The controversy over sun protection is now something that has started to confuse parents once again. Ten years ago media reports and parenting groups started a sun and safety campaign due to the increase in skin cancers. All of a sudden children were required to wear daily sunscreen and a hat at all times while playing in the sun. Sun protective clothing was invented with UV proof material as well as matching hats. Toddlers were coated with zinc cream and even UV resistant shampoos were sold. Sun shades were placed over every playground and many fast food restaurants hastily moved their play grounds inside.

 

The effects of Our Sun Protection 10 years on

Ten years on and studies have shown that perhaps we went a little over board with our sun protection policy. It has been shown that children are now lacking essential vitamins that are due to being exposed to not enough sunshine. We make vitamin D naturally when exposed to sunlight.

 

Vitamin D function is to regulate our calcium and phosphorus levels. It has been suggested in winter months that perhaps a vitamin D supplement should be given as we spend so much time covered up. Studies show that probably 50% of children are vitamin deficient and it is even higher now that we are so sun conscious with our toddlers.

 

Is Vitamin D Supplements an Option?

It is not recommended that we give our toddlers supplements unless directed by a physician. We are required to keep our toddlers healthy with as many natural foods and health conditioning as we possibly can provide before offering our toddlers supplements. Even though supplements are designed to provide the nutrients our toddlers bodies require; it is not as effective as getting them naturally.

 

Vitamin D Deficiency

How do we deal with the high risks of skin cancer and the lack of vitamin D? Here in Australia where our summers are extremely hot; we used to have a year round No Hat, No Play policy at all schools and childcare centers. This has been enforced for approximately the last 10 years. Since this time they have discovered that our children are very deficient in vitamin D and their resilience to sickness in winter has decreased significantly. The researched linked this to lack of sunshine.

 

Australia’s Sun Policy

What we have decided here in Australia is to create an even balance between seasons. During our summer months we have a strict No Hat, No Play policy as well as providing children with applications of sun screen every 3-4 hours when doing out door sports in direct sun light. We used to have the same policy that applied all through autumn and winter but it is now considered beneficial for Toddlers to go without a hat during these seasons to ensure that they get sufficient vitamin D throughout our winter. During summer and spring here in Australia, even with hats and sunscreen; the amount of sun exposure that is still able to get through our protective barriers is sufficient enough to not have to be concerned with supplements.

 

Common Sense

Use common sense when it comes to considering sun safety with your Toddler. Dehydration is very prevalent in warm sunny conditions; and sun burn can be very painful and even deadly for young babies and Toddlers. Here in Australia a lady was charged with intentional neglect when her children were taken to hospital with severe sunburn from a day at the pool with no sunscreen. The burns were categorized as third degree burns and their dehydration level was life threatening.  Although the mother was a well providing parent she did not consider all aspects of their safety while at the pool; we have an abundance of information warning of the risk associated with the sun and it was an extremely hot day. News reports warned of sun safety and staying cool and all they could say in their defense was their children did not want to wear of hat or sunscreen. These children were aged 8-12 years old and they nearly died from 4 hours of direct sunlight; if it was a Toddler they wouldn’t have lasted the hour.

 

Sun Protection Tips

Keep your child well hydrated and know the weather in advance. Have a mixture of spare clothing handy when you go out; including hats and sunscreen. It is really very simple when you have all you need on hand. If in doubt speak to your local doctor or health nurse regarding these issues; they will be more than happy help you know what is the best approach to protecting your child from the sun and making sure that they are getting sufficient vitamin D

 

You may also find interesting:

  1. Entertainment for Toddlers, How Do They Have Fun
  2. Tips for Fun Toddler Activities
  3. The Importance of Play in the Learning Process of Toddlers
  4. Reading with your Toddler
  5. Does “Time-Out” Work?

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Filed under: Playing & Fun

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