Here comes the sun. It's summertime, and most children are spending the majority of their days in the great outdoors. Between summer camp and family fun, it feels like your children are constantly being exposed to those deadly rays -- like it or not. What most parents fail to realize is that there is actually an art to protecting children from the sun. Of course, the first line of defense is to always keep your child covered as much as possible. Bathing suits and cover ups that are made to block UVA rays are great options. Sunglasses and hats are also a must especially for preventing the corneas and preventing cataracts. However, there is no substitution for sunscreen. Rain or shine, your child needs sunscreen and needs it in excess. But to spray or not to spray? 

The answer is up to you, but recent research has caused the FDA to recommend parents not spray kids with sunscreen due to the dangers of inhalation. If you must apply a spray, then the FDA recommends spraying it onto hands and then rubbing it on skin. And never, ever spray kids -- or yourself -- in the face. Always apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more for kids six months and older. Be sure the product protects against UVB and UVA rays. Still not sure how much is enough? Apply about one ounce per sitting for children. For infants, apply a small amount to the infant's face and the back of the hands. Avoid getting sunscreen near the infant's eyes. Make sure the sunscreen is waterproof. Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, as well as after swimming or sweating. Apply sunscreen between 15 to 30 minutes before going outside. This gives enough time for a good layer of protection to form. Never use sunscreen on babies under six months of age. Instead keep these children out of the sun by shielding them with an umbrella.