Common Questions on Sun Protection for Babies

Not sure if your sun safety measures are enough? Keep reading to learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions from parents about sun protection for babies.

Does my baby really need a sunblock lotion?
Babies have extremely thin and sensitive skin which is more vulnerable to sun damage as their skin defense system is not appropriately developed yet. According to the experts, babies that are below the age of six months need extra care & protection from direct sunlight. Try and avoid exposure to direct sunlight through simple means such as staying in the shade when outdoors, and dressing your baby appropriately to shield their skin. However, in addition to that, applying a gentle sunblock that is safe and specially-formulated for babies will help shield your little one’s skin from sun damage. For babies that are under six months, you can apply a small amount of sunblock on their face, feet and top part of the hands. For babies that are above six months of age, you can apply the sunblock to any part of the skin that is exposed or not shielded by clothing. It is vital that the sunblock you use on your little one is made from mild ingredients, formulated for babies, hypoallergenic, broad-spectrum and free from parabens, alcohol and harmful chemicals. Try our specially-formulated water-resistant Softsens SPF 30 Sunblock Lotion for babies and moms. To know more about why babies need sunblock too, click here to read our blog – ‘8 reasons why babies need sunblock too’.

How do I prevent my baby from getting sunburnt?
Avoid direct sun exposure, especially during peak sunlight hours (11 am to 4 pm). Cover your baby’s skin in loose, cotton clothing and make them wear a wide-brimmed hat when you’re outdoors. Apply a proper layer of mild, baby-safe sunblock on your baby, such as the Softsens SPF 30 Sunblock lotion with broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection. For a complete checklist, check out our blog – ‘Sun safety tips for your baby’s protection’.

What is SPF and what SPF level should I look for when buying a sunblock lotion for my child?
SPF is short for Sun Protection Factor. The SPF level or number is basically an indication of the amount of time it would take for your skin to redden without any kind of sun protection. It’s a misconception that a higher SPF offers more effective sun protection. Studies have shown that there is very marginaldifference in the level of protection offered. 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’s really important is that you make sure to reapply it every 90 minutes to ensure proper sun protection.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB radiation? Do I need a sunblock that offers both UVA and UVB protection?
UVA and UVB radiation are the two main types of Ultra Violet radiation from the sun that reach the earth’s surface. While UVB radiation make up only 5% of the rays that reach us from the sun, these rays directly affect the topmost layer of your skin and causes sunburn and tanning. UVA radiation, on the other hand, makes up 95% of the radiation that hits us and actually penetrates skin on a much deeper level, leading to long-term skin damage, premature ageing and more. Both UVA & UVB radiation are harmful for your baby’s skin and that’s why it’s important to choose a baby-safe sunblock lotion that offers broad-spectrum UVA & UVB protection to safely care for your baby’s skin.

What ingredients should my baby’s sunblock lotion have and which ingredients should I avoid?
Being extremely thin and permeable, a baby’s skin easily absorbs anything that you put on their skin. Hence, it’s important to use a baby-safe sunblock with mild & gentle ingredients and one that is made without any harmful chemicals. Sunblock lotions with Zinc Oxide as the main ingredient are great for babies as Zinc Oxide helps create a safe and gentle barrier between your baby’s skin and the sun’s rays, thus helping to blockradiation.Your baby’s sunblock lotion should be made without any Parabens, Sulphates, Phthalates, SLS, SLEs, or Alcohol.

How do I apply sunblock correctly on my baby and how often should it be applied?
For sunblock lotion to be effective, it needs to be applied in the correct manner and reapplied as necessary as required. Apply well to any exposed parts of the skin, without skipping the neck, tops of the feet, back of the knees, back of the ears, while carefully avoiding the eyes. Apply it at least 15-30 minutes before you go outdoors and when outdoors, make sure you reapply it every 90 minutes. Even if the sunblock is water-resistant, it is important to reapply it every 90 minutes for complete protection.

Should I apply sunblock on my child if we are indoors OR on a cloudy day?
Absolutely. Even if it’s not a sunny day, UVA radiation can penetrate through thick clouds and cause skin damage. Similarly, these rays can also penetrate through glass and so it’s important that sunblock should be applied to the skin whenever there is any exposure to sunlight, whether you’re indoors, outdoors, or even when it’s overcast.