sun was good... the sun was friend....

when I started my family I heard the "dangers" and did not listen...not to say I gnored... but I applied and it was no biggie if I did not reapply over and over.... if not for my eight year old? I probably still would not.. he was born with a birth mark that looks "odd" we'll leave it with that as a description.... it takes up half his chest.... every year I buy tons of tanks for him... because the drs said to keep it covered or keep lotion on it..... they never said anything "bad" would happen really... guess they did not have to... I knew from day one it resembled some form of cancer, or mutated cells.. they said to bring him in for skin tests if ever there is a change.. in color or shape......whatever it was? it was dormant... was being the key word here.... this past fall there was change... the only difference? we moved north about eight hours north of where we had always lived... the days and nights are cooler.. sun, not as strong.... and mommy let him run around with no shirt at the pool.... oh yeah.... it has grown... it is darker than the rest of him... I put lotion on most days before he went to the pool... but not always I guess... or it wore off and mommy was not there to put it on again maybe.. whatever the how? it is mommy ho was not diligent enough... I know...... so now his dr has decided to send him a few hours away for tests... not something I look forward to.....

how do I feel about suntan lotion? bathe the kids in it... the sun is not the same as when I was a kid... heck, I know.. the whole world is different... more dangerous.... but the sun? it wasn't supposed to change like this..... skin cancers are the leading forms these days, from what I have seen and read.... and worse? most are "triggered" by the sun.... oh... I think? I am for the sunscreen... even in cooler climates.... even on over cast days.... even in winter..... ok.. maybe not... ;) but? for periods of time in the sun? I am all for it....

this last part of your question? what do I do? I always kept my children covered and sun lotion as babies and toddlers... glasses/shades.... bunting and/or umbrella..... not over dressed though.... sundresses, shawl for windy... anyway.... then shorts/tanks and suntan lotion as they have grown.... and reminders of the importance as I put it on them as to why.... teaching them how to do it so they can when/if I am not around nine/ten..... and they do....

Answer 2

Mom, you are doing the right thing both for your children and yourself. Melanoma (skin cancer) is the second leading cause of cancer deaths. In the "70's" we REALLY SLATHERED ON THE SUNSCREEN back then . You cannot use too much sunscreen. Make sure it's at least a PSF 30.We put sunscreen on our kids from the first time we took them out just to a park to play(toddlers) YOU ARE A SMART MOTHER!!

Answer 3

What You Should Know About Sunscreen

Whether slaloming on the slopes or baking on a beach, sunscreen is essential to your health today and tomorrow. That's because one bad sunburn can lead to skin cancer, even though you may not see its effects for years to come.


Be sure to use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 . If you have fair or sensitive skin, or a family history of skin cancer, use a higher SPF. And it's important that the sunscreen blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

In general, UVB rays are the sun's burning rays and cause skin cancer. But UVA rays go deeper, contribute to skin damage and photoaging -- skin changes, such as wrinkling, caused by chronic sun exposure. UVA rays may also cause skin cancer. Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and parsol will protect against a broad spectrum of sun rays. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are also less irritating for sensitive skin.

Remember that most skin damage occurs when we're children. We see the results later in life. Keep children under six months out of direct sun, and start using sunscreen on them immediately when they are past six months of age.

Reapply their sunscreen often, and you'll be doing them a big favor in the long term. Children and adults should reapply frequently, especially if you're doing activities that get you wet or make you sweat, such as swimming or exercising. Under these circumstances, you should reapply sunscreen every 30 or 45 minutes.

A common mistake is to apply too little sunscreen. Lather it on; it's better to be safe than sorry. And it's important to get all the exposed areas of the skin. Certain areas, such as ears, are often missed. If the expiration date has passed or sunscreen appears old, replace it.

Along with using sunscreen, here are some other important sun-smart tips for you and your family:

Limit sun exposure during peak sunlight hours, roughly 10 a.m.- 3 p.m.
Wear sunglasses to prevent skin cancer on the retina of the eye.
Wear a hat with a broad brim to cover your nose.
Wear clothing to cover sun-exposed skin.
I hope this will help you. Good Luck!

Answer 4

The sun is much hotter and the rays that cause skin cancer are more intense so it is absolutely imperative that parents use sunscreen regardless of how old their children are. Also teach your children early on that should use sunscreen to prevent skin cancer and spotty skin later on in life. The higher the SPF the better. And have them wear wide brim hats as well if you can get them to.

Answer 5

I think it's cute that you actually measure it out. Younger children don't always know what's good and bad. It's def time for him to put it on himself, and you help with the back, but if he's really stubbern, let him burn once. Also, they make a shirt you can buy that has built in sunscreen.

Answer 6

This is absolutely necissary until the child understands the importance of sunscreen and will apply it him/her self. The ozone layer is thinner and most of the damage from the sun that causes skin cancers happens before you are 18!

Answer 7

We have been using sunscreen on our daughter since she was 6 months old. We did it a few times even earlier than 6 months. Our daughter has yet to experience the "fun" of a sunburn, and I plan on delaying that as long as I personally can.

I am right with you - I will be applying sunscreen as long as I am able to.

Answer 8

Nope. My kids have been in the sun from day one. They are tan, and tan easily now during the summer. I believe that this is imperative for the proper development of skin and bones.

Putting on a minimal block would be okay, but these products that proclaim 40+SPF are doing us a great disservice. It's just simply not necessary. I was (and am) relatively fair complected, but I don't apply sunblock unless I plan to be on a boat in DIRECT sunlight for the duration of the day. And at that, it's just the minimal SPF.

Answer 9

I have put sunscreen on my son since birth. I run a daycare and i put sunscreen on all the kids in my care as well. you can never be too safe when it comes to your children.

Answer 10

i do not believe you are wrong for protecting your child from the sun's harmful rays . i too make my children of 6,7 9,12,13,13,15,16 wear sunscreen at all times when we are out in the summer sun . i feel you can never be to safe. if they are planning to go into the water i make sure it is a waterproof and high SPF to be safe . my oldest children think i am ridiculous for making them put it on , but i tell them they may thank me later on in life.