You never want to hear the word "cancer" used in the same sentence as the word "childhood," but the truth is that the disease has the power to impact the lives of little ones. Melanoma, a deadly, fast-spreading cancer of the skin, is the most common skin cancer in children. One of the top causes of the disease is something young children experience nearly every day sun exposure.
That's one reason you should go above and beyond to protect your baby from the sun. Your little one has extra sensitive skin prone to burning and peeling. UV radiation damage is cumulative, so damage sustained in childhood can lead to health problems later in life.
How can you protect your child from something as ubiquitous and joyful as sunshine? We've created this guide to help parents like you better understand the ins and outs of sun protection. We'll include our best tips to help you protect your baby from harmful rays without missing out on a childhood of fun-filled outdoor adventures.
Read on to learn how to have fun in the sun while protecting a little one.
Sun Safety for Young Infants
Doctors recommend that infants six months and younger avoid direct exposure to sunlight whenever possible. Very young babies have extra sensitive skin, which cannot yet tolerate sunscreen or other UV-blocking lotions. Parents must rely on clothing and other devices to protect them from the sun.
Dress for Success
It can be tricky to dress your baby for a hot, sunny day. You want to ensure you've covered their skin without causing overheating. We recommend finding lightweight, UV-protective clothing for hot summer days.
Protecting your baby's head, face, and neck is extra important. A brimmed hat is one of the best tools in your arsenal. Begin putting hats on your baby in early infancy so they'll get used to the sensation and won't try to remove them in the sun.
Did you know that many companies make tiny sunglasses for babies? If your little one can tolerate having something close to their face, a UV-blocking pair is both safe and adorable. Most sun-related eye damage occurs during childhood, so it's worth picking up a pair and giving it a go.
Sun Protection on the Go
When you're out and about, choose a stroller with a sun shade so your baby won't have direct exposure to harmful UV light. You can buy special window shields for your car windows, too. If you're extra cautious (or prone to sun damage yourself), consider getting your family vehicle outfitted with anti-UV film, which will block nearly all of the most damaging rays and will provide protection from the sun for everyone.
Time Your Outings Carefully
The angle of the sun changes dramatically throughout the day. You risk less damage in the early mornings and late afternoons. Consider planning outings or stroller walks before 10:00 AM or after 4:00 PM when the rays are less direct and damaging.
Sun Safety for Older Infants
When your baby is six months old, it's appropriate to use certain sunscreens or UV-blocking lotions. Choose a sunscreen that is safe for sensitive infant skin. The safest infant sunscreens contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which are less irritating than other chemicals.
Choose a fragrance-free sunscreen with no parabens or sulfates in the formula. Babies sweat, and sunscreen can sometimes get in or near their eyes. Look for a "no tears" formula that won't sting.
Better Safe Than Sorry
It isn't wise to smother your baby in brand-new sunscreen right before a big day out. Little ones still have sensitive skin, and you may not know about all their sensitivities or allergies. Always do a skin test before committing to full-body coverage to save your baby from potential discomfort.
It's All in the Timing
We know that parents of young children have their hands full, but timing matters when it comes to sun protection. You should aim to apply sunscreen to your baby thirty minutes before going outside. The early application allows sunscreen time to bind to the skin, ensuring effectiveness.
Likewise, stay on top of reapplication. On a hot, sweaty day, you should try to reapply sunscreen every two hours. It can be helpful for some parents to set a timer or reminder on their phones.
Don't Forget Daycare
If you send your child to daycare, check the handbook or ask an administrator about the center's sunscreen policy. Many centers will only apply sunscreen if a baby's parents send it in. If your center offers outdoor play, you'll want to stay on top of providing a safe, effective sun lotion for your baby.
Seek Out Shade
If you find yourself out and about during the sunniest part of the afternoon (generally between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM), do your best to find a shady refuge. Park your car or sit beneath the shade of a tree whenever possible. This practice will also keep your vehicle cool, which is safer for babies of all ages.
Protecting Your Baby from the Sun
Every precious baby deserves sunshine-yellow memories of long afternoons spent playing outdoors, whether they're exploring the beach or a local park. Don't keep your little one indoors out of fear. Take a few simple steps to protect your baby from the sun, and together, you'll build warm, wonderful core memories that will stay with your sweet baby for life.
A sunny day often means hot weather, and it's essential to monitor your baby's nursery temperature when you put your little one down for slumber. The Pixsee smart baby monitor includes safety features, like temperature and humidity detection, to ensure their room is always safe and cozy.
Visit our Amazon online store and Pixsee Shop to discover the other features that make Pixsee one of the best baby monitors for conscientious parents.
