Parents should look for sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher labeled “broad spectrum,” meaning they protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. What should a parent look for when buying a sunscreen? Bruckner, MD, answers commonly asked questions about sunscreen and delivers the goods on how to help your kids avoid the burn. Children’s Hospital Colorado pediatric dermatologist Anna L. But sunscreen is important to use year-round. Make sure to check your sunscreen labels and avoid this ingredient, if possible.We think about sunscreen the most when the weather is warm, summer is swinging and kids are out of school. There has been some concern about a common ingredient in these sunscreens called oxybenzone because of its hormonal effects. Thinkbaby Sunscreen is our absolute favorite.Ĭhemical sunscreens tend to be more widely available and are easier to apply. My family has moved to using solely mineral sunscreens because we prefer the cleaner ingredients. They tend to be a bit thicker and chalkier but the newer versions have come a long way. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and titanium oxide to form a protective barrier from the sun. You will find that there are two main types of sunscreen mineral-based and chemical-based. The most important factor is keeping your baby safe from dangerous sun rays. So, the first thing you need to know is that any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. I know that choosing the right sunscreen for your baby can feel overwhelming because as a parent you want to protect them the best you possibly can. Sunscreen is our skin’s first line of defense. I also highly recommend limiting your baby’s time in the sun between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, as this is when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Of course, since babies 6 months and under have very fragile skin, limiting sun exposure really is best at this age. Read more about Sun Safety from the AAP here. The general consensus by health professionals is to wait until your baby is 6 months old before using sunscreen on their full body.The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) states that you can, however, apply small amounts of sunscreen to areas like the face or the back of hands when protective clothing and shade aren’t an option. Remember to re-apply sunscreen according to the directions on the bottle or after swimming or heavy perspiration.Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes prior to sun exposure.Use a chapstick with an SPF of 30 or above.Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or above to all skin not covered by clothing for babies 6 months and older (read below for what to do before your baby is 6 months old).Put a hat on your baby that covers as much of their face, neck, and ears as possible.Cover as much of your child in clothing that is a tight weave or has a UPF value (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 40 or above.When covering a car seat or stroller, the temperature can rise quickly.
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