Sunscreen for Babies: When You Can Begin Using It And Which One To Choose?

Keeping the children's health and safety in mind at all times is one of the most important duties as parents. And selecting the appropriate sunscreen becomes crucial when it comes to shielding our infants from the sun's harmful rays. There are many reasons why you should protect your child with sunscreen, like protection from sunburn that can cause redness and blistering on the skin. Long-term skin damage, such as early ageing and skin cancer, can also result from it. Sunburn can also result in heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can be fatal. Also, sunscreen protects from UV damage that can harm skin even on cloudy or overcast days.

Sunscreen for Babies: When You Can Begin Using It And Which One To Choose?

 

Keeping the children's health and safety in mind at all times is one of the most important duties as parents. And selecting the appropriate sunscreen becomes crucial when it comes to shielding our infants from the sun's harmful rays. There are many reasons why you should protect your child with sunscreen, like protection from sunburn that can cause redness and blistering on the skin. Long-term skin damage, such as early ageing and skin cancer, can also result from it. Sunburn can also result in heat exhaustion or heatstroke, which can be fatal. Also, sunscreen protects from UV damage that can harm skin even on cloudy or overcast days.

In this article, we'll explore the importance of sun protection for babies, which one to choose, and how and where to use sunscreens on children.

What to look for when choosing a sunscreen?

Sunscreen, also known as sunblock or sun cream, is a topical product that protect the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

When purchasing sunscreen, there are five key characteristics to consider, which are:

• Give Protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
• Has an SPF of 30 or above.
• Possess water-resistant properties that keep children safe for 40–80 minutes in the water.
• Is hypoallergenic (having few allergy-producing substances).
• It should be a natural formulation.
  
  

At What Age Can Babies Wear Sunscreen?

The appropriate age to apply sunscreen to a baby is when they are 6 months old. Babies under 6 months old are at greater risk of developing sunscreen side effects, like a rash. The best protection for infants is to keep them out of the direct sun entirely.

The skin of a newborn does not fully mature until approximately two months of age. Hence, wearing lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and trousers, or keeping your baby in the shade as much as possible, are better options for protecting their skin than using sunscreen. A hat with a wide brim can also protect their neck and face.

 

Which Sunscreen Is the Best?

Sunscreen can be broadly divided into two categories:

• Mineral sunscreen: They are sometimes referred to as inorganic sunscreens that function as a shield against the sun's rays by sitting on top of the skin, and reflecting the sun's rays; rather than being absorbed into the skin. These types of sunscreens are less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions.

They contain titanium or zinc in their labels.  Zinc and titanium mineral filters are FDA approved for usage in  babies. These two filters are GRASE I (Generally Regarded as Safe and Effective) as per the US FDA. So, look for a sunscreen that contains only mineral filters. Mineral sunscreen is immediately effective when applied, although perspiration or water can rapidly remove it, so reapplication is important.

 

• Chemical sunscreen: They are sometimes referred to as organic sunscreen. They have chemicals in them that absorb into the skin to block UV radiation. These sunscreens contain a variety of chemicals, including avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone.

 

 

 

Sunscreen for Babies: How, When, and Where to Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen must be applied correctly in order to work as intended:

• Whenever your children will be outside in the sun, apply sunscreen. Apply it 15 to 30 minutes before the kids go outside for the maximum effects.
  
  
• Remember to pay attention to your shoulders, hands, feet, ears, and back of your neck. Straps on bathing suits should be raised so sunscreen can be applied underneath (in case the straps move as a child moves).
  
  
• Use lip balm with SPF 30 to protect lips.
  
  
• Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen, cover the exposed regions of the body with one ounce. An additional method is to apply the "teaspoon rule." Apply nine tablespoons of sunscreen to your entire body: For the face and neck, use one teaspoon for the face and neck, one teaspoon for the front and rear of the chest, one teaspoon for each arm, and two teaspoons for each leg.
  
  
  
• If children will be near water or swimming, use sunscreen that is resistant to water. Some sunscreens that are sweat- and water-resistant can withstand up to 80 minutes in the water. Nevertheless, make sure to reapply sunscreen when youngsters get out of the water, regardless of the label indicating water resistance.
  
  
• In addition to using sunscreen, parents should take extra safety measures to shield their child's skin. Children should avoid being outdoor between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., seek out shade when outside, and dress in UV protective gear such as a hat and sunglasses.

 

Sunburn and long-term skin damage can lead to Many health problems, including skin cancer and heatstroke. By using sunscreen, parents can preserve their child's skin and maintain their general health and well-being. Talk to your pediatrician or dermatologist before using any sunscreen on your baby. These signs include fussiness, redness, and excessive crying. Hydrate! Give your child formula or breast milk if you’re out in the sun for more than a few minutes. 

If you have any questions related to your child’s skin or which sunscreen would be the best, you can check with our pediatrician or dermatologist at Ask a doctor, 24x7.