Protecting Your Baby from UV Rays

Summertime is here and most of us love to spend time in the sun, whether at the beach or in a park. While many of us are getting in the habit of taking care of our own skin from harmful UV rays, it is doubly important to protect our baby's skin. Baby's skin is much fairer and thinner than adult skin, so the impact of sun exposure can take place very quickly and be more severe than overexposure in adults. Dermatologists have seen a correlation between the number of sunburns received as a child and the number of adult skin cancers. Furthermore, most sun-related skin damage incurred throughout our lifetimes occurs during childhood.

Physically blocking the sun's rays is probably the best way to avoid sun damage. Hats with wide brims can protect little heads, which can have little to no hair, from exposure while also shading the face. Eye protection is also important for sensitive eyes. Sunglasses like those offered by Babybanz (Babybanz.com) can protect your baby's eyes, and are difficult for them to remove themselves.

It is important to be familiar with SPFs (sun protection factors). These are a measure of protection from UV-B rays, which are the most harmful to human skin. A product with an SPF of 15, for example, will allow an average person to stay out in the sun 15 longer than if they were unprotected. Normal summer weight clothing has a natural SPF of about 6-7. Baby clothing with built-in SPF factors greater than everyday clothing are available from vendors such as coolibar.com.

Sunscreens are another way to block sun's rays and can be used when exposure is unavoidable. Many sunscreens contain chemicals, which may not be good for baby's skin. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are effective UV blocking agents, and a sunscreen containing either of these compounds generally does not contain chemicals and are safe for babies. However, check the labels and if your sunscreen does contain chemicals, make sure to test a small patch of baby's skin before applying over the body to make sure he is not allergic. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should be used, which will block nearly 97% of the UV-B rays from penetrating the skin. Anything greater than an SPF of 30 offers little extra protection, so is not necessary.

At the present time, most sunblocks only block UV-B rays. However, UV-A rays are also present in the summer sun and are penetrated in deeper layers of the skin. These rays generally do not produce a sunburn (which is why most sunscreens only protect against UV-B) but are responsible for some skin cancers, and most of the aging effects seen later in life. Products such as those offered by California Baby (californiababy.com) are protective of both types of radiation and are chemical-free for those parents concerned about chemical exposure.

The efficacy and safety of sunscreens have only been tested on babies over the age of 6 months. So, it is best to keep infants under 6 months of age completely covered up or in the shade. However, if exposure is unavoidable, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a small amount of sunscreen can be applied to exposed areas such as hands and neck.

After six months of age, sunscreen should be applied at least 30 minutes before exposure, and be reapplied at least every two hours, particularly if your baby is sweating or swimming. Make sure that sunscreen is applied correctly and liberally.

The sun's rays are strongest between 10 am and 2 pm, so try to avoid exposure during these hours. It is also important to note that even on an overcast day, about 80% of the sun's ultraviolet rays can pass through the clouds, so these tips should be utilized whenever you have your baby outside anytime during the summertime months.

Following these few tips can make spending time in the summer sun an enjoyable, safe experience for the entire family. Oh, and don't forget to protect yourself as well!