A Little More Wisdom
Pediatricians don’t recommend sunscreen for newborns, because newborns shouldn’t be in the sun. They should be protected with umbrellas, blankets or canopies. When your baby is six months old, you can find a sunscreen formulated for babies.
Little things matter, especially when it comes to summertime fun with baby. Protecting your baby’s sensitive skin from the sun’s harsh rays is critically important. That’s why you need to know the ABC’s about SPF, UV and UPF.
For babies younger than 6 months old, the safest option is to keep them out of the sun. Baby’s sensitive skin is not yet ready for the chemicals in sunscreens, even the most gentle formulas. Plus, baby’s are unable to regulate their temperature, so you don’t want her to get overheated.
If you’re taking your infant on a beach vacay, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests you dress her in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade her neck to prevent sunburn. Use SPF clothing, umbrellas and sun shades for maximum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays come in handy.
Taking a vacay soon? We’ve got helpful tips for travelling with baby on our Little Remedies® blog!
Read labels on swim gear
When it comes to protective clothing, UPF 50+ fabric is the highest rated sun protection, because it block's 98% of UVA and UVB rays. UPF is the SPF equivalent for UV clothing. Knowing the proper UPF number comes in handy when you’re shopping for full-coverage swimsuits or long-sleeve rash guards.
Slather on that sunscreen
In addition to gear, you’ll need the right kind of sunscreen. Choose a gentle suncreen with SPF 30-50. Why not SPF 90? Higher SPF sunscreens could give you a false sense of security, so you may not reapply as often as you should.
Keep slathering it on
The key to sunscreen protection is reapplying it often, like every two hours. As your baby gets bigger, apply more often if she’s swimming or sweating. Sunscreen application isn’t a one and done.
Active ingredients you want
Check the bottle label for these two active ingredients: three percent avobenzone or zinc oxide (in natural products). Both do the best job of filtering UVA radiation across the spectrum.
What are your summer must-haves for baby when it comes to sun protection? Let us know in the comments section on the Little Remedies® Facebook page.
About Cathy Hale
Cathy Hale is a nationally recognized writer and lifestyle blogger.
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About Cathy Hale
Cathy Hale is a nationally recognized writer, lifestyle blogger, autism advocate and proud mother of two. In 2008, she began navigating the wild world of motherhood as a mom blogger after her oldest son was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Cathy's candid perspective about raising a child on the autism spectrum garnered national interest. Cathy has contributed articles and appeared in lifestyle powerhouses like Babble, iVillage, Betty Confidential, SELF, HLN, Marie Claire, Parents and Parenting. Cathy grew up in Richmond, Virginia, and attended Virginia Commonwealth University where she graduated with a BA in English and a German minor. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her family and writes about life in the Texas Hill Country for LakeTravisLifestyle.com.