The need for children to protect their skin from sunburn:
Baby skin is more delicate and thinner than adult skin and burns and irritates more easily. Even dark-skinned babies can get sunburn. Babies cannot tell if they are too hot or burning and cannot get out of the sun without adult help. Babies also need an adult to dress them properly and to apply sunscreen.
Prevention Tips:
Learn how to prevent sunburn before it happens and keep your baby happy, safe and smiling:
- Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct and indirect sunlight due to the risk of heat stroke. In particular, avoid taking a baby outside between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest.
- Keep babies in the shade as much as possible. For example, they should be placed under a tree, a beach umbrella or umbrella, or in a stroller with a cover. However, it is important to emphasize that on reflective surfaces, an umbrella or awning can only reduce exposure to ultraviolet rays by 50%.
- Dress babies in lightweight cotton clothing with long sleeves and long pants and a wide-brimmed sun hat.
- Sunscreen can be applied to babies under 6 months of age on small areas of skin not covered by clothing and hats. Remember to cover all exposed areas of a baby's skin, including the face, the back of the hands, the back of the neck, the tips of the ears, and the tops of the feet.
- Apply the protection about 15 to 30 minutes before going out. Keep in mind that sunscreens are not totally waterproof and therefore need to be reapplied every hour and a half to two hours, particularly if a child is going in and out of the water. Read the instructions on the package.
