Summer Safety: Sun Protection & Insect Bites
SUN PROTECTION
During the spring and summer seasons, families tend to spend more time outdoors and it is important to remember sun safety information to keep your child from harm. Sunburn can cause more than just pain and even moderate exposure to the sun can cause skin damage that will build up over the years. To better protect your kid, try to avoid the peak UV rays time (from 10 am to 4 pm) and use a good sunscreen. The sunscreen should be proper for children, with 30 SPF (sun protection factor) or higher and broad UVA/UVB coverage. (AAP)

CAN I TAKE MY YOUNG BABY OUT IN THE SUN? HOW TO PROTECT THEM WHEN OUTDOORS?
It is advised that babies under 6 months of age stay out of direct sunlight, always on the shade. They should wear lightweight clothing that covers arms and legs and also a hat to avoid sunburn on the neck. If this is not possible, parents can put a minimal amount of sunscreen in small areas like face and the backs of the hands. (AAP)
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED TO APPLY SUNSCREEN ON MY CHILD?
Sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes before going out and reapplied every 1,5-2h specially if your child is playing in the water. If that is the case, prefer a water-resistant product. (AAP)
WHEN SHOULD I TAKE MY SUNBURNED CHILD TO SEE A DOCTOR?
Mild sunburn usually makes the skin red, warm and painful. It can be treated home with cool compresses, bath with cool water and acetaminophen to relieve pain. When blisters, fever, chills, headache or feeling of illness are present, contact your pediatrician. If your child faints or has signs/symptoms that suggest dehydration Click HERE to learn more about Dehydration , they need to be seen by an emergency doctor or your pediatrician. (AAP)
INSECT BITES AND STINGS
The warm weather brings lots of mosquitos, ticks and other insects closer to us and the chances of being bitten are high. Insect bites and stings usually cause mild and yet bothering symptoms in most people. Those who have higher sensitivity can develop more serious reactions such as anaphylaxis. Additionally, insects can also transmit diseases such as Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, West Nile and Zika. Even though you can’t completely prevent your child being bitten, some measures can be taken to reduce it. (AAP)
TIPS TO PREVENT BITES AND STINGS:
  • Avoid being around garbage cans, stagnant pools of water, and flowerbeds.
  • When dressing your child, avoid bright colors or flowery prints and minimize skin exposal by using long pants, a lightweight long-sleeved shirt, and closed shoes.
  • Cover baby carriers or strollers with mosquito netting.
  • Avoid using scented soaps, perfumes, or hair sprays on your child (may attract insects).
  • Check your child’s skin and clothes for ticks at the end of the day.
SAFE USE OF INSECT REPELLENTS ON KIDS:
  • Always read label directions to ensure proper use.
  • The application of repellents should be done by adults or supervised in the case of older children.
  • Don’t spray repellents directly on your child’s face. Spray it on your hands and then rub it on your kid’s face avoiding eyes and mouth. Do not apply to children's hands.
  • Only apply spray repellents in open areas to avoid breathing it.
  • Don’t apply repellent on cu​ts, wounds, or irritated skin. Do not use under clothing.
  • Make sure to wash your child’s skin with soap and water to remove the product when she comes inside and wash her clothes before they are used again.
  • Avoid applying too much product and keep reapplication to a minimum.
  • The minimal age to use repellents is 2 months.
  • Permethrin repellents should never be applied on skin, only on clothes.
  • DEET repellents should have a maximum 30% concentration to be used in kids. DEET and Picaridin repellents have approximately the same efficacy.
  • Don’t use products that combine insect repellents and sunscreen since sunscreen needs to be applied more often. When applying both products, put sunscreen first.
We are here to help!
At Angel Kids Pediatrics, we can offer you the information you need to best protect your child from the sun and insect bites during this summer vacation. Talk to our providers, we are here to help!
Tomi Tomson, PA, discusses SIDS, Co-Sleeping
&
Infant Safety
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Room Sharing Vs. Bed Sharing
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends room-sharing – but not bed-sharing – during baby's early months. Studies have demonstrated a reduced risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in those who Room Share.


Tips for a Successful & Safe Sleep
  • Baby should always sleep on back
  • A firm solid surface for baby to sleep is always recommended. Avoid allowing baby to sleep on couch or recliners.
  • Blankets, pillows and plush toys should never be left with a sleeping baby. These items can cause suffocation and strangulation.
  • Buy only American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) certified items for safe sleep, be cautious of items that claim to prevent SID's without these certifications.
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