Essential Tips For Protecting Your Baby’s Skin In The Sun
The summer holidays are in full swing, and if you are jetting off somewhere hot and sunny with your little bundle of joy, it’s essential that you consider how to protect their skin. Infants’ skin is much more sensitive and delicate than adult skin, and sunburn can cause serious and even lifelong damage.
Here are some tips for choosing sun protection and skin care products for your baby that are effective but also gentle and 100 per cent natural and cruelty free.
Choose the right sunscreen
If your baby is less than six months old, it’s best to avoid exposing them to direct sunlight altogether rather than relying on sunscreen for protection. This is because their skin contains too little melanin (the pigment that gives colour to the skin, hair and eyes, and provides a certain amount of sun protection for older people).
Too much UV exposure when a child’s skin is at this delicate stage will not only cause uncomfortable sunburn and dehydration, but it can also increase the risk of them developing serious skin conditions such as melanoma in later life. Young babies should be protected with wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, canopies and kept in the shade as much as possible.
Older babies can wear sunscreen, but it should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and be broad-spectrum (meaning that it protects against both UVB and UVA rays). The product should also be formulated specifically for babies and young children so that it is less likely to irritate their skin with additives such as artificial fragrances and parabens.
You may wish to apply moisturiser to the skin of older babies after a day in the sun for extra hydration and softness. Look for brands of sunscreen and baby moisturisers that align with your values, such as vegan, cruelty free and organic.
Apply the sunscreen correctly
This might sound obvious, but it’s important to apply the sunscreen properly to ensure the maximum benefit. Most people use too little sunscreen and forget to reapply it often enough. Apply a generous amount to all exposed areas of skin about 15 to 30 minutes before heading outside.
Do not forget to apply sunscreen to areas such as the ears, the back of the neck, the back of the hands and fingers, and the tops of the feet and toes. The sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours, or after your baby has been in water or has been sweating a lot, even if it’s labelled as water resistant.
This is because the product will usually be rubbed off as you towel dry your child and dress them in dry clothing, or slide off their skin as they sweat.
Dress your child to maximise sun protection
Babies and young children should be protected from the sun with lightweight layers of clothing, including long sleeved shirts and long trousers rather than shorts and T shirts. Look for soft breathable fabrics that will feel comfortable next to their skin and allow sweat to evaporate. They should also wear wide brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection.
Avoid the core hours of the day
On very bright sunny days, try to avoid going outside when the sun’s rays are strongest between 10 am and 4 pm. If it is unavoidable, attach a sun canopy or umbrella to your baby’s pram or buggy, and if you are stationary, look for trees or structures that will provide some shade.
Keep infants well hydrated
Sun and high temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration in babies and toddlers. They have a higher surface area to body water volume ratio than adults, and they cannot recognise or communicate their thirst or drink independently. Offer your baby regular sips of cooled boiled water throughout the day and extra feeds if breastfeeding.
A dehydrated baby may develop a sunken soft spot on the top of their head, be drowsy or sleep more than usual, fussy or crying with little or no tears, and feel cold to the touch with wrinkly skin. If your child is a reluctant drinker of water, try offering them juicy fruits such as watermelon, or ice popsicles made with a mixture of water and fruit juice.
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