Sun Safety Tips for your Baby’s Protection

Protecting your baby’s delicate skin from the sun’s harsh rays is extremely essential as your baby’s skin is far more vulnerable and prone to sun damage than your own. To know more about why sun protection is so important for babies, read our blog ‘8 Reasons your Baby needs Sunscreen too’.

Here’s a look at some important sun safety tips that will help you protect your baby’s skin from sun damage:

1. Try and avoid exposure to harsh and direct sunlight
As your baby’s skin is extremely sensitive and delicate, when their naked skin is exposed to harsh and direct sunlight, it can easily lead to sunburn which is extremely painful and harmful for your little one. To prevent sunburn, keep your baby out of direct sunlight, especially between 11 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s rays are the harshest. If you are outdoors, try and find a nice shaded area for you and your little one. Cover your baby’s stroller with a light muslin sheet or the stroller canopy.

2. Dress your baby in natural fabrics that are loose and comfortable
Clothing is one of the best defenses against the sun’s rays as it helps filter UV radiation. Try and cover your baby’s skin as far as possible with loose clothing that’s made from natural and breathable fibers like organic cotton. A wide-brimmed hat is also perfect for protecting your baby’s tiny head.

3. Use a mild, baby-safe sunblock daily
Apply a gentle sunblock that’s safe for babies to protect your baby’s skin from sun damage right from the beginning. Gently apply the sunblock on your baby’s face and body when dry, avoiding the eyes. Don't skip the tops of the feet, back of the knees, forehead, neck and back of the ears. Always make sure you apply the sunblock at least 20 minutes before you go outdoors. If your baby is sweating or in a pool, then reapply the sunblock every 90 minutes.

4. Don’t skip sun protection even when it’s cloudy or you’re indoors
Whenever skin is exposed to sunlight, it is exposed to UV rays. It doesn’t matter if you’re indoors or outdoors. UVA rays can even penetrate clouds so it’s important to apply sunscreen on a cloudy or overcast day as well.

5. Keep your baby hydrated from the inside
Protect your little one and prevent dehydration by making sure they are always well hydrated. This helps keep their skin healthy and nourished.

How to pick a sunblock lotion that’s safe for your little one:

• Look for a sunblock that’s specially-formulated for babies & children
  Shield your baby’s delicate skin from the sun’s rays with a mild sunblock lotion such as the Softsens SPF 30 Sunblock Lotion that is specially formulated for baby’s sensitive skin and can be safely used by the whole family. It should be hypoallergenic and made without parabens, sulphates, phthalates, alcohol or any harmful chemicals.
  
  
• Do a patch test
  Follow this practice when you use any new product on your baby’s skin. Do a patch test on your own skin first and then on a small area of your baby’s skin, preferably on their back. If you do notice any redness or irritation after, then it is probably best to switch to a milder product or consult your pediatrician.
  
  
• Avoid a sunblock with SPF over 50
  Choose a sunblock that has SPF (sun protection factor) between 15 to 50. It’s a fallacy that a higher SPF offers much more protection. In fact, tests show that SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, SPF 50 filters around 98% UVB rays, and SPF 100 blocks around 99%. For babies, experts recommend that the SPF should be no more than 50. A broad-spectrum sunblock with SPF of 30 is typically ideal for your little one. What you need to ensure is that you reapply it every few hours for maximum protection.
  
  
• It should have both UVA & UVB protection
  Pick a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum sun protection. This means that it offers protection from both UVA & UVB radiation which can harm baby’s skin.
  
  
• Check the ingredients
  Choose a sunblock with mild and gentle ingredients. Zinc Oxide is an important ingredient in sunblock lotion as it helps create a barrier between the sun’s rays and your baby’s skin, thus offering gentle protection. It also gently heals and treats damaged skin. Softsens SPF 30 Sunblock Lotion is enriched with the goodness of Zinc Oxide along with natural ingredients like avocado extracts, carrot extracts and Vitamin E that protect, hydrate and nourish your baby’s skin, thus providing all-round care.
  
  
• Pick a water-resistant sunblock
  Although sunblock should always be reapplied every 90 minutes if your baby is sweating or in water, it is best to get a water-resistant sunblock lotion.
  
  

How do you protect your delicate little ones from the sun? Tell us your best sun protection tips in the comments below.