Spring has arrived in Minnesota, and we are soaking up all the sunshine we can! Outdoor play is so important for children as it has numerous benefits, both physical and mental. As the weather warms up, it’s time for our annual reminder of safe outdoor play with little ones.
Sun Exposure
Exposure to the sun is a means for the body to produce vitamin D, but studies are ongoing as to the benefits and risk of sun exposure. Exposure to the sun has its risks, and if you are worried about your child’s vitamin D levels, talk to your pediatrician. (Source.)
If the UV index is 3 or higher, please ensure your child has appropriate sun protection. UV rays are strongest in the spring and summer months. Clouds do not inhibit UV rays (some studies show clouds only block up to 20% of UV rays), so it is important to wear sun protection on cloudy days! It’s also important to know that UV rays also bounce off water, sand, snow and pavement.
How to safely enjoy the sunshine? The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the following:
- For infants under 6 months of age, it’s best to stay out of direct sunlight. Instead, enjoy outdoor time under a stroller canopy, under a shade tree, or umbrella.
- For old children, pediatricians recommend saving playtime in the direct sun to before 10am or after 4pm. If enjoying the outdoors between those hours, it’s best to be in area that offers some shade.
- If playing in direct sunlight, choose light colored and tight-woven clothing that helps block ultraviolet light.
- Wide-brimmed hats (bucket-type), sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 15-30) are also recommended. Sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours or more frequently if enjoying water activities or activities that cause sweating. (Source)
- While any kind of sunscreen is better than none, it’s best to avoid aerosol sunscreen. In Minnesota, child care providers are prohibited from using/administering sunscreen in the form of an aerosol, so opt for a cream, lotion or sunscreen stick.
- Wear sunscreen under insect repellant
- Do not apply sunscreen to a child’s hands, as they may accidentally rub it into their eyes and put it in their mouth.
- It’s important to stay hydrated during outdoor play. Children are often too busy to remember to drink water, so it’s important for adults to remind them.
- Take frequent breaks to cool down when the heat index reaches 90 or above. When the heat index is 100 or above, we follow the National Resource Center recommendations and do not take young children outdoors due to potential health risks.
At Sonnet Montessori, parents apply sunscreen to their child when dropping off their child at morning care. If parents have signed a consent, teachers reapply it before the children enjoy afternoon outdoor learning. Due to the wide range of needs and potential allergies, parents provide a sunscreen of their choice. If you have questions about which sunscreen works best for your child, please talk to your pediatrician.
Exposure to Insects
Common outdoor pests that irritate children in the summer months are biting flies, mosquitos and ticks. (Source)
- Insect repellents are recommended by the AAP for help in preventing diseases spread by insects, but for children, it’s not recommended to use repellents that contain more than 30% DEET. DEET-based repellant is approved for use in children over 2 months of age. Products with oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children younger than 3 years of age. Always talk to your child’s pediatrician for their recommendation when it comes to insect repellants and your child, or if you have any concerns about a product.
- Do not apply repellant to a child’s hands, as they may accidentally rub it into their eyes and put it in their mouth.
- Check your child thoroughly for ticks after outdoor play (you can apply permethrin, an effective tick repellant, to clothing, not to skin); if you find a tick, follow to the removal procedure here
- Choose light colored, tight woven clothing, including long sleeves and pants to prevent insect bites. If hiking, it’s recommended to wear long pants, tuck the pants into long socks, and wear close-toed shoes.
- In the state of Minnesota, child care providers may not use spray/aerosol insect repellants, and it is recommended to provide lotion or stick repellants.
- Avoid the use of scented soaps, shampoos, lotions, etc. Some insects attracted to these scents.
At Sonnet Montessori, we will administer parent-provided insect repellent, with a written consent to administer.
“Modern observations and child-study have led use to realize that as soon as the child can go out of doors, we must take him with us.”
Dr. Maria Montessori
