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Seven Ways to Outsmart the Sun

What's one of the greatest gifts you can give your child, season after season? Smart, serious sun protection! It's literally a gift that lasts a lifetime.

The more we learn about sun exposure, the more dangerous we learn it to be. For example, did you know...

Just one blistering childhood sunburn can double a child's risk of developing skin cancer later in life.
Kids absorb a good deal of their lifetime ultra-violet (UV) exposure before the age of 18.
Children's eyes are particularly sensitive to the dangers of UV rays, which can actually cause cataracts and macular degeneration.

The good news is, practicing good sun safety is easier than ever. And the earlier you start, the better off your child will be. Here's our quick, head-to-toe sun protection tips:

Kids' skin is extra sensitive, so it's important to use sunblock that's specifically formulated for children. Look for sunscreen that's hypoallergenic and PABA-free, with an SPF of 45 or higher. Make sure it goes on easily, too, like our baby and kids' sunscreens. Be sure to reapply frequently; in tests, parents were found to use half the recommended amounts of sunscreen.
Did you know ordinary tee shirts let in up to 50% of dangerous UV rays? That's why we recommend dressing kids? in UV clothing, like our high-tech Sun Smarties® collection. Once you learn about the benefits of UPF fabrics you may never want to dress your child in anything else.
Protect those little peepers! When it comes to sunglasses, cute is not enough. Make sure your child's shades aren't just cute but offer total UV protection (like all our kids' sunglasses).
Don't forget baby's ears, head, and that sensitive back-of-the-neck. The easy solution: cool, comfortable sun hats,. with built-in UV protection.
Another easy-to-miss spot: the tops of those tiny feet. Kids' swim shoes and sandals can shield tender skin from UV rays even in water, while protecting delicate soles from hot sand and rough surfaces.
Get your child in the habit of covering up as soon as she comes out of the water. Offer has a super-soft, ultra-lightweight cover-up, and she'll be happy to wear it.
Never let your family get caught out in the sun! Take along your own instant shade, like our UV cabanas, umbrellas, and other Sun Smarties® gear. You'll use them over and over again.

Remember this: research shows that four out of five cases of skin cancer could be prevented, simply by practicing good sun protection. Start building healthy sun habits now, and it will become second nature as your child grows. Someday your child will thank you for it!