Best Methods for Protecting Babies from the Sun

Protecting yourself from the sun demands time and dedication, especially when talking about babies.

Protecting babies from the sun is very important. Read today’s article to find out how to prevent sun damage in little ones.

Protecting babies from the sun

What is one of the best methods to protect babies from the sun? According to Dr. Hari Cheryl Sachs, a pediatrician for the FDA, the best thing is to keep babies under six-months-old away from the sun in the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. because this is when the ultraviolet rays (UV) are most intense.

The latter might not be entirely possible to do, but according to some recommendations by the pediatrician, the main thing to keep in mind is that a baby’s skin is less mature than an adult’s. In comparison to adults and toddlers, babies have a higher skin to surface ratio, according to their body weight.

According to Dr. Paula Luna, member of the Pediatric Dermatology team at the Ramos Mejía Hospital in Argentina, 50% to 80% of sun exposure occurs during the first 20 years of our lives. The UV light effects of this are irreversible and cumulative.

What should you do then?

According to Dr. Luna, children under 3 years old are more vulnerable to UV light because they have lower melamine levels, a thinner corneal layer, and a different ratio of exposed skin to body mass. As a result, they are more sensitive to the sun.

The best methods for protecting babies from the sun

Some recommendations that Dr. Luna proposes are:

• Avoid the sun in peak hours.
• Use the shade and the right clothes.
• Use sunscreen.

In babies under six months old, it’s essential to avoid the sun, and sunscreens aren’t always recommended for their skin.

What happens with sunscreen in childhood?

According to the FDA’s rules, there are:

• 17 approved ingredients and others being studied. If the sun protection factor (SPF) is over 15 and on a broad line (UVB and UVA), it helps prevent sunburns and, if used correctly, prevents premature aging and sun-induced cancer.
• On the other hand, if the SPF is below 15 or not on a broad line, let’s just say it can help prevent sunburns.

What can you expect from pediatricians?

• Guidance. According to Dr. Laura, recommendations to avoid sun damage should be a part of the routine of a healthy child.
• Reinforce these safety measures in children between 9 to 10 years old and let them participate.
• Don’t encourage the use of tanning beds.
• Avoid sun exposure during peak hours.
• Preferably be under shade whenever possible.
• In children under 6 months old, avoid using routine SFP.

Is protecting babies from the sun difficult?

Well, at a glance, protecting babies from the sun might seem complicated, but if you fail to do so, this can be very harmful in the long run. Just like you’d do with the seatbelt or dental hygiene, creating the healthy habit of sun protection should be very important.