Baby Sun Safety – Part 2
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 babies.
Babies
Children ages 6-12 months old can now safely wear sunscreen. While this expands the options for summer fun, it also increases the need for protection from sun exposure. You should still avoid the peak times of 10 AM to 4 PM if at all possible. Dress children in lightweight clothing so their skin can breathe. Apply a broad-spectrum SPF of 15 or higher to areas that are left uncovered like hands, face and neck. Thankfully, most companies that offer children’s sunscreens make them in tear-free formulas.
Timing is everything when it comes to effective sun protection. It’s important to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before stepping outside. It’s absolutely crucial that you reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming or excessive sweating. Sunscreen does not protect children 100%. It is a powerful tool, but staying in the shade and wearing a sun visor or hat are simple, additional ways to lower the risk of over exposure and keep kids cool.
