Courtesy of Coolibar, Inc.
Spring is coming and everywhere mothers with babies will be outside enjoying the warm fresh air. Here are some tips on protecting your baby from unwanted sun exposure.
Remember, a baby’s skin is extremely sensitive and can burn easily. A combination of sun protection methods should be used from their very first day and continued throughout their lives. These methods are slightly different from sun protection methods for older children, but used consistently, they will help form beneficial lifelong habits.
A-Avoid unprotected exposure at any time and seek shade
Start a daily habit of checking the UV index for the area where you live. The National Weather Service and the Environmental Protection Agency both provide a daily UV index, which predicts peak UVR times for the following day. Based on this forecast, you can organize your day to avoid exposing your baby to direct sunlight during the peak UV times. For example, you can take your baby for a walk early in the morning or late in the afternoon and plan indoor activities or activities in the shade for the middle of the day. Here is an explanation of how to use the UV Index.
Sun protective umbrellas, tents, cabanas, lean-tos, and some stretched materials all provide shade. The best shade is provided by structures with sides which block UVR rays that bounce from surfaces.
W- Wear sun protective clothing including a hat with a three inch brim and sunglasses
Dress your baby in loose-fitting outfits that cover arms and legs. Baby outfits made from sun protective material – material tested for an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating of 30 or higher – are the best protection. Clothing made with natural fibers and a tight weave can be used as an alternative but does not offer guaranteed protection. For example, a t-shirt may provide an SPF of only 5 to 10. It a material is transparent, it does not offer adequate protection. Always make sure your baby is not too hot.
Choose a hat that protects the baby’s face, neck and ears, such as a soft legionnaire-style hat, with a flap at the back that will crumple easily when your baby leans back. This will protect the back of your baby’s neck and ears. It also provides better cover for the side of you baby’s face. A baby who wears a hat during the first few months will get used to having it on and as a toddler will be less likely to resist wearing it. Our sponsor, Coolibar, offers beautiful and effective sun protective clothing for infants.
Sunglasses are not very practical for a young baby. However, your baby’s eyes can be damaged by UVR exposure. To protect your baby’s eyes, stay out of the sun during peak times, put a hat on, and keep your baby in the shade. There are sunglasses that are made for older babies. Use them if you are going to be out in the sun.
A- Apply broad spectrum sun screen twenty minutes before exposure and every two hours while exposed.
Sensitive SPF 30+
Infants under six months should be kept out of direct sun and covered with protective clothing. However, if exposure does occur, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Cancer Council Australia recommend using sunscreen on the small areas of the baby’s body not already covered by a hat and clothing. There is no evidence that using sunscreen on infants is harmful, but always test the sunscreen on a small area of the baby’s skin the first time you use it. If there is a reaction, don’t use it. Try other sunscreens until you find one that does not cause a reaction. Do not use a sunscreen that is past its use-by date or does not have a use-by date.
Routinely Check Your Skin, understand the need for vitamin D and report any concerns to your health care provider.
Start now to routinely check your baby’s skin. Keep a record of moles and freckles and chart any additions or changes. If you have a family history of skin cancers or if your baby has an unusually high number of moles, tell to your doctor. Now is the time to develop life-long habits for your child.
Also, remember that your baby needs plenty of vitamin D to develop healthy bones. Many doctors routinely recommend supplements for babies. Check with your pediatrician about supplements for your baby.
E- Educate your family and community about the need for sun protection
Our children learn best from our own actions. If your baby sees you using sun protection and is used to using it, lifetime awareness will be established. This is part of giving your baby the gift of a healthy life.
Be SunAWARE. Be Safe.
