Baby Sun Protection

Why is the sun dangerous?

In order to protect your baby and child from the sun's rays, you need to understand why it can be dangerous for their health. Sunlight contains radiation. Some of this we feel automatically (like feeling the warmth of the sun's rays), but there is other radiation that we can't see. This is ultraviolet radiation, in the form of UVA, UVB and UVC rays. These rays are very harmful to the skin, and can cause sunburn and skin cancer.

What does SPF mean?

When you purchase a sunscreen, it has a sun protection factor (SPF), which is followed by a number. The higher this number is, the more protection your skin will receive against the sun's rays. For example, if you have a product that is SPF 30, your skin will receive 30x more protection against the sun than if you were not wearing any sunscreen at all. Skin usually starts to burn just five minutes after exposure to the sun, if you do not apply a product with SPF.

How do I protect my baby from prickly heat?

Prickly heat is a red rash on the skin that is usually caused by sweat becoming trapped beneath the surface. It is usually brought on by a number of factors, such as high temperatures, and lotions that may prevent the skin from breathing properly. To prevent prickly heat, put your child in loose-fitting clothes, keep them in the shade and shower them in cool water. Give them more water than usual to keep them hydrated. Avoid waterproof lotions where possible to prevent sweat from being trapped under the skin.

How do I care for my baby's skin after time in the sun?

It is important to keep the skin cool, so run a cool bath and use a very gentle baby wash to cleanse them. Pat the skin dry with a soft towel and avoid excessive rubbing. Apply an after-sun and some baby oil to your baby's face and body to soothe and hydrate their skin after any sun exposure.