Sun Protection and Your Baby

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

15 Jun 2009 08:46 AM

Protecting your baby's skin is so important for his lifelong health. One bad burn in childhood can dramatically increase her chance of getting skin cancer as an adult. Baby's skin is thin and can often burn even on a cloudy day in the shade. Here are some tips that you can use to protect your baby from the damaging rays of the sun.

What type of sun protection should you choose?

Sunscreen acts as a screen absorbing the suns rays, while sunblock does a better job at actually blocking out everything. There is generally no difference between the active ingredients in adult scunscreen products and baby sunscreen products. Baby products may be packaged more conveniently, but they aren't any more gentle. So, instead of paying attention to the packaging of these products, look instead to the ingredients.

You want a broad spectrum sunscreen or sunblock. Use a thick greasy formula because they tend to be water resistant or very water resistant. Look for products that contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide for the best protection. You want a SPF of at least 30.

Babies six months and older can use sunscreen. Your pediatrician may okay their use with younger children.

How to apply sun protection

Most people don't use enough sunscreen or sunblock, even on children. You should apply enough sunscreen that would fill a shot glass. Reapply it every hour and a half to two hours, depending on how water resistant the product is and whether or not your child is in the water or has dried off with a towel.

Apply the sunscreen inside at least 15 minutes before you actually go outside, preferably before you dress your child in a bathing suit. Remember that while a bathing suit may provide some protection, most suits aren't made to block the sun.

Complete your sun protection for your baby with a hat, sunglasses and other protective clothing.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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