What are the golden rules for protecting babies from the sun?
Dr. Valleteau de Moulliac,
Pediatric consultant for Laboratoires Sarbec
The sun is sometimes a dangerous friend, especially for babies whose skin is very fragile, thin, and cannot yet produce enough melanocytes—cells that protect it from the sun. Therefore, you should avoid exposing your baby to the sun, or do so for less than 5 minutes a day!!!! Be careful of reflection.
And even though it is true that exposing the hands, feet, and face for 5 minutes is enough to store the necessary vitamin D, know that you are also giving it to your baby daily orally.
No direct sun exposure for babies under 1 year old. So:
- When going out or for walks, cover the stroller with a blanket or a sunshade, use an umbrella to create shade, or settle in a well-shaded area. Do not take your baby out between 11 a.m. and 4-5 p.m., or keep outings as short as possible. Especially avoid midday when the sun is at its peak. It’s better to take long walks early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
- Dress your baby in light, loose-fitting clothes (cotton) that cover the arms and legs, which can even be dampened if it’s very hot. Babies should wear a wide-brimmed sun hat (bucket style) to provide shade.
- Apply sunscreen suitable for young children—fragrance-free, alcohol-free, hypoallergenic, protecting against UVA and UVB with an SPF higher than 30 (preferably 50)—to exposed areas (face, neck, ears, backs of hands and feet), and reapply as often as needed (at least every 2 hours), especially if the baby sweats; even on cloudy days. It’s better to use too much than not enough.
- Don’t forget quality sunglasses, no matter your baby’s age…
…and keep your baby hydrated!
This will help you avoid sunburn (and heatstroke)
