Babies And Children: When To Start Using Sunscreens? – Being Parents

Both in summer and at other times of the year, the sun’s rays can pose several risks to the skin of adults and young people. However, it is possible to prevent its effects by using certain products. Starting to use sunscreens, if as long as they are age appropriate, may be a good option to consider.

Outdoor activities are a great way to share good times with parents and children. However, it is necessary to take into account certain aspects, including, of course, those related to exposure to climatic conditions.

Logically, the basic measures are to avoid exposure to the sun, especially at hours of greatest intensity, as well as to wear cool and light clothes so that the skin is not in direct contact with the sun’s rays. It is also best to protect your head.

In addition, we always recommend the use of creams adapted to the age of the child. On this point, many parents face doubts: when to start using sunscreens to protect their babies’ skin?

At what age can you start using sunscreens?

Previously, we told you about the times when you should reduce sun exposure. For adults, it is between 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. that it is most risky to be exposed to the sun. However, for babies under 6 months, this time slot could be extended a bit ; thus, it is preferable not to expose them to the sun between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Precisely, to apply cream to babies of this age, you have to pay particular attention to one aspect: their composition.  Indeed, so-called “chemical filter” creams are those that adults generally use.

Due to their components, it is not recommended to apply these creams to the delicate skin of babies. Indeed, it could cause allergic reactions or irritation.

On the other hand, it is possible to use those called “physical sunscreens”.  What differentiates them from creams with a chemical filter is that the skin does not absorb physical creams. This is the reason why the likelihood of them causing skin problems is lower. Their pale tone, although it can be annoying for children, is an indicator: if it disappears, it is time to renew the application.

However, we recommend that you use them in cases where no other alternative is possible; in fact, avoiding sun exposure is always the best option. Thanks to this simple but basic preventive measure, you will avoid all types of problems, such as sunburn or heatstroke.

Sun protection for babies over 6 months

If on the market, there are sunscreens reserved for babies over 6 months, these products are not the best of the alternatives either. Lately, the presence of substances such as parabens has been revealed. These are substances that can be counterproductive to the health of the child, as are perfumes.

On the other hand, one can entirely consider  the application of creams which contain ingredients such as omega-3 in their composition. Other substances which have favorable effects are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, especially for the most sensitive parts such as the face and ears.

In addition, wishing to protect their babies as well as possible, some mothers coat them with various products; however, such a practice, far from producing the desired effect, will result in greater absorption by the skin of potentially harmful substances.

From 3 years old, it is possible to use sunscreens

Most sunscreens (unless stated otherwise by the manufacturer) are suitable for children over 3 years old. At this age, their skin in fact presents a greater resistance and it is better prepared to assimilate these substances as well as to be protected from ultraviolet rays.

Since the child will be able to move around on his own at this age, it will be more difficult for you to apply the cream. Also, using sunscreens is essential for maintaining good health. However, the recommendations related to high danger schedules remain firm.

A few tips

Are you about to start using these products to protect your child’s skin? The following suggestions may be of great help to you:

• Apply a single layer of cream, especially on the arms, feet and face; if the child is not dressed (for example, at the beach or swimming pool), cover the rest of the body as well
• Apply the cream about 30 minutes before the child’s sun exposure
• Reapply after each swim; most sunscreens dilute with water
• Reapply cream 2 hours after the previous application.  And this even if the child has not been in the water in the meantime

Regarding the protection index, it is preferable to always opt for the highest, namely the index 50. Your pediatrician can guide you further on this question; therefore follow its recommendations.

Remember that children are more exposed than adults to factors such as the sun, cold or heat. So taking precautions, such as starting to use sunscreens, will never be too much.  If it is, of course, that your children are of the necessary age and that the product is suitable.