Sun Safety for Infants


Sun safety is crucial when protecting our little ones, especially for infants under 6 months of age. Their delicate skin and developing eyes are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV radiation. Here are some essential sun safety tips to ensure your baby stays safe and happy.
  1. Keep Out of Direct Sunlight:  
    Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid irritation and sun damage. The best sun protection is the shade.

  2. Sunscreen:
    • 0-6 Month: Avoid using sunscreen on infants under 6 months old. According to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals, infants are not "able to metabolize and excrete chemicals often found in sunscreens."
    • 6-12 Months: For babies over 6 months, use sunscreen formulated for infant skin with a minimum SPF of 30 and water resistance. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before exposure and reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming. Opt for a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free sunscreen.

      Note: Always test the sunscreen by applying a small amount on a limited area of the skin to ensure no allergic reactions.
  3. Opt for Sun-Protective Clothing:
    Dress your infant in lightweight, breathable clothing covering both arms and legs. Pure cotton is a great fabric option as it is very breathable. Monitor your babies' comfort levels and ensure that they are not too hot. Signs of heat rash include fussiness, redness, and excessive crying.

    FDA expert tip: "If you hold the fabric against your hand and it's sheer enough to see through it, it probably doesn't offer enough protection."
  4. Keep a Fresh Diaper:
    A fresh diaper is key to a happy and healthy baby. Babies can be even more prone to diaper rash during the summer due to increased humidity and temperatures. Make sure always to replace a soiled diaper and clean the area thoroughly. After cleaning, immediately pat your baby dry gently, apply a nourishing moisturizer followed by bébé Bottoms™ diaper rash crème spray to keep their skin hydrated and protected. The easy-to-use, touch-free application prevents diaper rash and soothes delicate skin, making diaper changes a breeze, even on the hottest days.
  5. Wide Brimmed Hats:
    Get your baby a wide-brimmed hat that provides share to their face, neck, and ears.
  6. Utilize Stoller Shades and Umbrellas:
    Stroller shades and umbrellas are great for on-the-go sun protection. Remember, the best protection is shade!
  7. Shield Windows in the Car
    The sun can pierce car windows and cause sunburns and irritation. Opt for a removable mesh window shield to keep direct sunlight from coming through the windows, helping to reduce UV exposure without reducing visibility.
  8. Sunglasses with UVA/UVB Protection:
    Get your baby a pair of sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection to eliminate overexposure to UV Radiation and eye damage.
  9. Hydrate!
    Like always, you must keep your baby hydrated to maintain healthy skin. Infants less than 6 months of age should drink breastmilk or formula to keep them hydrated. And for babies that are at least 6 months of age, make sure you give water and "fluids to them regularly in the form of fruits or fruit juices".
  10. Be mindful of the time of Day:
    Avoid the hottest parts of the Day! The sun is strongest from 10 AM to 4 PM. Plan to go out in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid sun damage and too much heat.

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References:

American Academy of Dermatology. (n.d.). Sun protection for babies. American Academy of Dermatology.

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevent/sun-babies

Atlanta Medical Dermatology. (n.d.). Diaper rash and summer. Atlanta Medical Dermatology.

https://www.atlantamedicaldermatology.com/blog/diaper-rash-and-summer/

Bébé Bottoms. (n.d.). Diaper rash 101. Bébé Bottoms.

https://bebebottoms.com/diaper-rash-101

Children's Health. (n.d.). Keeping your baby safe and cool in summer. Children's Health.

https://www.childrens.com/health-wellness/keeping-your-baby-safe-and-cool-in-summer

Columbia University Irving Medical Center. (n.d.). The best summer skin care products for kids. Columbia University Irving Medical Center.

https://www.cuimc.columbia.edu/news/best-summer-skin-care-products-kids

Motherhood Chaitanya. (n.d.). 10 ways to prevent diaper rashes in summer. Motherhood Chaitanya.

https://www.motherhoodchaitanya.com/10-ways-to-prevent-diaper-rashes-in-summer/

Stanford Children's Health. (n.d.). Skin care tips for safe fun in the summer sun. Stanford Children's Health.

https://healthier.stanfordchildrens.org/en/skin-care-tips-safe-fun-summer-sun/

Texas Children's Hospital. (n.d.). Caring for your child’s skin during summer. Texas Children's Hospital.

https://www.texaschildrens.org/content/wellness/caring-your-childs-skin-during-summer

The Gazette. (n.d.). Get to the bottom of summer diaper rash. The Gazette.

https://gazette.com/contributor-content/get-to-the-bottom-of-summer-diaper-rash/article_4299f66e-3fca-11ef-a7bc-67d3d52b0d6a.html

UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals. (n.d.). Sun safety for children and babies. UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals.

https://www.ucsfbenioffchildrens.org/education/sun-safety-for-children-and-babies

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (n.d.). Should you put sunscreen on infants? Not usually. U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/should-you-put-sunscreen-infants-not-usually