Watching our children have fun in the sun is what summer is all about. While they may not agree, protecting our babies from the harmful effects of too much sun is another part of summer that is our responsibility as parents. We can only hope that when they get older they will have learned the importance of watching out for the sun themselves. In the meantime, while they are small, if we start them out right they are less likely to suffer sun-damaged skin when they are older.
Baby skin is not ready for exposure to the sun. Doctors recommend that babies younger than six months be kept out of direct sunlight. The skin of children this young is still thin and will burn easily. Even babies with darker skin will burn easily when they are this young. Since most babies this age are not yet walking it is relatively easy to keep them in the shade when outdoors.
Because babies can be burned by reflected sunlight, even when they are not directly exposed, dress them in light clothing that covers their arms and legs. Use a hat with a brim that covers their ears and shades their eyes.
Babies older than 6 months are more likely to be playing in the direct sunlight. If your child will be playing in the sun use a sunscreen designed to be used by babies. Test your sunscreen the day before by putting a small amount on your child's back and watching for the development of a rash or irritated spot.
Remember that water can magnify the effects of the sun, leading to sunburn on fragile skin very quickly. Be sure to renew your child's sunscreen often when you are playing in the water. Cover up in the shade when resting outside the pool.
Keep in mind that the sun can burn even on cool days. Don't let down your guard when summer comes to an end.
If in spite all your precautions your baby gets too much sun, contact your child's doctor immediately. Sunburn on a very young child should be evaluated and treated as soon as possible.
Karen specializes in family, food, and fitness information for today's family. Visit Baby Water Toys for more information about keeping little ones safe and entertained in the water and for a discussion of the best baby and toddler water toys for year-round fun in the bath or pool: www.babywatertoys.com
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