Are you the proud parent of a toddler or newborn? If so, you’re naturally going to be super concerned about everything relating to their wellbeing. As such, this extends into the sphere of sun protection, and while buying a baby sunscreen stick might seem sufficient at this stage, there are other things that you need to consider before you can be sure you’re doing the right thing.
In this article, we look at the factors that need to be thought through in order to provide exactly the kind of safeguard that’s needed. So, let’s dive in and see what’s what, shall we?
The Kind Of Baby Sunscreen Stick You Need
When you’re looking for the right baby sunscreen stick for your child’s super delicate skin, there’s a thing or two that you need to know, such as the need for broad-spectrum protection. Some sunscreens only protect against UVB rays, but that’s only half of the job. UVA rays can penetrate clouds and through windows, so anything less is going to be insufficient.
One important thing that shouldn’t be discounted is the fact that babies under 6 months of age shouldn’t be in the sun at all, so sunscreen shouldn’t even be necessary before that point. Little ones under this age should instead be kept in the shade and protected.
Other things you need to know about sun protection for kids over this age include:
- Mineral sunscreens are the best option for delicate skin, largely due to their being made from much gentler ingredients. Zinc oxide is about as benign as it comes as a compound and also sits on top of the skin rather than having to be absorbed.
- It’s also best to use at least an SPF 30 to ensure proper protection is provided, which essentially stops 97% of UV rays in their tracks and slows down the burning process by a multiple of 30.
- If you absolutely have to use a chemical brand of sunscreen, make sure that it’s applied at least 20 minutes before they go outside, as it takes this long to absorb and become effective.
- You need to focus on exposed areas like the neck, legs, arms and face, as these are the places on the body that tend to get missed the most.
- In order to get full protection from any sunscreen, it needs to be reapplied every two hours and immediately after swimming or profuse sweating.
- Toddlers should also be dressed in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, as well as UV protective glasses and wide-brimmed sun hats.
Whenever you’re applying sunscreen on your younger’s skin, it also helps if you make a fun game out of it to introduce them to the concept of sun protection and safety. The more buy-in you get from them at this early age, the more these behaviours will stick in their minds into adulthood.
Baby Sunscreen Stick Is the Bare Minumum Requirement
Just one instance of sunburn can greatly increase the risk of skin cancer later in their lives, which is why protecting them in the first few years is so important. Really young children simply don’t have enough melanin in their skin yet, so they’re particularly susceptible to UV rays.
Also, teaching children about sun safety at a young age instils habits that will last a lifetime, so do what you can now, and it will serve them well for years to come.
