Memories are made when you spend time with your family doing something fun, and spending time by the pool or the beach certainly qualifies. Now, it’s likely that you’ll already understand the importance of sunscreen for your little one – who doesn’t, right? However, did you know that you shouldn’t use a baby sunscreen stick, spray or lotion on children under 6 months of age?
Well, that is the truth, and it’s for a very good reason. Let’s see what it is…
Why Baby Sunscreen Stick Shouldn’t Be Used Until At Least Month 7
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The problem lies in the delicate type of skin your baby has during the first few months of its life. It’s so delicate and new that it might not be able to keep the chemicals it contains out of the body as well as older skin can.
Moreover, the sensitive nature of skin this new means that it’s likely to suffer irritation and rashes when something synthetically manufactured comes into contact with it.
So, what are you supposed to do?
Keep Them Out of Direct Sunlight
Instead of slathering them up with lotion or applying a baby sunscreen stick, the much better option is to keep your baby out of direct sunlight altogether. The good news is that this doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t go out – as there are other ways to protect their delicate skin.
All it takes is a little forward planning. Here are a few tips…
- Use A Parasol In The Stroller – If you’ve got no shade to speak of, it doesn’t matter if you have a parasol attached to your stroller. That means the shade goes where you go!
- Stay Inside Between 10 am & 4 pm – the greatest risk exists when the sun is at its highest point in the sky, so you should avoid the 6 or so hours that are most intense, which is typically between 10 in the morning and 4 in the afternoon.
- Put Light-Colored, Lightweight Clothes on Them – if you dress your baby in light-colored, lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs, they’ll stay cool while also having any sun that does reach them reflected away.
- Hair is Not a Barrier – while having lots of hair affords a little protection, it won’t stop your baby from getting burnt on its head. A wide-brimmed hat is the best thing to use, as it will also cover the neck area.
It’s so important that you get sun protection right for your kids, as it takes just one bout of sunburn to increase their chances of skin cancer later in life. These are not just tips that make your life easier – they’re the key to giving your child life-long healthy skin.
Remember – The Risks Aren’t Just On Sunny Days!
Once your son or daughter reaches 6 months of age, you can introduce baby sunscreen stick into your routine, but until then, follow these basic rules and they’ll get to enjoy the outside without suffering the misery that is sunburn.
Just remember that it’s not just on bright, sunny days that you have to be wary of the sun’s rays. UVA rays can penetrate clouds, meaning you can still suffer sun damage if it’s overcast. So, implement these guidelines whenever you go out and you’ll never have to worry.
Suggested Reads:
7 Benefits Of Using A Protective Cover For Your Apple Watch
9 Reasons Why You Should Gain Access to Geo-Restricted Content
