Should we apply sunscreen to the baby's skin??? A thought-provoking question.

A trip to the beach or a quick roll in the park is something that every parent and child should experience, and it is important to keep your little one safe from the sun's radiation and heat waves. The fact is that baby skin is a lot more sensitive and delicate than adults'. If it is not protected, heat rashes and sunburn increase.

Now, what should a parent do to protect the baby? Covering the toddler in layers of clothes to spend a day is generally considered one of the choices, especially for under 6 months. Babies shouldn't be in the sun and can keep firmly in the shade with UPF clothing, hats, etc. But UV can penetrate the skin in the shade with a hat and even with all protective UPF clothing when walking or holding your baby in the broad sun's daylight.

Sun Protection for Infants: Guidelines and Recommendations

For babies under six months:

So, if your baby is under six months, try to keep your baby out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends avoiding direct sunlight and use of protective clothing. It's not practical to rub sunscreen into an infant's skin; it's still developing and is very sensitive.

For babies aged six months and older:

The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD) recommends the application of sunscreen for babies who have reached the age of 6 months. However, it is imperative to exercise caution in choosing the right sunscreen. Given their delicate skin, babies require specialized care and protection. Careful selection of sunscreen is essential to safeguard your baby from the harmful effects of UV rays.

One should look for some essential things when choosing the sunscreen for the babies:

1. Go for Natural/ Mineral based Sunscreen: Choose sunscreens made from 100% natural ingredients with no artificial preservatives. Check out these ERBAVIVA and JULIEA LOOPY (Specifically designed for babies)

2. Avoid scented Sunscreens: Fragnance-free and color-free sunscreen should be your No. 1 priority.

3. Use SPF 30 or above: Use a baby-specific sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 or above.

4. Water-resistant sunscreens: Always choose water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher.

5. Protection against UVA & UVB rays: The sunscreen protects against harmful UVA and UVB rays.

6. Avoid Sunscreens with harsh chemicals: Choose a sunscreen formulated for babies that are parabens-free and don’t have any harsh chemicals that can irritate a baby's sensitive skin.

Some healthy tips for applying sunscreen on babies:

1. Patch Test: Before applying sunscreen on the baby’s entire body, perform a patch test on the small area of the skin to check for any adverse reaction or irritation.

2. Apply Generously: Apply ample product to cover all the body parts exposed to the sun. Pay extra attention to the face, ears, neck, and top of their hands and feet.

3. Apply 15-20 minutes before sun exposure: Apply the sunscreen for at least 20 minutes before going to the sun. And re-apply after every 2 hours.

4. Consult a Pediatrician: If you have concerns about using sunscreen or your baby's skin condition, it is recommended to consult your pediatrician first.

"The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions about a medical condition or health objectives."