One of the most dangerous characteristics about ultraviolet (UV) exposure to sunlight is the fact that damage is cumulative. Every sunburn, tan, or even time in the sun can add up to increased vulnerability to skin cancer later in life.
That’s why sun safety should be a habit your child learns from the start. But what is the best way to protect your baby? Should you use sunscreen, and if so, what kind?
There are plenty of questions and Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD is here to help. There are some excellent guidelines available to help parents, and we’ve summarized these for you in this month’s blog, just in time for Skin Cancer Awareness Month in May.
Newborns and infants have little melanin in their skin, the substance that offers some natural protection from UV radiation as well as giving skin its color. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends that babies under the age of six months be kept out of direct sunlight.
Yet, the Skin Cancer Foundation also recommends that children under six months should not yet receive sunscreen. Shade is the best answer for your baby’s first half-year.
Clothing is the baseline of sun exposure protection, covering the torso, arms, and legs. Include a wide-brimmed hat for some protection of their face.
Schedule outings before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. to avoid the highest levels of UV light. Use the protective cover of a stroller and purchase mesh car window shades for protection while driving.
Sunburns can be a medical emergency for babies, causing blisters, chill, dehydration, and fever.
There are sunscreens designed for children under six months old. These products are designed for limited use over small areas that may not be covered by clothing, such as the backs of hands, tops of feet, and the face.
Test any product on a small patch of skin at least 48 hours prior to sun exposure to ensure the sunscreen won’t irritate your child’s delicate skin. Discontinue use if there’s any sign of a rash or sensitivity.
Once your child reaches six months old, it’s time to begin regularly adding sunscreen to their outside routine. However, it’s not as simple as grabbing your own SPF products. Children’s skin remains sensitive, so choosing the right product expressly for your baby remains important.
There are three primary criteria you should meet with your baby in mind when choosing a sunscreen:
Child-safe sunscreens usually feature the word “baby” prominently, but do a detailed read of the label to make sure your choice meets these requirements. Use the product as directed on the package.
Sunscreen isn’t a replacement for other protective steps including clothing and shade. Building deep-rooted sun protection habits helps your child improve their chances for a cancer-free life.
Contact Dr 2 Kids, Smita Tandon MD for more advice about sun safety and UV protection. Make an appointment online or by phone today.
