Sun Safety for Little Ones

By Beth Egan

Children are more vulnerable to sun damage than adults. The best sunscreen is a hat and shirt. After that, protect kids with a sunscreen that’s effective and safe. The Environmental Working Group suggests taking these special precautions with infants and children:

Infants
Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sun as much as possible. Their skin is not yet protected by melanin. When you take your baby outside :
• Cover up with protective clothing, tightly woven but loose-fitting, and a sun hat.
• Make shade with a stroller’s canopy. If you can’t sit in a shady spot, put up an umbrella.
• Avoid midday sun — take walks in the early morning or late afternoon.
• Follow product warnings for sunscreen on infants under 6 months old – Most manufacturers advise against using sunscreens on infants or urge parents and caregivers to consult a doctor first. The American Academy of Pediatrics says that small amounts of sunscreen can be used on infants as a last resort when shade can’t be found.

Toddlers and Children
Sunscreen plays an essential part of any day in the sun. However, young children’s skin is especially sensitive to chemical allergens as well as the sun’s UV rays. When choosing a sunscreen, keep these tips in mind:
• Test the sunscreen by applying a small amount on the inside of your child’s wrist the day before you plan to use it. If an irritation or rash develops, try another product. Ask your child’s doctor to suggest a product less likely to irritate a child’s skin.
• Slop on sunscreen and reapply often, especially if your child is playing in the water or sweating a lot.
• Choose your own sunscreen for daycare and school. Some childcare facilities provide sunscreen for the kids, but you can bring your own if you prefer a safer, more effective brand.

What is your favorite sunscreen? Have you had difficulties with your child having reactions to certain types of sunscreens? Please leave a comment on this post to share your experiences.

Beth Egan is a mother of 2 and a grandmother of 4. As a former teacher, Beth enjoys educating others on the importance of living green and removing the toxins from your home and the environment. She does this through articles, guest blogging, volunteering for the Healthy Child Healthy World Organization and her business with Shaklee. As a supporter of the Healthy Child Healthy World organization Beth will be posting articles frequently to this blog to alert you to current news on this topic and give ideas and information about making changes that will benefit all of us but most importantly the future, Our Children.