Sun security for infants and children: What dad and mom ought to know

Whether you’re packing the pool bag or heading to the playground, maintaining kids protected from the solar can really feel like a guessing sport. How a lot sunscreen is sufficient? Is it okay for infants? What about spray bottles? 

Children’s Nebraska pediatric dermatologist Nicole Harter, MD, says most dad and mom attempt their greatest, however there’s nonetheless misinformation about how solar safety works. 

“Some parents worry that sunscreen itself might be harmful for children,” says Dr. Harter. “Others overestimate how much protection their child is getting from sunscreen, clothing or shade alone.”

Common misconceptions about solar safety

Sunscreen security is a frequent concern, particularly amongst dad and mom of younger kids. This worry typically comes from confusion about substances or misinformation.

“There’s a perception that sunscreen might be toxic or cause irritation, but the vast majority of sunscreens are very safe when used appropriately,” says Dr. Harter. “What’s far more dangerous is a child getting sunburned. 

Even for parents who apply sunscreen regularly, another common issue is not using enough. The SPF number on the bottle, such as SPF 30, is based on applying a very thick layer during testing, about two millimeters. 

“In reality, no one actually applies that much,” says Dr. Harter. “When you do just a quick rubdown, you’re not getting the full protection the label promises.”

That means dad and mom could must reapply sunscreen extra typically than anticipated. 

“If you’re at the pool, park or anywhere with water or reflective surfaces, sunscreen wears off quickly,” says Dr. Harter. “Even if your child hasn’t been in direct sun, they can still get burned.”

Protective clothes will help fill the hole. UPF clothes and wide-brimmed hats can act as one other layer of protection. Shade will help, however UV rays mirror off water, sand and concrete.

Start solar safety early

Sun safety isn’t only for seaside days. Dr. Harter encourages dad and mom to consider it as a part of general well being from the very starting. 

“There is no age that is too young to start thinking about sun protection, even in newborns and infants,” says Dr. Harter. “We know that 50% to 80% of a person’s lifetime sun exposure happens before age 18. Protecting their skin early can significantly reduce their long-term risk for skin cancer.”

Certain kids are extra in danger than others. Fair pores and skin, light-colored eyes, blonde or pink hair can all enhance lifetime threat for solar harm. But each little one advantages from safety.

“Starting good habits early makes the biggest difference,” Dr. Harter says.

Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen

With so many choices on the cabinets, selecting a sunscreen might be overwhelming. There are two most important sorts: mineral (or bodily) sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.

Mineral sunscreens:

Chemical sunscreens, then again, take up UV rays and convert them to warmth. 

“Chemical doesn’t mean bad,” Dr. Harter says. “These are sunscreens from most brands, like Banana Boat, Neutrogena and La Roche-Posay, and they’re very effective. But for babies and those with sensitive skin, I generally prefer mineral-based formulas.”

When it involves SPF, increased isn’t at all times higher. 

“Above SPF 50, you get diminishing returns,” says Dr. Harter. “SPF 100 doesn’t give you double the protection of SPF 50, and you are often paying more for it.”

Sunscreen software ideas

Applying sunscreen as soon as within the morning and calling it good isn’t sufficient. Parents must reapply each two hours. If your little one is swimming or sweating, reapply extra typically – about each 45 to 90 minutes, relying on their exercise and pores and skin kind.

To get probably the most safety, apply sunscreen at the very least 10 to fifteen minutes earlier than going outdoors. 

“This gives it time to absorb and form a protective layer,” says Dr. Harter. “No sunscreen is completely waterproof, so it always needs to be reapplied after being in the water.”

Spray sunscreen

Spray sunscreens would possibly look like the best possibility, particularly for younger kids, however Dr. Harter doesn’t advocate them. 

“Sprays are almost always chemical-based,” she says. “They can also be irritating to the skin or airways. There’s also a risk of inhaling the particles, which can be unsafe for kids with asthma.”

Sprays may also create a false sense of safety. Some would possibly suppose they will spray and go, however the sunscreen needs to be rubbed in fully or else massive patches of pores and skin might be missed.

“If you use a spray, spray it on your hands first and rub it in like a lotion,” Dr. Harter says.

Instead, Dr. Harter recommends cream or stick formulation. Stick sunscreens are nice for the face and neck.

“Kids like using stick sunscreen because they feel independent,” she says. “If spray is the only thing they’ll use, it’s better than nothing, but shouldn’t be the first choice.

Babies under 6 months

For infants under 6 months, there’s no sunscreen that’s FDA-approved. That’s why physical barriers are the safest option.

“Use long-sleeved UPF outfits, wide-brimmed hats and stroller shades,” Dr. Harter advises. “Try to stay in shaded areas whenever possible. If you know your baby will be exposed to the sun, I would personally advocate for a small amount of mineral sunscreen on exposed skin. I’d rather see a little sunscreen than a painful sunburn.” 

When to go outdoors and when to remain within the shade

The center of the day is when UV rays are the strongest. Try to plan outside actions earlier than 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. through the summer time. But don’t be fooled by cloudy climate and non-summer months.

“Even if it’s cloudy or cooler, UV rays still penetrate the clouds,” Dr. Harter explains. “Sunscreen isn’t just for summer – it’s for every day.”

Teaching youngsters good solar habits 

Building lifelong sun-safe habits begins with consistency and setting the instance. 

“If parents wear hats, rash guards and sunscreen every time they’re outdoors, kids will think that’s just what everyone does,” Dr. Harter says.

She suggests beginning early.

“When my kids were babies, they wore long-sleeve rash guards every time we went swimming,” she says. “Now it’s just normal for them. It’s much easier to set expectations early than to fight battles later.”

As youngsters become old, they might need extra management. Letting them select a sunscreen with a sure texture or scent they like could make them really feel extra snug.

“I tell families to treat sunscreen like brushing your teeth,” says Dr. Harter. “Keep it in the bathroom or in the car for a quick touch-up on the way to school or the park. The more convenient it is, the more likely everyone is to use it.”

Why it issues

Each sunburn in childhood can enhance an individual’s lifetime threat of melanoma. A tan would possibly look wholesome, however it’s truly an indication of pores and skin harm. 

“By protecting kids now, we’re helping them avoid serious problems later in life,” Dr. Harter explains.

Sun security doesn’t need to be difficult. It simply takes consistency, preparation and consciousness. 

“When you make sunscreen and protective clothing part of everyday life, you’re setting your child up for long-term skin health,” says Dr. Harter. “It’s one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect them for the future.”