Should I Be Putting Sunscreen on My Kindergartener Before School?

I don't. I want my kids to get vitamin D. Additionally, I don't want the chemicals in the suntan lotion on my kids when they really don't need it. When we are by the pool that is a different story.

I have my son put it on his face every morning; sometimes he also does his arms and legs. He's in 2nd grade. They spend 30 minutes outside for recess, 50 for lunch and sometimes another 30 for PE. We're in Southern California, so there is a lot of sun here.

Even though it doesn't last all day, I think it's better than nothing.

Nope. I have not done that. They're outside for 15-20 minutes about 4 hours after they leave the house...

Absolutely I do (not yet - it was 24 degrees this morning and he was covered by coat and gloves). I wear moisturizer with sunscreen year round. Why wouldn't I do the same for my kid?

is he outside a lot? if it's just for a 20 minute recess, i wouldn't. we need some sun exposure.
if he's outside a lot, like a couple of hours, then you might want to.
the chemicals in sunscreens carry their own hazards. all hazards are relative. if your kids are out playing by a pool all day, the sun's dangers outweigh the potential sunscreen issues. if the kids are inside most of the day, the little bit of sun they get at recess is unlikely to be a problem.
khairete
S.

I live in sunny California. It is March and close to 80 degrees. Not a cloud in the sky. It is gorgeous and I will be planting my veggie garden this week. I could have put it in last month because our days have been beautiful.

I have not nor do I plan to start putting sunscreen on my kids before school. I have them put sunscreen on if it is a field day (usually last day of school for elementary) or they go on a field trip that will be outdoors.

Most of the school day they are inside under fluorescent lightbulbs. I welcome the 15 minute breaks when they can run outside, breathe fresh air and soak up some rays! They need the Vitamin D!!

I am a no vote for the sunscreen during the school day. But I am not a dermatologist! We have a swimming pool in our yard. We are on swim teams and water polo teams. We put sunscreen on religiously over the summer, especially when we are out between 10ish-4ish.

My dermatologist said that we should all put it on before we go out side, anytime we go outside. The sun is just too dangerous, but we also have super fair skin and burn very easily. Also my dad has had skin cancer 3 times already because they were outside so much when he was a kid in Missouri. We live in Portland where the sun is never and always out at the same time. The clouds will still let the uva/b rays do damage. So, yes, I would if I were you. I do on my kids. My derm. also said to use a physical blocker like the Neutrogena Sunscreen with Helioplex because it is NOT a chemical so it is safe for kids over 6 months and works better without putting poisons in or on your body. I hope that helps.

I would mot put it in him. They are not out for that long. Some sun is needed by the human body.

I did when my kids were in daycare, because they went outside for longer periods of time. Once they hit kindergarten, I didn't worry about it because recess is only 20 minutes. And the sun in Pittsburgh just isn't very strong until at least mid-May. My son is very fair, and he's never gotten anywhere close to pink from the sun in the short amount of time that he's outside during recess.

If you school has longer outside breaks than ours, I think it's a good idea.

We have an abundance of sun here and the only time I put sunscreen and a hat on my daughter is when she is going to have field day.

There have been some concerns with the chemicals used in sunscreen, so who knows if and how much is good for us.

If your child has red hair and fare skin, then I would try to find the most natural one you can.

You live in an area that doesn't get that sunny during the day (not this time of year anyway) and he is probably only outside for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. I would say not to use it before school.

If he were going on a class trip and would be outside all day then maybe you would need it but that would be more for a state with constant sunshine (like Florida) or summer months when the sun is stronger up there.

I am sure if you ask your doctor/dermatologist they will tell you that a small amount of time in the sun is good for you. It helps the body produce vitamin D.

I don't think he's outside for that long, and we do need about 15-20 minutes at a clip without sunscreen to get necessary vitamin D. It's still pretty early in the season so the sun isn't at that high an angle for that long. So I wouldn't at this point. When it gets closer to the summer solstice when the sun is high in the sky, then I would at least do the face, back of neck and shoulders if he's wearing a tank top. Those are the areas that get the most sun. I do think it's good to get him in the habit so you are prepared for summer. You could check with your pediatrician or dermatologist on recommendations for when to put it on, how much, and what SPF.

Nope - we only put it on if we are going to be outside all day, not for 20 minutes at recess or something. Plus, will it last all day until he goes outside? Probably not. And a little vitamin D is good for us.

I'm inconsistent because I've heard various things. In the spring, I tend not to. I the summer I usually do, but I am not sure that it is effective by the time she goes to recess.

I live in south Louisiana and never put sunscreen on my kid when she went to school.

I never thought about it, but maybe I'll start now! Even if it comes off through the day, a little is better than none.

I've never done that, but I live in New England. If I were in Florida, definetly.

Yes. In fact it was the rule at our kindergarten. In each classroom there was a big bottle of sunscreen and parents had to apply it to children upon arrival at school. There is also a 'no hat, no play' policy at most schools in this country.

I live in the melanoma capital of the world, in a hot, sunny climate. The benefits of sun exposure can still be gained whilst wearing sunscreen. Tanning skin is skin in distress.

My father died of melanoma four years ago. He grew up surfing everyday before sunscreen was available.

Yes, depending on how much time they spend outside. My kids spend up to two hours outdoors during a school day. I know sunscreen labels say they need to be reapplied throughout the day, but on days I put sunscreen on in the morning I do not burn, on days I don't apply it I do burn, so it must work to some extent. We are very fair skinned.