In case you are a parent, you must have at some point come across the significance of sun protection for kids, more so for the active ones. The delicate skin of your baby can also be shielded from the harmful effects of the sun. This article will discuss everything parents need to know regarding sunscreens and sun protection of infants and toddlers so that the unfortunate cases due to heat are avoided as much as possible.
Why Sun Protection is Crucial for Babies and Children
The epidermis of children is significantly thinner than that of adults; hence, it makes them more prone to skin injuries. Such exposures can easily increase the sunburn risks and prolonged damage to the skin. Hazardous ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can boost the chances of developing skin cancer later in life. To illustrate this, several burning sun exposures as a child can increase the acquisition of melanoma in adult years. Therefore, sun protection is very crucial for children whenever they are engaging in outdoor activities, whether it is sunny outside or a cold season.
At what age should babies begin to wear sunscreen?
As pediatricians, we recommend total avoidance of sun exposure for infants less than 6 months old. The skin is delicate, and some non-toxic brands of sunscreen lotion may even irritate the skin. Infants should be kept away from the sun as much as possible, dressed with a wide-brimmed sun hat, and all other suitable measures taken. However, when the child has reached the age of six months and above, it is possible to apply sunscreen even on the child’s skin, though specially designed for babies.
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Child
As far as usage is concerned, there are variations in the use of all topical materials, especially when it comes to babies and children. Compression ‘B’ families braiding these sunscreen products should include the following broad features:
Broad spectrum: protects against the dangers associated with both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF thirty or more: provides adequate protection from getting sunburn for at least a few hours.
Mineral sunscreen (containing either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). The two have added advantages in that they also act as barriers towards sunlight; hence, they are more suitable for skin, which is easily prone to rashes.
Fragrance-free and anti-allergic: This helps to reduce the chances of allergic reactions. However, children should be tested for a skin allergen through patch testing before widespread application of the agent on the body.
How to Properly Apply Sunscreen to Children
When you apply sunscreen to a child, be sure to apply it liberally to all areas of skin that may be exposed, and particularly to any areas that may otherwise be neglected, such as inside the ears, the neck, and the tops of the feet. It must be applied at least an hour ahead of sun exposure and should be worn again after every two hours or immediately after one is done swimming or sweating. In relation to sun safety, it is imperative that a sun scrum with an SPF of at least thirty is purchased so that one may be assured of protection from both the UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
Water-Resistant Sunscreen for Active Kids
In terms of wind chill factors, if your child is in a pool or any extreme water sporting activities, choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Such products are designed to the extent that they can last for some time even when the skin is dipped into the water. However, it is important to point out that there is no such thing as a 100% waterproof sunscreen. Water-resistant sunscreen has to be reapplied after 40–80 minutes according to the instructions provided.
How do you deal with sunburns in babies and children?
Then a cool cloth or ice pack wrapped in a towel should be placed over the burned area, or the afflicted one should be immersed in cool water and, if possible, in a cool bath. The child also should be encouraged to take fluids and avoid any chances of dehydration. Then, they are treated with a gentle, unscented moisturizer skin lotion or aloe vera gel for sunburns. All the sunburned area should be kept within whatever clothing is available. However, if more serious burns are present (with blisters, sores, fever, swelling, or all three), please call a doctor right away, as those cases require a pediatrician’s care.
Understanding sun allergy and sensitivity in kids
Certain pediatric patients may present with a tendon comprising an allergic reaction to solar radiation known as photosensitivity. Negative reactions include the appearance of rashes, blisters, intense scratching, or redness of the skin after the slightest provocation by a sunray. If in doubt, a qualified dermatology specialist should be consulted for evaluation and treatment. If these precautions are observed, such a reaction usually does not persist, as wearing protective clothes, using sunscreens, and applying high SPFs protects the skin.
How to Make Sun Protection a Daily Habit for Your Child
Developing the habit of wearing sunblock on a daily basis for your kid begins with consistency and rhythm. Every day before going outside, and even when the sun is not shining, apply sunblock on the face, neck, and hands and advocate for the use of hats, sunglasses, long sleeves, and even boots. Demonstrate the advantage of sun protection to your kid by exercising it. Don’t leave re-application of sunscreen in the bag, the car, or the children’s cardio stroller because it’s in the bag. In the end, all these behavior patterns will not be hard for your child to pick, hence they will be protected from the sun at all times.
Conclusion
One of the key measures in caring for a child’s skin is reducing the child’s exposure to sunlight. Proper selection and application of sunscreen and other sunscreen approaches will allow children to bask under the sun without the threat of UV rays. Do not let them wait until they are older, but teach them how to protect themselves from the sun as early as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
How frequently should I put sunscreen on my child?
Sunscreen should strictly be put on again every 2 hours or less, especially when the child is swimming.
Can I apply adult’s sunscreen to my child?
Although it is likely that adult sunscreen will work in an emergency situation, sunscreen made for kids would be ideal because it is milder on their dermis.
What SPF is best suitable for kids?
SPF from 30 to 50 is recommended for children. Anything above it provides protection, which is unnecessary.
