Sun Protection For Babies: Why It Is So Important
To say that parenting is challenging is an understatement. There are so many things to keep in mind, and it is of paramount importance that you get it right. From childproofing your house to investing in high-quality baby essentials for new mums, it may sometimes feel like there are a million things to take note of.
One thing that many parents tend to leave on the back-burner or perhaps even forget about entirely is sun protection. We all know how hot and sunny our little red dot is. And while the year-round endless summer brings about amazing things, like refreshingly ice-cold beverages and sandy beach days, it makes it that more important to protect your little one from the blazing sun.
For everything you need to know about sun protection for babies, keep on reading!
The importance of sun protection
Babies, especially when they are under the age of 3, are far more vulnerable to UV exposure than adults and older kids. This is because there is little melanin -- the pigment that gives colour to the skin and offers some sun protection -- present in their skin. With their photo-protection being underdeveloped, it only takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes for your baby’s skin to burn!
Dermatologists advise that babies under the age of 3 should not have direct sun exposure as much as possible. This helps to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer later in life as well as immediate negative effects like painful sunburns. Moreover, invisible signs of skin damage such as skin ageing can also be caused by prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
How to nurture a sun-safe baby
Clothing is the first line of defence, so covering your little one’s arms and legs in light clothing is an excellent way to start protecting them from the sun. When heading out for a day out in the sun, consider putting a hat with a brim on your baby for that extra layer of protection.
Experts recommend only using sunscreen on babies aged 6 months and up. Select a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to protect against UVA and UVB radiation. Additionally, try to look for sunscreens that contain titanium oxide and zinc oxide -- these ingredients will not irritate your baby’s delicate skin because they do not need to be absorbed into the skin to work.
Be sure to re-apply the sunscreen frequently – this is where sprays come in incredibly handy! Moreover, given Singapore’s weather, it is imperative that you apply sunscreen for your baby even when you are spending a day indoors or travelling in a car.
Conclusion
Due to their delicate skin, babies are especially susceptible to the negative effects of the sun’s harsh rays. Therefore, in order to eliminate the risk of your precious little one developing a sunburn, heat rash or even skin cancer in the future, it is vital that you prioritise sun protection for babies.
If you are looking for a sun spray, check out Laboratoires De Biarritz’s Organic Mineral Face and Body Sun Spray. This hypoallergenic formula offers SPF50+ and complete protection against UVA and UVB radiation. This sun spray is easy to apply and reduces the appearance of white marks to a minimum. And if a spray isn’t up your alley, you can check out the Organic Mineral Sun Cream for Kids & Babies by the same brand! Both of these products are available on the baby closet.
the baby closet is a homegrown brand that is committed to curating an extensive collection of sustainable yet high-quality online baby essentials. Whether you are looking for sun protection for your little one, or an organic muslin swaddle in Singapore, our selection of products promises something for everyone!
Check out our collections today!