Summer means hotter days and more sun, which also means more chances to get a sunburn and that extra precautions should be taken to prevent it! Before you and your family go out to play, be sure to protect yourselves from the damaging rays of the sun by following these simple rules for summer sun safety:

- When choosing a sunscreen, look for the words "broad-spectrum" on the label which will cover both UVB and UVA rays.

- Choose a waterproof or water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, but preferably 30, and reapply every two hours or more if playing in the water or sweating excessively.

- Rub sunscreen in well, making sure to cover all exposed areas. Make sure not to forget the nose, ears, feet and hands, back of the neck, and even the backs of the knees. Put sunscreen on at least 30 minutes before going out into the sun to give it time to work on the skin.

- The sun's rays are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to limit sun exposure during that time, and remember that sun rays can bounce back from sand, snow or concrete, so be particularly careful of these areas. And be careful to limit sun exposure when the UV index is moderate to high or there is a UV alert in your area.

- Most of the sun's rays can come through the clouds even on an overcast day, so be sure to use sun protection even on cloudy day.

- Check to make sure your sunscreen hasn't expired, and make sure to keep extra sunscreen handy in case your plans change and you are outside longer than planned.

- Select clothes made of tightly woven fabrics (cotton is best) in darker shades which provide more sun protection that loosely woven lighter shades. Keep babies 6 months or younger in lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs. Also consider wearing specially designed clothing that protects from the sun with a UV Protection Factor of 15 to 50+, or clothing washed in a laundry additive that can increase the protection of clothing.

- Wear hats with a 3in wide brim or bill, which can help keep your child's face and neck shaded and protected.

- Wear sunglasses that have protect the eyes by blocking 97% to 100% of UVA and UVB rays.

- Use a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or 30 instead of regular moisturizer, and apply a lip balm with added sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or above.

- Remember babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight, so try to keep them in the shade under a tree, umbrella, or even their stroller canopy!

- If your child gets a sunburn that results in blistering, pain, or fever, contact your pediatrician!!!