Sun care for baby skin - sun protection for babies
Baby skin is particularly susceptible to sun damage, with research having shown that infant skin is thinner and produces less melanin than adult skin. Damage at a young age can have permanent, serious effects and you should always take precautions to protect your child's skin.
Sun protection guidelines
Children's skin can be more sensitive to products such as sunscreen. Look for screens for sensitive skin or those particularly designed for babies and toddlers. Test any new cream on a small area of skin prior to use. Sunscreen should be applied to clean dry skin at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied at least every 2 hours or more regularly if swimming.
And remember... teach your children good habits by following good sun practices yourself.
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Sun protection guidelines
- avoid the sun between 10am and 3pm even when the day is cool or cloudy
- if outdoors, stay in the shade where possible and remember that the sun's rays can still reach you in shaded areas through reflection and possible penetration through the shade
- if no permanent shade-structure is available, consider:
- a UV-protection-cover or awning over the play area
- a UV-protection-cover or sun-umbrella for the pram - if you have a pram with reversible handles, you can change the direction that you are pushing to minimise the sun reaching your baby
- a cabana (tent-type structure) for the beach or picnics
- sun shades for car windows
- dress your child in protective clothing:
- loose-fitting long sleeved tops & pants in closely woven fabric
- clothing in dark colours (dark colours reflect less light back onto the skin)
- a wide-brimmed or legionnaire's style hat which protects the face, back of the neck and ears
- collars which help to protect the back of the neck
- protective sunsuits for swimming
- protect any parts of the body that are exposed with a high-factor sun cream, look for:
- SPF (Sun Protection Factor) 30+
- broad spectrum (to provide against various forms of sunlight)
- water resistant (for swimming & water-play)
Children's skin can be more sensitive to products such as sunscreen. Look for screens for sensitive skin or those particularly designed for babies and toddlers. Test any new cream on a small area of skin prior to use. Sunscreen should be applied to clean dry skin at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied at least every 2 hours or more regularly if swimming.
And remember... teach your children good habits by following good sun practices yourself.
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