Baby sun protection

Building sandcastles on the beach, playing outside, and going on holiday: your child's skin is frequently exposed to the sun. The skin of babies and toddlers is particularly delicate as their natural protection mechanisms and pigment are not yet fully developed. Therefore, it's crucial to provide excellent baby sun protection for your little one.

Damage caused by UV radiation

For young children, UV radiation is especially harmful. Their skin cells are highly vulnerable. As babies and toddlers grow rapidly, cell division occurs so quickly that there's often insufficient time to repair damaged cells before they divide again. This results in tiny 'scars' within the cells that children carry for life. The more scars the skin has, the higher the risk of developing skin cancer. Essentially, the skin remembers all damage. Don't give your child's skin a history of burning and ensure proper sun protection on your child!

Apply sunscreen

Incorporate sunscreen application into your daily routine starting in March or April. Focus particularly on exposed areas like the face, ears, neck, arms, and legs. Opt for an SPF 50+ product, as the highest protection is vital for the delicate skin of babies and toddlers. Choose a sunscreen free from fragrances (which can irritate children's skin and offer no benefits) and unnecessary irritants such as parabens, dyes, and emulsifiers. Instead, select products with strong protective filters and nourishing ingredients.

Children should be able to play and swim freely, so choose a waterproof sunscreen. Additionally, consider leaving a bottle of sunscreen at daycare and ask the staff to ensure your child is well protected during outdoor activities.

Tips for playing safely in the sun:

1. How to protect baby from sun

Doctors recommend keeping children under 3 years old completely out of direct sunlight. Seek shade and avoid the sun between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

2. Use of sunscreen

Select a high SPF (50+) sunscreen specially formulated for babies and toddlers. Apply it 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming. Apply about half a teaspoon of sunscreen to your child's face to ensure proper protection; using less will reduce its effectiveness.

3. Baby sun protection clothing

Dress your baby in lightweight, baby sun protection clothing such as long sleeves and hats. This helps shield their sensitive skin. Provide your child with a sun hat or consider UV-protective clothing. There are adorable surf suits available that offer optimal skin protection.

4. Hydration for your baby

Ensure your baby drinks enough water to prevent dehydration especially on hot days.

5. Additional precautions

Use a parasol or beach umbrella and keep sunglasses handy to protect your baby's eyes. Schedule activities for early morning or late afternoon to avoid the peak sun intensity.

Enjoy the sun, as we all need it. Did you know that 1 in 3 children has a Vitamin D deficiency? Playing outside and enjoying the sun is healthy.

Kabrita wishes you and your family a wonderful summer!

Tip: Also read our blog about diaper rash.