Protection from the Sun for Babies
Physicians and researchers now believe that the more a child is exposed to sun early in life, the higher the chances are that skin cancer develops at an older age. The best way to minimize this risk is to provide protection from the sun ffor babies at all times. Here are some ideas that you can use…
- Whenever possible avoid taking you child outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is the time that the sun's rays are the strongest.
- Sun rays can go through clouds and can cause damage even on cloudy days. In the shade, the sun's rays can bounce from sand, concrete or snow, so keep that in mind as well.
- Sunglasses with UVA/B protection are also recommended.
- Young babies under the age of six months should be kept out of direct sunlight. When outside with young babies, dress the baby in clothing that covers all of the body. That means long sleeves, long pants and a hat. Also, tightly woven clothes offer better protection, than clothes with a wider weave. We have a selection of sun protection clothing for the entire family. Click here to take a look.
- Hats should be worn outdoors. Look for a hat with a bill, like a baseball cap, in order to protect the face. Click here to see our sun protection hats for baby, dad and mom.
- Infants can start wearing sunscreen at six months. But they should be kept out of direct sunlight, with sunscreen used only as extra insurance in case the sun can’t be avoided.
- Sunscreens are designed to basically block the sun's rays. The "Sun Protection Factor" (SPF) is a measure of how much protection the sunscreen offers. For example, an SPF of 30 means that a child can stay out in the sun 30 times longer than without the sunscreen. The recommended SPF is 15 (at the very least) and the sunscreen should be "broad-spectrum" (protects against both UV-A and UV-B light rays).
- Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure because it takes some time for them to work on the skin.
- Remember that even "waterproof" sunscreens need to be reapplied every two hours.
- Make sure that all potentially exposed areas are covered with sunscreen, including the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and the shoulders. While putting sunscreen on the face, avoid the eyes. If the sunscreen burns the eyes, try a new type or one that can be applied with a stick applicator.
- When outside it is good advice for all of us and even more so for your baby to keep your baby in the shade, such as in their stroller with a sun canopy or under a tree.
- Never use suntan oil, as it offers no protection and causes the skin to burn quicker. In addition, sunscreens that contain PABA should be avoided.
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