Sun protection for your baby

Image Source: Drmorris

A look into the baby's skin

The use of sunscreens right at the infant stage is usually prohibited. The outermost dead skin layer usually responsible for protection is very thin in infants as compared to adults. Also baby's skin does not have something called the acid mantle. Acid mantle is responsible for protection against bacteria and other microorganisms. Since the baby's body surface area to weight ratio is more, they are more vulnerable to chemicals. Plus, one cannot trust them! They may find the sunscreen tasty and might have a small meal!

The skin of the baby has very little melanin. It is the same compound which induces color to the skin as well as hairs.

1. Cover your car window with a removable mesh covers. Another way could be to tint the window the UV repelling covers. They don’t even reduce visibility while giving protection against the harmful rays.
2. Try avoiding an outing during 11-4 as sun almost explodes at this point. Early morning fresh and warm air can do real good for the baby.
3. Cover the baby in light weight clothing, preferably of light colors. But do keep the body covered.
4. Make your baby wear a wide hat. This can help to keep its head cool!

What to look for in a sunscreen for the baby

1. Firstly they must have an SPF or Sun Protection factor greater than 15 to ensure complete protection.
2. The sunscreen cream must have both UVA and UVB protection.

And also apply the sunscreen on a small portion of area first, and analyze the reaction of the skin first. Then decide its usage.

Some of the natural substances having SPF greater than 15 include:

1. Zinc Oxide: It has SPF ranging from 2 to even 20. What matters is the amount used.
2. Red Raspberry seed oil: It offers high protection. SPF values range from 25-50.
3. Carrot Seed Oil: Very effective for sun protection. It boasts a SPF of greater than 35 to almost 40.

Mineral based sun treatments give the best output on the baby.

1. Addition of Titanium Dioxide with Zinc Oxide boosts up the SPF greater than 50. Oat added to the formula, soothes the skin at the same time.
2. Make sure that your sunscreen is PABA and PARABEN free. Tangerine essential oil keeps the SPF at a high of almost 30.
3. Extra virgin olive oil is found in some of the top range sunscreens. Some even have water resistant ranging from 80 to 100 minutes.
4. A sunflower oil base with vanilla added to the sunscreen makes it land smooth on the skin and is least harmful.
5. Chamomile oil is often used to make the formula more fragrant. Also it makes it usable on all types of skins.

So choose your product wisely. If in case, there are some doubts, do not hesitate to consult the dermatologist. But remember do not overprotect your child from the sun. They have to be exposed out, otherwise, it becomes difficult in the later stages. Also they need their dose of Vitamin D, after all their bones must have the power to run and bend!