Summertime is the best time to get out, play and explore! But before you rush out to soak up some rays, remember that the same sun that gives us warmth and joy can also lead to some pretty harsh damage.

If you’re worried about the dangers of UV ray exposure, fear not! We’ve got you covered with these 5 tips and our top picks for outdoor gear to ensure sun safety for kids this summer.

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1. The sun is strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If you plan to be out during these peak hours, apply and reapply sunscreen liberally, at least every 2 hours to all exposed skin. For children with thin hair, apply sunscreen to the scalp, as well.
2. The SPF label on your sunscreen bottle stands for “Sun Protection Factor”. For children, an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended.
3. Always reapply sunscreen after swimming, sweating, and toweling off.
4. Stay in the shade! Outdoor activity doesn’t always lend itself to lounging under a big tree or awning, but when possible find a place to get away from the sun.
5. For clothing and accessories, wide-brimmed hats, UV ray-blocking sunglasses, and dark, tightly woven clothing is recommended for optimal coverage. Check out our top picks for sunscreen and accessories.

Safe & Fun Sunscreens

Belly Buttons and Babies
A safe, natural, chemical-free sunscreen for babies, toddlers, kids and the whole family! Belly Buttons & Babies Natural Sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection and also keeps their skin hydrated.

Think Baby & Think Sport
Boasting the highest level of broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and the highest SPF 50+ sunscreen formula, Think Baby’s award-winning sunscreen will keep the whole family safe from harmful sun rays, as well as parabens, phthalates, and PABAs!

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NO-AD Kids & Baby
Introduced in 1962, NO-AD has made a name for itself offering quality sun care products that are twice the size as national brands for the same price. NO-AD offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB ray sunscreen in spray, rub-on stick, and lotion form. 

Cute Gear for Full Coverage

Baby Banz Kids' Sunglasses
Best known for their unique wrap-around, banded design and 100% UV protective lenses, Baby Banz was founded in Australia, one of the harshest UV climates in the world. Every parent can rest easy knowing that their kid’s eyes will be protected while wearing these top notch shades.

UV Skinz
Great for the adventurous kids on the go, UV UV Skinz produces UPF50+ Sunwear and focuses on providing the highest quality, hippest designs so that kids and adults alike literally want to “Live in our Skinz” and not take them off.

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Coolibar Sun Hats for Kids
In Coolibar’s cute and versatile sun hats, being outdoors means less fuss and more fun. Coolibar’s lightweight hats are made for delicate skin and constructed with salt water and chlorine resistant aqua fabric.

For more information on what kind of clothing items offer the best coverage from UV ray exposure, check out the Center for Disease Control and Prevention's information on sun safety for kids and adults.

With these tips for sun safety for kids and these awesome apparel options, being safe doesn’t have to be boring. Ensure that youngsters get the most out of their outdoor adventures.