Protecting Your Infant's Skin from the Sun

Severe sunburns in childhood can lead to skin cancer in later life, so it's important to protect your baby's skin from sunburn. This article provides helpful tips for protecting your baby from the sun.

One sunny spring day in California, I took my three-month-old baby to church. Temperatures were already in the 70's, so we didn't worry too much about wrapping her up. She was wearing a dress and socks, and I think she had a jacket for outside.

But after the service, one of the older ladies solemnly pulled me aside and told me that I really needed to have my baby in shoes and a hat, to protect her from sun and cold.

We were indoors, and it was over 70 degrees even outside, but whatever. People are always willing to tell you how to parent.

But seriously, if you are taking your baby outside, you do need to make sure she's adequately protected from the sun. Baby sunscreens are available, but WebMD says that experts actually recommend not using chemical sunscreens on babies under six months old. So what's a parent to do? Here are some tips.

Just stay out of the sun. You can't stay indoors all the time; in fact, a little sun is healthy for babies (they can get a little vitamin D from 10-15 minutes in the sun). But you can minimize exposure by staying in the shade as much as possible. Also, avoid staying out in the sun during its peak hours of intensity between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Wear hats. Big, floppy baby hats are adorable and widely available. Pick one up and use it. Grab a hat for yourself, too, and be a good role model! If you're worried that baby's face won't be fully shaded, it's OK to use a very small amount of sunscreen on her cheeks and nose.

Dress baby appropriately. If you're going to be out in the sun, choose loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing that will block the sun's rays, yet not be too warm. Make sure arms and legs are covered. If you're worried about hands or other areas being exposed, use a very small dab of baby sunscreen.

Use a sunshade. Taking a walk? Use a stroller with a sunshade to block those rays. In the car, use a sunshade on any windows where the sun might peek in. The pull-down shades are great for this, as you can install them on several windows and just pull them down when needed. If you spend time in your yard, consider a sun umbrella or awning.

Consider baby sunglasses. If you need sunglasses outside, your baby probably does too. Sun exposure can damage a baby's eyes. If you can find glasses that fit, and your baby is willing to wear them, they can provide additional protection. If this doesn't work out, make sure your baby's hat brim provides adequate eye protection.

Sources:

WebMD, "Baby Skin Care: Baby Lotions, Powders, Soaps and Sunscreens", http://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/baby-skin-care-lotions-powders-soaps-sunscreens?page=2

AskDrSears.com, "Sun Protection" http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/t110226.asp