The skin of the baby is very fragile. A newborn should not be exposed to the sun before the age of 12 months. Indeed, the skin of the baby is so thin as it cannot filter Ultraviolet(UV).
Before the age of three years, the child does not create enough melanocytes and can catch sunburns or, graver, burns. However, sunlight also has some benefits. Exposing hands, feet, and face for 5 minutes every day is enough to store the vitamin D necessary for the health of his bones and its teeth. Babies with darker skin may need slightly longer, so talk to your doctor about the best time frame.
First, to have a better understanding, Ultraviolet radiation is the electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength from 10nm to 400nm, and it’s part of sun’s light spectrum that reaches the earth (invisible to the naked eye). The UV Index scale used worldwide with guidelines:
In Singapore, the average daily UV level reaches 10-11 (on clear days) and 7-9 (on cloudy days). You can download the NEA (National Environment Agency) app so you can track the UV index level.
Last February, the extreme UV level of 15 was recorded according to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS). For this reason, it became vital to be aware of the risks of such level of UV.
The possible harmful effects:
- Skin cancer
- Premature aging and other skin damage
- Cataracts and other eye damage
- May suppress proper functioning of the body’s immune system and the skin’s natural defenses
We will share with you our sun safety tips for babies and toddlers:
1. Apply sunscreen
Before 6 months, the newborn possesses little melanin that provides protection, so his skin is too sensitive for sunscreen. Therefore, he should be kept out of the sun. Between 6 and 12 months, you need to buy specialized sun creams adapted for babies. For toddlers, think especially to cream from head to toe. Ears, feet … be careful not to forget those areas of the body that we sometimes tend to completely neglect and yet are the best to catch a sunburn! Finally, sunscreen must be applied 30 minutes before going out and consider applying the cream after every swim and at least every two hours even if he stays in the shade.
2. Choose the right time of exposure
Avoid any sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm. This is when the sun’s rays are most damaging. Cancer doctors recommended that babies under 12 months should not be exposed to direct sun during the daily sun protection times (when the UV Index is 3 or higher). As said previously, you can check the UV level thanks to NEA app to find a time that suits better. Besides, have your child drink regularly, even if he does not ask for it.
3.An outfit for maximum protection
The sun can strongly damage the eyes of children. We do not think about it often, and yet sunglasses are also recommended protecting your baby’s eyes. They don’t need to be expensive, but it should have UV protection.
To better protect your baby from the sun, consider covering his head with a wide-brimmed hat. The hat should cover and protects the head, face, ears, and neck of your child. Be careful, wearing the hat does not replace sunscreen! On the contrary, they are complementary.
Finally, the sun protection of the baby also passes by choice of the clothing. Although sunscreen is effective in protecting the skin from the sun, clothes is also an excellent way to reduce the risk of allergies and sunburn. Before going to the beach or the pool, choose cotton clothes, clear, light and if possible long.
Feel free to share your tips with us!
For more articles, stories, and products: browse through our website https://www.mamahood.com.sg/