3 Spring Sunburn Prevention Tips for Kids | Mom-Approved Summer Skin Care & UPF 50+ Swimwear
Spring sun safety tips, sunscreen checks, kids sun protection, and UPF 50+ swimwear advice for Ontario families
As the weather starts getting a little warmer here in Ontario and the UV Index begins to climb, I always start thinking about one thing:
That sneaky first sunburn of spring.
You know the one — the burn that seems to come out of nowhere because “we didn’t even feel it happening.”
Spring sunshine can feel gentle, but UV rays can still be strong enough to cause painful sun damage, especially after months of being indoors.
As a mom with a background in reseach, here are the 3 things I do every spring to help prevent painful sunburns for my family.
1. Check the Sunscreen Expiry Dates
This is the very first thing I do.
Most of the sunscreen left in our beach bag or cottage tote from last summer often expires in April or May, right when we start heading back outside more often.
Expired sunscreen may not protect your skin the way it should.
The active ingredients can lose effectiveness over time, which means your family may not be getting the broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection you think they are.
Before the first warm spring weekend, I always:
- check the expiry date on every bottle
- toss anything expired
- restock fresh kids sunscreen and family sunscreen
- make sure it’s easy to grab on the shelf near the door, in the car (when it's not too hot), and in our to-go backpack
This small step can help prevent that first unexpected spring sunburn.
2. Check Hats & Sunglasses Before Summer Starts
Next, I go through all the kids’ sun hats and sunnies.
I check for:
- scratched lenses
- stretched straps
- cracked frames
- hats that no longer fit
- styles they’ve suddenly decided they “don’t like”
Because honestly?
The best sun protection is the one they’ll actually wear.
If your child refuses a certain style, it doesn’t mean they won’t wear sun protection — it may just mean they need a different version.
For example, if they don’t love a Tilley-style hat, try:
- bucket hats
- baseball caps with neck flaps
- wide-brim adventure hats
- fun colours or prints they choose themselves
I love making it fun.
In our house, we call them “adventure hats.”
They’re the hats we wear when we’re heading outside for adventures, exploring, cottage days, beach walks, and dock time.
Sometimes a little rebrand is all it takes.
3. Get Down on Their Level and Explain Why
This one is probably the most important. Because if you didn't already know - they know better than we do . . .
Kids are so much more likely to wear hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, and UPF 50+ swimwear when they understand why it matters.
I get down on their level and explain it in a way they can understand.
For my kids, they’ve asked me before:
“What are your scars from?”
And I tell them the truth.
They are from sun damage that had to be cut out or burnt off.
That conversation helps them understand that sun protection isn’t about rules — it’s about protecting their skin and keeping them healthy.
I never want them to have to go through that.
This is why we wear:
- hats
- sunnies
- sunscreen
- UPF 50+ clothing / swimwear
- protective clothing for long outdoor days
Why Spring Sun Safety Matters in Ontario
Even in early spring, the UV Index can be high, especially on sunny afternoons and around reflective surfaces like water.
Lakes, pools, docks, and patios can all increase UV exposure.
That’s why I start our family’s summer skin care and sun safety routine early.
Preventing that first painful sunburn sets the tone for safer habits all season long.
At Sun Safe On The Lake, I believe prevention starts before summer officially arrives.
If you’re getting ready for warmer days, our Canadian-made UPF 50+ high visibility swimwear for babies, kids, and adults helps keep families protected in the sun and visible around the water.
☀️ Stay sun safe this spring and summer:
