Linda Varga is an inventor and Mom-preneur. She invented  ezShade. and founded her company Solar Eclipz. ezShade is a product is a portable sun shield that is your “best defense against reflected UV rays. It earned a Gold Mom’s Choice Award in April 2012.

This post is a syndicated version of the Linda’s post about summer safety found at the Mom’s Choice Matters blog.

Summer is right around the corner and we know you and the kids are getting ready for splash fests, bicycle rides, ice-cream eating contests, lazy days at the beach and all-round summer fun.

While summer is oh so enjoyable, all that time in the sun for little ones can lead to sunburn, heat strokes and dehydration – all things you of course want to avoid. To help keep you and your family safe, we’ve put together a sun safety toolkit / summer safety checklist for the season.

Choose Sun Protective Clothing
Keep the sun away with sun protective clothes especially when you’re outdoors between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. While you can buy special UV protective clothing and swimwear, you can also ensure that the kids wear regular clothes that offer adequate sun protection. Long sleeves, light colors, and cotton fiber are some things to look for when choosing outdoor summer wear for the kids.

Slather on the Sunscreen
The number one product for summer safety! Make sure that you have sunscreen for the kids and that they never head outdoors without putting it on. While the face, arms and any other visible body parts are important for sunscreen application, encourage the kids to apply it on the back of knees, ears, eye area, neck and scalp for complete coverage. Also be sure to choose a waterproof sunscreen (sweat proof) and reapply it after they go swimming or wash their hands and faces.

Shield Eyes with Polarized Sunglasses
Don’t forget the eyes when thinking summer safety. Choose a pair of certified UV-protective, child-friendly sunglasses. Take the kids with you when you shop for polarized sunglasses so that you pick a pair that they are comfortable to wear. Ensure that they wear them when they head out for bicycle rides or a day at the beach.

Keep Dehydration Away with a Sports Sipper
Very often, kids get so engrossed in their play that they forget to drink water and stay hydrated. Even in the pool they can become dehydrated. That, coupled with the heat, is bound to lead to dehydration.

Get the kids a handy sports sipper that they can carry with them wherever they go and sip from regularly.  Initially, you may have to remind them, but soon they’ll get into the habit.

Avoid All Day Outdoor Play (especially between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.)
Finally, as much as they may want to, discourage children from playing outdoors between 11 a.m.and 4 p.m.or when the sun is at its hottest. Of course you may not be able to keep them inside that whole time, but just a good guideline to remember.

If possible, try to reserve outdoor play for before or after this time slot and let them have some indoor summer fun instead. Ice cream eating contest, anyone?

So, go ahead, deck your kids out with sun protective clothes, a tube of sunscreen, snazzy sunglasses, a sports sipper, and scheduled indoor fun.

And you’ll have a summer that is not only enjoyable and entertaining, but also sun safe.

About the Author: Linda Varga is the founder of Solar Eclipz and inventor of The Mom’s Choice Award winner ezShade.

The ezShade is a portable sun shield that instantly attaches to any umbrella/canopy, blocks over 99% UVA/UVB rays, doubles your shade, and keeps you cooler all day long.

Visit www.MyEzShade.com to learn more about this mom-invented product. Sign-up for the ezShade eNewsletter and get 10% off your first purchase. Also connect via Facebook and Twitter for helpful information and giveaways.