Sunscreen and Babies... How to Protect Your Little OneSummer fun, summer sun ... sunscreen and babies. Is sunscreen the best way to protect your precious newborn? Unfortunately, fun in the sun can be a hazardous activity. Especially for babies. Their tender skin is highly susceptible to sunburn. But is sunscreen okay to use on your baby? Until recently, experts said no to sunscreen on infants less than 6 months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics has since revamped their recommendation. The new position approves the judicious use of sunscreen on babies:
First, infants have proportionately more skin on their body than adults. This means potentially greater contact with sunscreen chemicals. Secondly, babies are unable to produce sweat as freely as adults. Thus, they are prone to overheating. Sunscreen further inhibits sweating by blocking pores.
The absolute best thing you can is to keep baby out of the sun! For brief, unavoidable periods in the sun:
If necessary:
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide form a physical barrier that blocks the sun's harmful rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral blocks begin working immediately. No need to apply 30 minutes before hitting the sun. Note: Avoid the ingredient Paba. Paba can be extremely irritating to children's tender skin. Always do a patch test first. Apply a small amount of sunscreen to the inside of baby's upper arm. Wait a day and check for rash or redness. Try a different brand if there's a reaction. Remember, it’s not just summer sun that is harmful. Read more about sun safety for children.
Don't rely completely on sunscreen. No sunscreen is 100% effective. The best solution? Avoid the "sunscreen and babies" dilemma. Enjoy the outdoors with your baby by seeking shade and covering your baby. Want more skin care tips? References: American Academy of Pediatrics U.S. National Library of Medicine
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