Our Very Best Summer Vacation Ideas. Beaches, mountains, cities, theme parks, road trips, outdoor adventures... Get moving!

Where's the sunscreen?  

 

The key is the right kind -- sunscreen that is considered "broad spectrum" and that has a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15 and above. The Food and Drug Administration says sunscreens must prove they filter out both ultraviolet B rays and ultraviolet A rays to claim they protect against skin cancer.

 

Here are a few best practices from the American Academy of Pediatrics and other experts to have fun in the sun safely:  

 

--Make sure you and the kids wear hats with a brim and sunglasses.  

 

--Limit time in the sun during the day. Remember that sun and sand reflect UV rays and may lead to sunburn more quickly.

 

--Reduce physical activity when it is hot and humid. Kids should take a break every 20 minutes and have something to drink.

 

--Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days and especially after the kids have been in the water.  The FDA now says marketing claims like "waterproof" and "sweat proof" are "are exaggerations of performance."  

 

--Be careful using "spray on" sunscreens. Consumer Reports recently warned not to use them on children until the FDA completes an investigation of their effectiveness. 

 

-Keep infants out of the sun as much as possible. Dress infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck. When adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends.  If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.

 

--Make sure the kids -- and you -- drink plenty of water.  Use reusable water bottles!

 

Who has the coolest sun hat?