Sun Safety for Babies

There’s nothing quite like the softness of a baby’s skin. An infant’s skin is more delicate and thinner than an adult’s, causing it to burn and become chapped or irritated more easily when exposed to sun. Follow these 5 guidelines for sun safety for babies to keep your infant happy and safe all summer long.

Sun Safety for Babies: 5 ways to help protect your baby’s skin

1. The best protection for babies younger than 6 months is to keep them out of the direct sunlight. Keep the stroller canopy up, use an umbrella at the beach or find some shade under a leafy tree.

2. Avoid having a baby out between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are the hottest.

3. Baby sun protection requires the right clothing — dress your infant in lightweight clothing that covers the body, including hats with wide brims that shade the neck and face.

4. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you can put a little sunscreen on the exposed areas of infants younger than 6 months. Use  sunscreen with at least 15 SPF on areas such as the backs of the hand, tips of the ears and tops of the feet. Check the sunscreen ingredients for formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as they are usually better for sensitive skin, and go organic when possible. Test some on a small area of your baby’s skin and watch for any reaction before applying.

5. Apply protection 15 to 30 minutes before going out. Remember to reapply every one-and-a-half to two hours, especially if your baby goes in the water.

Remember to follow these rules even on shady or cloudy days to keep your baby safe from harmful UV rays.