Sun Protection for infants and children

Sunscreen and sun protection for your children

·      BABIES UNDER 6 MONTHS OF AGE SHOULD BE KEPT OUT OF DIRECT SUNLIGHT

 ·      INFANTS AND CHILDREN SHOULD BE DRESSED IN LIGHTWEIGHT CLOTHING THAT COVERS THE ARMS AND LEGS AND USE BRIMMED HATS THAT SHADE THE NECK TO PREVENT SUNBURN

 ·      FACTORS THAT AFFECT THE LEVEL OF UV PROTECTION FROM CLOTHING INCLUDE FABRIC COLOR, FABRIC TYPE AND TIGHTNESS OF THE WEAVE. THE ULTRAVIOLET PROTECTION FACTOR (UPF) IS A MEASURE OF HOW EFFECTIVE A FABRIC IS AT BLODKING UV RADIATION; A RATING OF 15-24 INDICATES GOOD PROTECTION, 25-39 VERY GOOD PROTECTIONA ND 40-50 EXCELLENT PROTECTION.  WASHING CLOTHES WITH RIT SUN GUARD CAN CONFER A UPF OF 30. 

 ·      FOR BABIES UNDER 6 MONTHS OF AGE: WHEN ADEQUATE CLOTHING AND SHADE ARE NOT AVAILABLE, PARENTS CAN APPLY A MINIMAL AMOUNT OF SUSCREEN WITH AN SPF OF 15-30 TO SMALL AREAS SUCH AS THE FACE AND BACK OF THE HANDS. APPLY SUNSCREEN 15-30 MINUTES BEFORE GOING OUTDOORS, AS IT NEEDS TIME TO ABSORB INTO THE SKIN.

 FOR CHILDREN OVER 6 MONTHS OF AGE

·       Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas, especially the face, nose, ears, feet, hands, and even backs of the knees. Rub it in well.

·       Use sunscreen any time you or your child spend time outdoors. Remember that you can get sunburn even on cloudy days because up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can get through the clouds. Also, UV rays can bounce back from water, sand, snow, and concrete, so make sure you're protected.

·       Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel. Because most people use too little sunscreen, make sure to apply a generous amount.

Read more from the American Academy of Pediatrics: Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburn & Sunscreen - HealthyChildren.org