Protecting Your Baby's Skin in the Summer Sun

Protect Your Baby's Sensitive Skin from the Hot Summer Sun

Contributed by Tara Hilton, a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who specializes in the care of infants.

You love your little one and want to him/her safe, so it only makes sense that you want to protect your baby from the summer sun.

Did you know that children who experience just one bad sunburn have a twofold risk of developing melanoma later in life? Protection from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation should begin early and continue throughout one’s lifetime.

Children under age two years have more sensitive skin that offers minimal protection against harmful ultraviolet radiation, allowing skin damage to occur within minutes of exposure to direct sunlight. Such damage can occur as early as a baby’s very first summer.

But don’t have to worry, you can take some simple steps to keep your baby safe. According to the pediatric sunscreen and sun safety guidelines, avoiding exposure to the sunlight is the safest and most reliable way to protect your child’s delicate skin. Avoid being outdoors between 10am and 4pm when the sun is strongest. The next step is to dress you child in protective clothing such as a wide brimmed hat, ultraviolet protective factor clothing (labeled UPF) and lightweight and tightly knit long sleeved shirts and pants to protect the skin while allowing the child to remain cool during hot summer temperatures. If your child is in a baby carrier or stroller, ensure the canopy is pulled over to shield him or her from the sun. Be mindful of easily missed spots such as the ankle and foot area. A curled up pant leg or a missing sock causes this area to become exposed that may not be shielded by the canopy.  Placing a lightweight and tightly knit blanket at the base of the baby’s legs can help offer protection against the sun (think a half-swaddle.)

Due to the delicate nature of a baby’s skin, the use of sunscreen on a baby earlier than 6 months of age is not recommended. The outermost layer of a baby’s skin is prone to irritation and the use of sunscreen in infant’s less than 6 months has been known to cause serious rashes and skin reactions. The American Academy of Pediatrics does recommend using sunscreen if sun exposure is unavoidable as the risk of sun exposure is greater than the application of sunscreen.

Although I try and recommend choosing organic when it comes to fruits and veggies, this is not the case for sunscreens. Inorganic sun filters consist of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (also found in commonly used baby products such as Balmex and Desitin diaper rash creams) that offer dual protection against UVA and UVB radiation. Inorganic sun filters are known to be mild and have less potential for irritation. Sadly, most organic sunscreens are irritating to the skin and eyes and offer less protection against UV radiation.

After 6 months of age, apply sunscreen liberally to all areas about 20 minutes before going outdoors to allow for maximum penetration. Avoid sunscreens that contain oxybenzone as there is concern for hormonal effects with exposure. Look for products containing both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide offer dual protection against UVA and UVB radiation. Wear sunglasses that provide only 99%-100% UV protection. Be sure to use SPF 15-30 (limited research to suggest >SPF 30 offers greater protection).

Although that teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini looks adorable on your little one, two piece suits offer limited sun protection. I discovered this brand last year at a pediatric conference. UV Skinz was founded by a mother of 3 who lost her husband at the age of 32 years to skin cancer. Her products offer SPF 50 protection as well as cover most areas of the body. I love her line for babies! Her swimwear offers a great degree of protection against harmful UV radiation in cute patterns and at reasonable prices. You can check this link to her line below.

http://www.uvskinz.com

Blurb about me:

Tara Hilton is a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who specializes in the care of infants. She has over 10 years of experience as a neonatal intensive care unit nurse and works as a nurse practitioner and lactation coordinator at a newborn and lactation clinic located in upper Manhattan. She also conducts private home visits for mothers with breastfeeding issues. Her interests include yoga, promotion of natural child birth, exclusive breastfeeding and healthy child development. To reach Tara directly, please email her at healthybabiesbreastfeed@gmail.com

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