Sun safety for babies and children

Simple and easy precautions, against the sun can minimize ultraviolet rays and protect the child from skin damage and sunburn.

The issue of weather, shade, protective clothing and sun is extremely important!

Sun safety: why it is important

Too much sun exposure can lead to sunburn, skin damage, eye damage, skin cancer and a weakened immune system.

Your kid needs the sun to help the body get his vitamin D. It, in turn, is important for building strong bones and healthy muscles. However, with it one must be careful and properly judged.How much sun the child gets on his skin.

Sun safety at different times of year and day

Sun protection is different at different times of year and at different times of day. This is because ultraviolet (UV) radiation varies throughout the year and depending on the season.

UV radiation levels are highest between 9 and 16 hours, depending on where you are and what time of year it is.Your child needs sun protection when the UV radiation level is 3 or more.

You can check UV levels for the area using apps that are already installed on mobile phones as well.They are applications for UV and sun.

In summer, it is best to make trips to the playground, park or beach in the early morning hours and in the late afternoon.

The shade gives you and your child some protection from ultraviolet rays.Dense shade, dark shade is best.

It is also good to know that UV can reach you and your child and in the shade. So even if you sit in the shade, make sure you and your child wear protective clothing, including sunglasses and a wide hat.Use sunscreen on exposed skin.

If you use strollers, choose one with adjustable canopy that moves according to the change position of the sun.

If you can not find a shade, make your own with an umbrella.Always close the windows in the car while driving.

Protective clothing

Here are some things to think about when deciding to take the child for a walk:

Dense tissue protects the child's skin from the sun.To check the density lift the fabric of light to see how much sun passes. If the fabric allows for a lot of light, it will probably allow a lot of UV as well.

Long sleeves and long trousers cover more than your child's skin.Knee-length trousers and blouses with length to the elbow are best suited if it is too warm for full-length clothes.

Waterproof vests are a great way to protect your child from the sun when swimming or doing other water activities.

Cotton clothing keeps cooler than clothing made of acrylic fibres.

Look for sunscreen clothing with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50+. This assessment gives your child the best protection from the sun.

Hats

The hat protects the child's face, neck and ears from UV sunlight.

For babies, look for a soft hat so that the baby can lie comfortably.A link on the chin will help keep it on your baby's head.Many babies and toddlers do not like to wear hats, but with perseverance you can turn them into the routine for the child.

Sunglasses

Wearing sunglasses as well as a hat can help protect your child's eyes.Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet rays is a risk factor for cataracts.

Check the child's position, hat and clothes regularly to ensure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.

Sunscreen Cosmetics

Use sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or a wider spectrum, waterproof sunscreen on a child's face, hands and any other parts of the child's skin that are not covered in clothing.Pay attention to the necessary protection.

Put on sunscreen for at least 20 minutes before going outside, and reapply it every 2 hours, especially if you're washing or swimming.

Make sure that the sunscreen is within the shelf life and store them in a cool, shady place below 30° C.

Remember, UV sunscreen filters do not completely block.You need to look for a shade and put the child in protective clothing.

Sunscreen & Babies

If your child is under the age of six months, it is best not to put sunscreen.Sufficient clothes and hats, and they are the most important way to protect it.

Sunscreen labelled “for babies” or “sensitive” are less likely to cause skin irritation.Always test sunscreens on a small area of the baby's skin to check for skin reactions.

Role and modeling

You are the most important example of your child's pattern of behavior and your child copies what you are doing. If you take sun safety precautions yourself, your child is much more likely to do so just to copy you.