As the summer approaches, so does the desire to spend some time outside. We want to have fun with our children and spend some time having fun in the sun, but we need to make sure to take care of their skin too. Because of the sensitivity of the baby’s skin, we need to make sure that we do what is best for them.
Here are some tips to follow to help keep our babies skin safe.
- For babies 6 months and younger, the AAP has now stated that sunnscreen can be used sparingly and on smaller parts of the body such as the face or the back of the hands. You will want to use appropriate clothing and use the sunscreen when needed. You still will want to avoid the direct sunlight and be in the shade when possible.
- Make sure to use sunscreen- designed for children or babies and at least SPF 25, and also protects against UVB and UVA rays. (Moms and Dads- make sure to apply the sunscreen too.) You should apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside to let the sunscreen begin to work. If you are outside for longer periods, make sure to reapply the sunscreen every 2 hours.
- Remember that when you go outside even if the it is overcast, your skin can still get burned and you need to use sunscreen.
- Use long sleeved shirts and pants made of 100% cotton. It will be cooler for them and protect their skin from the direct sun.
- Use a hat, preferably one that has a brim that goes around the entire hat to protect their face, but also their neck.
- Make sure to take liquids with you, whether water, formula, or breastmilk we need to keep them hydrated.
- Don’t go outside when the sun is the strongest. Avoid going out in the sun during 10 a.m to 4 p.m. .
Here are some tips to help if your baby does get a sunburn.
- Keep them in the shade until the sunburn has gone away, you will not want to expose the already burnt skin the sun.
- Have your baby take a cool bath (not cold), and apply cool, wet compresses to help with the heat.
- If they are old enough, you can apply aloe vera gel.
If you do have questions, you will always want to call your pediatrician. Also, if the sunburn is more severe and you begin to get blisters, you will want to call the doctor.
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