How Can I Protect My Infant’s Delicate Skin from the Sun?

Protecting your infants delicate skin from the suns harmful rays, is an important step in parenthood. A baby’s skin is far more delicate and sensitive than an adults is, requiring more care and concern. Their skin doesn’t produce the same amount of melanin that an adults does, so therefore it is more susceptible to sunburn and the other harmful effects the sun has.

Making sure your baby’s skin is always protected from the sun should be high on your list of priorities.

Tips for Protecting Your Infants Skin from the Sun:

• The suns rays are at their strongest between 11-3, so try to avoid being out during this time.

• If you do have to be out make sure your baby’s skin is covered as much as possible. In the summer it seems appropriate to dress your infant in as little clothing as you can, but in doing so you risk the sun exposure.

• Put a hat or cap on your infants head. A cool, cotton brimmed hat will help keep the sun off of their delicate scalp, while also protecting the ears and back of the neck.

• Use an SPF sunscreen (as outlined below) whenever your baby is going to be outside. Preferably use a sunscreen every morning, before leaving the house for any errand.

• Keep a sun shade on your car windows, even if they are tinted. The suns rays can pass through glass and cause damage that you might be unaware of, especially on long car journeys.

• Get some fun sunglasses for your infant, and try to get her to wear them as often as possible to protect the eyes.

• If outside, try to stay in the shade. Shaded areas from trees or gazebos can help protect the skin, but make sure you still use a sunscreen.

• Don’t be fooled by a seemingly overcast, cloudy day. UV rays travel through clouds and reflect off sand, water and even concrete. Even when it’s cool or windy, the sun can cause damage.

What is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen protects the skin from UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays. UVB rays penetrate the skin and cause sun burn and skin damage.
UVA rays also cause skin damage. To get protection for UVA rays as well, look for a “Broad Spectrum” sunscreen that protects against both UVB & UVA rays.

Is It Safe To Use Sunscreen On My Infant?

Parents of infants under 6 months of age are generally advised not to use sunscreen on their babies. Babies under 6 months should be kept totally out of direct sunlight. If it is unavoidable that your young infant be out in the sun, discuss the use of sunscreen with your pediatrician.

What SPF Should I Use?

Making sure you have a strong enough SPF is essential in keeping the skin protected. Most baby and children’s sunscreens come with an SPF of 30 or higher. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) can range from 2-60, but you’ll want to use a higher SPF on your child’s skin. SPF gives your skin protection against the harmful UV rays. The SPF number is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce sunburn when not protected versus protected. If for instance your skin starts to turn red/burn after 20 minutes, using an SPF of 2 will give you 2 times that amount, making it 40 minutes.

Applying Sunscreen:

• Apply sunscreen about 30 minutes before your child will be in the sun.

• Reapply sunscreen often, especially after swimming or sweating.

• Make sure the sunscreen covers all exposed and ‘could be exposed’ areas, such as the hands, feet, ears, neck, lips and under the straps of bathing suits.

• Use a waterproof sunscreen when necessary. Water intensifies the suns rays, so using a waterproof sunscreen is a must for being near water or swimming.

Remember that you and only you can protect your baby’s skin. The sun can do permanent damage even with only a few sunburns in a lifetime. Keep your baby protected at all times, to save the heartache in years to come.