Warmer weather and brighter days make it tempting to get outside and enjoy all that summer has to offer in Loganville, Georgia. But if you’re caring for a baby, your summer routines might need to shift a bit.
At Hubbard Pediatric Group, LLC, we’re excited to help parents get the information needed to keep kids as happy and healthy as possible. As we enter the summer season, Holly Hubbard, MD, wants you to know the best ways to protect your baby from sun exposure.
You know the scent and feel of your baby’s skin, and how wonderful it feels to give a soft kiss or cuddle. Babies have incredibly sensitive skin that can burn easily in the sun. When it comes to the topic of sunscreen for babies, the best course of action isn’t shopping for the perfect product, but avoiding the sun as much as possible.
Babies should not spend extensive time outdoors in the heat of the day. Staying inside is a much better approach and reduces the risk of sunburn, which can be incredibly painful for little ones.
When you do head outside, try to structure your day so you aren’t out during the hottest hours, which are the most dangerous for sun exposure.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, children under six months of age should not wear sunscreen. That’s true for all forms of sunscreen, even those marketed for kids.
Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing ultraviolet radiation before it can damage your skin. But your skin has to first absorb the chemical compounds in the sunscreen, and babies can’t always metabolize these ingredients well.
Physical sunscreen, also called mineral sunscreen, works by creating a thin protective shield between skin and ultraviolet rays. However, it can also prevent babies from sweating normally, which can cause their temperature to rise too high.
Staying indoors throughout the summer isn’t a realistic goal for new parents. So be prepared to take a few extra steps this summer to protect your little one’s skin from the sun.
When you’re heading outside, dress your baby in loose clothing that covers as much of their skin as possible. Lightweight swim shirts are an ideal choice. Choose a wide-brimmed hat that will create some shade on their face.
Use the sun shade on your stroller or car seat, and consider installing sun screens on the window next to where you place the car seat. Umbrellas can help create shade while playing outside, and you can also seek out play areas with natural shade.
Once your child is six months old, you can begin using sunscreens to add more protection. Mineral sunscreens that contain zinc or titanium dioxide are safe and effective, and today’s formulas don’t leave skin with a chalky white cast.
Look for a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection and a high SPF level (30 or higher). Avoid sprays, since it’s difficult to tell how much sunscreen actually makes it onto a child’s skin. Lotions or gels give you more control over the coverage.
Be sure to cover all the exposed skin. Don’t forget about the tops and backs of the ears and the back of the neck. It’s best to apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before heading outside, and you should plan to reapply every two hours, and more frequently if your baby will be playing in water.
If your baby gets a sunburn despite these precautions, we can always take a quick look and help you create a plan for soothing their skin as the healing process progresses. Summer can also bring on skin rashes and insect bites, which we can also treat.
Just give our office a quick phone call to see if a same-day visit is possible, and keep in mind that we also offer online booking through the Hubbard Pediatric Group site.
