Protection against sun for infants

By Metro Creative

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that parents avoid exposing babies younger than six months to the sun’s rays. Infants should be kept in the shade as much as possible and dressed in lightweight and long sleeves, pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses.

The AAD also notes that, when possible, sunscreen use should be avoided in babies younger than six months. Children six months and older can use a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.

These sunscreens should be applied to all areas that are not covered by clothing, and reapplied approximately every two hours (or as often as the product label indicates).

Ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may cause less irritation to the sensitive skin of children six months and older.