A pediatric dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic has offered her tips for protecting babies’ fragile skin from the sun during sunny days.
- Babies are at high risk of sunburn because their skin is very thin and fragile.
- The dermatologist recommends avoiding exposing babies to the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- “If that’s not possible, cover the baby with shade or long-sleeved clothing and a hat,” she adds.
Babies’ skin is very fragile, and particularly prone to sunburn. It is therefore essential to protect little ones from the sun’s UV rays when the nice weather arrives. Dr. Megha Tollefson, pediatric dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic, reminds us of the right actions to take to prevent young children from getting sunburn.
Baby skin: avoid exposure to the sun before the age of one
“The more UV exposure a child has – especially the younger they start – and the more sunburn they get, the higher their risk of skin cancer later in life.”explains the American expert in a video of his hospital establishment.
Babies are particularly vulnerable to UV rays because their skin is thinner than that of adults. It is therefore best not to expose them to the sun before they are one year old. And when going out, precautions should be taken: “For infants, it is best to avoid the hottest hours of sunlight, between 10am and 4pm. If this is not possible, cover the baby with shade or long-sleeved clothing and a hat.”says Dr. Tollefson, recalling that in addition to being painful and a factor in melanoma, sunburn can “provide a breeding ground for infection if they are serious enough.”
UV filtering glasses are another essential accessory for summer walks with your baby. Indeed, their eyes are also very sensitive to the sun and its rays.
Sunscreen: favor mineral filters
Following these guidelines doesn’t mean you can’t wear sunscreen. Dr. Tollefson says you should use a child-safe sunscreen on exposed skin, even if your little one is in the shade. “We recommend that parents use sunscreens containing mineral filters rather than chemical filters, as they are more suitable for sensitive skin.”she says.
It is not recommended to have a product with an SPF or FPS index lower than 50. It must also be anti-UVB and anti-UVA. Sunscreen should also be reapplied every two hours.
