If you are heading outside with your baby, protecting your little one from the sun’s bright rays is extra vital because that sensitive baby skin is extra susceptible to severe burns. So, How to Apply Sunscreen to Your Baby’s Skin? The excellent form of sun protection is prevention, so you try to stay inside the shade when the sun is at its strongest, about between 10 am and 4 pm. If you need to be outside in the sun during those times, you should be sure to take extra precautions, including applying sunscreen.
Here’s our advice about when babies could start apply sunscreen and how to choose one that’s safe.
When can babies wear sunscreen?
For newborns and babies under six months:Parents of babies under six months old could apply a minimal amount of baby-safe sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50 ( no lower than SPF 15) to tiny areas of the infant’s body. It is like the face, the back of hands, and the tops of the feet, starting when the child is a newborn.
For babies six months of age or older:Apply SPF 30 to 50 sunscreen made for the child to all exposed areas of the body.
For all babies:You should apply a small amount of the sunscreen you’re planning to use on a patch of your baby’s skin about 48 hours before you go out to check for irritation. If your child develops a rash, should talk to your pediatrician about unique sensitive skin formulas.
Be extra cautious around your child’s face. If your little one is squirmy, you should wait until she is calmer or distracts her with a toy. If sunscreen gets in her eyes, wipe them gently along with her little hands using a clean, damp cloth.
Notes: Sunscreen needs to be used year-round. Even in winter, the snow’s glare and the sun’s rays could combine to cause severe burns. And should remember, clouds don’t block UV rays, they filter them — which makes sunscreen a must any time your baby is outside.
How much sunscreen should babywear?
For babies, six months and older, spread a liberal amount of sunscreen, half a shot glass worth, all over any exposed skin about from 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. You don’t skimp — in this case, more is better unless your child is under six months old, in which case a tiny amount on exposed areas is our recommendation. Should pay special attention to the nose and ears, and protect the lips with a lip balm that has SPF 15 or higher in it.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours if it is waterproof if you are outside for long periods, your baby gets wet, or the sunscreen is not water-resistant. Just keep in your mind that sunscreen wears off after swimming or sweating, even if it is waterproof, and takes up to 30 minutes to be active after it is applied.
What kind of excellent sunscreen is safe for baby?
Some sunscreens are suitable for your baby than others. Here are some tips for buying sunscreen for your baby:
- Should try to choose a formula that is specifically for babies or children and waterproof, even if your tot will not be getting wet.
- To prevent rashes, please check the ingredients for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Also, these hypoallergenic ingredients sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed by it, like chemical sunscreens.
- The label says “broad-spectrum,” meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Opt for an SPF of 30 to 50 (no lower than 15). Experts often recommend against products that contain an SPF above 50 because they might not be any more effective than those with an SPF 50 sunblocks and can lead parents to believe they do not have to reapply as often.
- Should avoid sunscreens containinginsect repellents, since they are less active. If you need repellent (and your baby is older than two months, and your pediatrician gives you the go-ahead), you should buy it separately and spray it on only after you apply sunscreen.
Here are the best tips for how to apply sunscreen:
For babies less than six months old:
- As a general rule of thumb, you keep babies out of the sun as much as possible. Should avoid those peak, full sun hours from 10 am to 2 pm.
- Seek shade for your baby. Whether it is a lovely tree or a cover on the stroller, keep delicate newborn skin out of direct sunlight.
- Cover up! You should use lightweight, breathable pants and shirts and broad-rimmed hats. Babies this young will not rip them off yet, so let make the most of it.
For babies six months and older:
- We should use a chemical-free sunscreen with the active ingredients of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These two components are the best in providing broad-spectrum protection against the harmful UVA and UVB rays. Also, they are safe in sunscreen for babies. Babies often have more sensitive, thin skin and a larger surface-area to body-weight ratio. This also makes them more prone to irritation from sunscreen components. And, zinc oxide and titanium oxide are both hypoallergenic and non-irritating. They will not sting the eyes like other sunscreen components with chemicals.
- The American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.Baby Pibu’s Baby Sunscreenhas an SPF of 30+. An SPF number is the theoretical amount of time you could spend in the sun without getting sunburned. But you should be aware. Double the SPF does not necessarily mean you can stay out twice as long. It is important to reapply sunscreen every 1 ½ to 2 hours or after water exposure – even sweat. Many sunburns occur because of a lack of reapplication.
Notes:
- Announce shot glass full of sunscreen is required to cover an adult, so a quarter to half that is necessary to include a baby or toddler. Many people often get sunburns because they are not using enough sunscreen. Should be sure to slather your baby.
- Should apply sunscreen at least about 15 minutes before going out in the sun. It also takes a bit of time for the elements to bind to the skin and provide protection. A good tip is to apply sunscreen while putting on the swimsuits. This can ensure you cover all areas, especially around those swimsuit lines. If you can wait until you reach the pool or beach to apply sunscreen, your skin is exposed for a bit until the sunscreen takes effect.
Babies like to squirm and sometimes make our jobs slightly challenging, but creating a sunscreen routine is essential to protect their delicate skin. And while it can get messy – and even end up all over us – I would still prefer to put sunscreen on my son than trim that feral cat’s claws!
Should make it a ritual right from the start
I have never struggled with getting her two sons, who are from 6 to 8, to wear their swim shirts. They have never gone swimming outside without them, so they don’t know anything different, she said.
Children should understand early on: “The privilege of getting to do this fun action comes with the responsibility of caring for our skin while we do it,” she said.
“This is like everything in their life, like brushing our teeth. These are just good habits that we can create.”
Follow the helpful tips for putting sunscreen on infants, and you and your baby can reliably enjoy the great outdoors this spring.
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