Baby Sun Safety – Part 1
In East Tennessee, summer is meant for outdoor adventures. And for all the parents out there, it involves a whole new set of skin safety precautions. Your Knoxville Dermatology team is here to provide sun safety tips for children of all ages. In this entry, we will focus on tips for infants.
Infants
Children 6 months or younger should avoid the sun because their skin is extremely sensitive. It’s even too sensitive for most sunscreens. At this age, babies’ skin has very little melanin, which means very little natural sun protection. Between minimal natural protection and a sensitivity to sunscreen, you need a simple plan that will allow you to enjoy the outdoors while keeping your child’s skin safe.
It doesn’t have to be a summer lifestyle overhaul. You can make a simple change like taking advantage of earlier outdoor hours before 10 am or after 4 pm. You can put a sun-protective cover on your stroller or add mesh window shields to your car windows. It’s also important to dress your baby in lightweight, breathable clothing that covers arms and legs. Don’t forget to protect your baby’s face, neck and ears. A cute, little wide-brimmed hat will do the trick.
Don’t hide indoors all summer. With just a little prep and a simple plan, both you and baby can enjoy some beautiful summer sun together.
