Baby skin is a lot more delicate and sensitive compared to an adult skin, and because of this it generally needs extra special attention. The melanin in an adult skin helps to protect them against sunburn to a certain extent, but in baby skin this simply does not happen. This is why baby skin is most at risk of sunburn, and all of the other problems that can be associated with exposure from the sun including freckles etc.
Is Sun Exposure Healthy for Babies? Direct sunlight for a baby can be extremely harmful. Parents may feel that it is healthy for a baby to be exposed to the sun, but this is simply not the case. It is adequate and sufficient enough for a baby to be inside in a well ventilated and lit room, rather than be left out in the sun where they are at severe risk of being burnt.
Many people also think that the sun can actually help their baby, and that it can cure certain skin conditions which the baby is suffering from. A nappy rash can be quite a common condition with babies, and some people think that by exposing the baby to sunlight, it will help to cure it. Whilst fresh air can help to prevent nappy rash, direct sunlight can be extremely harmful to the baby.
Through lack of knowledge, parents can also sometimes put baby skin at risk when out in a car. They think that the baby will be protected from the sunlight if they are kept in the car, but the truth is, the windows do not provide protection for too long especially on long journeys, and temperatures can really soar within a car so a child should never be left alone in extreme heat.
In the summer you should avoid stepping outside when you can, between 11:30am and 3:00pm, because this is usually when the sun is at its strongest. It may be wise to have plenty of shading in the garden i.e. trees etc. By providing this shade, there are plenty of places to go where direct sunlight will not be there and this makes it safer for your baby.
Is Sunscreen Safe For Babies?
Up until recently it was not recommended for a baby under the age of six months to wear sun block, however now it is recommend that they have a little amount applied to small areas on the body, such as the face, and the back of the hands. Experts say that this should only be done if adequate clothing and shade is not available for the baby.
So, you can use sun block, but there are reasons why you should not over use it on your baby. One of these reasons is that babies often have more skin for their body size, compared to an adult. The sunscreens are made up of chemicals, and because of their skin, they tend to get a higher dose of chemical exposure.
So, there are two very important reasons for not overusing sunscreen in young babies.
Infants and children have what is called a high body surface to volume ratio. What this means is that proportionately babies have more skin for the size body as compared to an adult. Sunscreens are made of chemicals. On the older child and adult, the chemical exposure is relatively minimal because of the body surface. Babies also have a greater risk of dehydration in the heat. The use of sunscreen on a baby can be damaging to them.
It is important for a parent to keep a baby well hydrated during the summer. However, do not give the baby too much water, as they can suffer from water toxication that can lead to the baby having a seizure.
Overall the best way to protect a baby against skin cancer is to avoid direct sunlight or staying in the shade.
