Mineral/physical blockers: Chemicals like oxybenzone and octisalate are often used in non-mineral sunscreens and work by sinking into the skin and then absorbing and deferring UV rays. When choosing a sunscreen to use on your child, look for these five key components:īroad-spectrum coverage: Since UVB rays cause sunburns and UVA rays can prematurely age skin and cause melanoma, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect from both types of rays. What Type of Sunscreen is Best for Babies? Agnese, “so be mindful of a situation where sunlight gets reflected back onto them, like a pool.” So be sure to apply sunscreen even if kiddo is fully shaded, because you never know where UV rays might be reflected onto their skin. Applying sunscreen is still an important step that you shouldn’t leave out of your outdoor routine, but always use sunscreen in addition to other preventative measures.Īnother thing to keep in mind: “Indirect sun can cause a burn too,” says Dr. The most important thing to do is to limit direct sun exposure (find or create shade) and keep baby’s skin covered. The key thing to remember: sunscreen should be a secondary preventative measure against sunburn.
And remember, it takes about 30 minutes for sunscreen to do its magic, so be sure to apply before you head outdoors. Since a sunburn can happen in as little as 10 minutes-depending on how fair your skin is and the time of day-you’ll want to have a baby-friendly sunscreen handy. The above guidance also applies to babies six months and older-and you, too!-but once they’re around that age, you can start to apply sunscreen to them as well. Stick to mineral sunscreens (more on that in a moment) that come in lotion or stick form. In that case, “if any areas of the body are not covered for some reason, like the face, backs of hands, or any other part, then yes, please apply sunscreen!” says pediatrician Dr. and 2 p.m.īut we get it, sometimes you can’t avoid direct sunlight. Instead, keep them out of direct sun and use preventive measures like seeking out shade (or making your own with a beach or shade tent), outfitting them in sun hats, light and breathable long sleeves and long pants (or clothes with sun protection of UPF 30 or higher), and avoiding times of intense rays between 10 a.m. You shouldn’t slather sunscreen all over babies under six months old. From sunburns to skin damage to skin cancer, exposure to direct sunlight can have harmful effects-especially on young, sensitive skin.Įnter: Sunscreen. Everybody needs their Vitamin D, and getting a dose of fresh sunshine is the best way to get it.īut as we all know, too much of a good thing can be, well, a bad thing.
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