How to Protect Your Baby From the Sun’s Rays

When the sun is out and the weather is crisp and clear, it’s difficult to resist going outside to enjoy time with your little one. Whether you’re visiting the park together or enjoying a meal on your patio, the warmth of the sun’s rays feel especially soothing on the skin. Unfortunately, these rays are also damaging to the skin – and even more so for your baby.

Below, we’ll take a closer look at the sun’s ultraviolet rays in the context of what they can do to your infant’s skin. We’ll offer a few suggestions for buying suntan lotion and describe the benefits of staying in the shade. You’ll also learn how to protect your little one’s eyes in the event you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.

The Danger Of Ultraviolet Rays

You might think that a golden-brown tan is the quintessential sign of good health. It’s actually a clear sign of skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Over time, too much exposure will eventually cause premature wrinkling and skin blemishes.

There are three types of ultraviolet rays that span a wide spectrum of light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB are the most well-known because they directly impact our health. UVA rays penetrate several layers of skin. UVB rays penetrate the surface, but little else. Both types of UV light can damage your baby’s skin beyond the visible signs of sunburns and mild irritation. Over years of exposure, the cellular damage accrues and can even lead to skin cancer.

Using The Right Suntan Lotion

Most sunscreens and suntan lotions have an SPF rating. The abbreviation stands for “sun protection factor.” The rating reflects the number of minutes of protection offered by the product. A simple rule of thumb – though not entirely accurate – is to multiply the SPF rating by twenty. For example, a person who normally burns after fifteen minutes would be protected for 450 minutes while using an SPF 30 sunscreen.

Few people realize that a product’s SPF rating only indicates protection from UVB rays. It does not reflect the product’s ability to protect your infant’s skin from UVA rays. This is an important distinction because UVA rays can be just as damaging.

Another important note: ultraviolet rays can penetrate cloud covers. If you and your baby are enjoying time together at the park on a cloudy day, you should still apply a high-quality sunscreen to her skin.

Fun In The Sun Versus Safe In The Shade

A lot of parents think the sun is unable to cause damage during short periods of exposure. In reality, UV damage accumulates. Even if you and your baby spend five or ten minutes outside, the ultraviolet rays can still penetrate her skin. Because her skin is still fragile, it is more susceptible to cellular damage than your skin.

This is one of the reasons pediatricians suggest limiting babies’ exposure to the sun whenever possible. Stay in the shade. Otherwise, liberally apply a strong sunscreen to your baby’s skin that offers her protection from UVA and UVB rays.

Safeguarding Your Baby’s Eyes

In the same way ultraviolet rays can damage the skin, they can also cause eye problems. Millions of people suffer from cataracts due to prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Keep in mind, your baby’s eyes are extremely sensitive. They need protection. Consider buying sunglasses that provide a guard against ultraviolet light. The darkness of the tint matters less than the UV protection.

Don’t underestimate the power of the sun’s rays. Their warmth may feel comforting against the skin, but they penetrate the surface and cause damage. Your baby relies upon you to help ensure she’s protected. If you intend to spend time outside, ask your little one’s pediatrician for sunscreen recommendations.

Tags: Baby, From, protect, Rays, Sun's