Earlier sunscreen use was not recommended for babies less than six months old, but now, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, " For babies under six months of age, sunscreen may be used on small areas of the body such as, the face and the back of the hands if adequate clothing and shade are not available. For older children, test the sunscreen on the baby's back for a reaction before applying it all over. Apply carefully around the eyes, avoiding the eyelids. If your baby rubs sunscreen into her eyes, wipe the eyes and hands clean with a damp cloth. If the sunscreen burns her eyes, try a different brand or try a sunscreen stick or sunblock with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. If a rash develops, talk to your pediatrician."
Tips to keep your kids safe from the sun:
1. Keep the young children out of direct sunlight because they can burn easily and may not be able to handle getting overheated as well as older children.
2. Always apply a water resistant sunscreen with an SPF 15 to 30 that provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection on your baby before getting out in the sun.
3. Apply enough sunscreen to protect your child. Most experts estimate that many parents only use about half of the recommended amount of sunscreen on their children, providing less protection than they think.
4. You must apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before your child will be exposed to the sun.
5. Reapply sunscreen after every 2 hours or more frequently if washed, rubbed or sweated off.
6. Try to be in shade between 11 am and 3 pm.
7. Even if it's cloudy outside, do apply sunscreen as clouds don't absorb all of the UV radiation that may harm your child.
8. Keep babies under six months of age out of the direct sun.
9. Make your child wear a wide brimmed hat.
10. Make your child wear light but long clothing - it is the best way to protect skin from sun's harmful rays.
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