Tips for Protecting Babies From the Sun

 

Living in Florida, many parents are concerned about the sun exposure their babies receive.   However, the information regarding how best to protect babies can be confusing!  At FSC, we have a few simple tips to help ensure your little one stays healthy and protected from the sun’s harmful rays. 

 

First, keep your infant out of direct sunlight, especially during the peak sun hours of 10 am – 4pm.  Strollers, trees, and patios can help provide relief from the sun.  Second, sun protection can begin when you dress your baby in the morning.  Dress your baby in light-weight, breathable, long sleeved clothing.  Bright colors provide increased sun protection compared to whites and pastels.  Also, protect your baby’s eyes and face with sunglasses and a wide brimmed hat.  Third, when traveling, seat your baby in the center of the back seat, away from windows, when possible.  UV-blocking films can also be applied to car windows to decrease sun exposure while traveling. 

 

Finally, sunscreen usage in infants is controversial.  Infant skin is thinner, making it more susceptible to the chemicals in sunscreen.  Infants also have an increased body surface area when compared to adults, which increases the amount of sunscreen that is used and can penetrate into the skin.  Also, infants may lick their fingers and ingest the sunscreen after it is applied.  Therefore, recommendations on sunscreen usage in infants can vary.  The FDA and The Skin Cancer Foundation recommend using sunscreen only in babies older than six months old, while The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests sunscreen be applied to infants younger than six months only when other protective options are not available and only on small areas of skin.  Based on these recommendations, it is best, when possible, to wait until six months of age before applying sunscreen to your infant.  Whenever you decide to begin using sunscreen on your baby, make sure to first apply the product to a small area to ensure your baby can tolerate the sunscreen.  Avoid the ingredients PABA and oxybenzone, which can cause skin reactions. 

 

It is important for everyone to follow sun safety precautions, but it is especially vital for babies.  Many options exist for keeping your little one safe and healthy in the Florida sun.  Ask FSC about the sunscreen options we have available to protect your whole family.