At Ocean Pediatrics, we know that Orange County summers are made for sunshine, beach days, and hours playing outside. But as families enjoy the season, it’s essential to prioritize sun safety for kids. Our warm Southern California weather can pose serious risks if proper precautions aren’t taken — especially for little ones. Here are a few simple, effective summer safety tips to help protect your children from harmful UV rays and heat-related illnesses.

Shield that sensitive skin

Children’s skin is delicate and more susceptible to sunburn, even during short periods of sun exposure. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and apply it generously 15–30 minutes before heading outside. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if your child is swimming or sweating. Don’t forget easily missed spots like the tops of feet, ears, and the back of the neck.

To pick the perfect sunscreen for your child, try to find one with these labels: 

• Broad Spectrum: This will protect your little one from both types of UV sun damage, UVA and UVB. 
• Oxybenzone-Free: This chemical has been shown to have some mild hormonal effects on children, so try and steer clear of it.
• Reef-Safe: This means that the sunscreen will not have any harmful effects on local coral reefs.

Dress for the season

When it comes to sun safety for kids, clothing can be one of your best defenses. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and wide-brimmed hats offer great protection, and many children’s clothing brands now offer UPF-rated fabric. Don’t underestimate the power of a good pair of sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection, too, they help shield young eyes from long-term sun damage.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

As the sun heats up, so does the risk of dehydration. Make sure your child drinks water regularly throughout the day, even if they say they’re not thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine, which can increase dehydration. Packing a refillable water bottle and offering cool snacks like watermelon and cucumber can help keep hydration levels up.

Plan playtime wisely

One of the smartest safety tips for summer is to schedule outdoor play in the early morning or late afternoon. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., UV rays are at their strongest. If your child is outside during these peak hours, ensure they take frequent breaks in the shade and avoid strenuous activities.

Learn the signs of heat exhaustion

It’s important for parents to recognize early signs of heat-related illness. Symptoms like dizziness, headache, nausea, and irritability can signal heat exhaustion. If you notice any of these, move your child to a cool area, offer fluids, and seek medical attention if symptoms persist.

At Ocean Pediatrics, we believe that summer should be safe, joyful, and full of adventure. Our pediatric care team is here to help your family navigate every season with confidence and care. Need a summer wellness check or sun safety consultation? Book an appointment at Orange County’s best pediatric office, Ocean Pediatrics. 

Have a happy summer, and we’ll see you soon!