It’s Summer Time! 6 Ways to Protect Your Baby From The Sun.
The weather is finally warming up, and you'll be planning outdoor activities and beach vacations. A vacation with a baby can involve a lot of planning, but one of the biggest concerns is how to protect your baby's skin from too much sun exposure. At My Happy Newborn we want to take the worry out of planning and turn it into an experience you can look forward to enjoying.
There are valid reasons for you to be concerned about protecting your baby's skin when visiting areas where they will have an increased exposure to the sun. Newborns have such delicate skin and are more susceptible to irritation and allergic reactions and yes, sunburn. Our skin is the largest organ of the body and our first defense against the outside world. Your infants skin, and not just those who have fair skin, should be protected since they are particularly vulnerable to sun damage. This is partly because their skin is thinner and they haven't yet developed all the melanin, which is the natural skin pigment that provides some sun protection, until they get older. A baby's skin is delicate and sensitive and can burn much more quickly than that of an adult. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), a baby's skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes. Just think of how your last sunburn felt. Adding to the pain, redness and blistering, it can lead to dehydration, fever and other health problems. That is why it is important to plan ahead and be prepared to protect your baby's skin. Here are some helpful suggestions to take the worry out of planning:
1. Avoid direct sunlight: The best way to protect your baby's skin from the sun is to keep them out of direct sunlight, especially during peek hours when sun exposure is more dangerous which is between 10 am and 4pm.
2. Dress your baby in protective clothing: Cover your baby's skin with lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and pants. To keep your baby cool, choose breathable materials such as linen and cotton or rash guard clothing which is made of lightweight, sweat-wicking fabrics that help prevent their little body from becoming overheated. Today's rash guards (think swim wear material) have an extra layer of built-in sun protection and are designed to keep out harmful UV rays.
3. Use a hat: A wide-brimmed hat will protect your baby's face, neck, ears and head from the sun.
4. Sunscreen: If your baby is 6 months or older, using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended. Apply at least 30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours or immediately after swimming or sweating. Pediatricians and dermatologists recommend using sunscreens with a mineral base (those with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) especially if your baby has dry skin or eczema.
5. Stay in the shade: Look for areas that provide natural shade such as that from trees or buildings. An umbrella or stroller canopy can be used as a safe way to create a shaded spot.
6. Sunglasses: Sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays. It is best to secure the sunglasses with an elastic strap to keep them in place.
Why is it not recommended to apply sunscreen before 6 months of age?
It is recommended to avoid applying sunscreen to your baby's skin before 6 months of age because their skin is delicate and more prone to becoming irritated. Their skin is thinner and more permeable, which means that they absorb chemicals more easily. Baby's under 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight because their skin is too sensitive to handle the harmful UV rays. Their skin is not fully developed, and their immune systems are not strong enough to fight off the damage that is caused by being exposed to UV radiation. So, instead of applying sunscreen, keep them in the shade and dress them in protective clothing that keeps as much of their skin covered as possible.
There are areas that are exposed to the sun that will be difficult to keep covered, such as their hands and feet. It is ok to use a small amount on these areas if they will be exposed for a length of time, just remember your baby will likely put their fingers in their mouth, so maybe just a thin layer on the tops of their hands. Reapply every 2 hours or more frequently if they are swimming or sweating.
Most of us love the sun and we take appropriate measures to protect ourselves. We hope these suggestions help your worry, and instead, gets you excited to start making those park or beach day trips! The protection you provide today, goes a long way to protecting their skin for their life from the threat of skin cancer.