Is your family a sun loving crew? You want to hit the beach, play in the park, have picnics, and go fishing. You are worried the baby is going to bring all of the fun in the sun to a stop. Baby sunscreen can help you keep your baby safe, while still enjoying the sun.
Before you get too excited and go running off to the store, there are a few very important guidelines. First, how old is your baby? Many pediatricians recommend not using chemical sunscreens on babies under 6 months old. This means steering clear of most the sunscreens on the market.
Their first recommendation is to stay out of the sun with your baby. The second recommendation is to keep them covered from the sun. Their third recommendation will probably be to use a physical, or blocking sunscreen. These are sunscreens based upon zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They are not designed to absorb into the skin, but to sit on the skin and block the suns effects..
Some pediatricians and studies are now showing light usage of chemical sunscreens does not pose a risk. There are many varieties which work great, and still keep the levels of chemicals very low. An example would be the Baby Lizard sunscreen from Blue Lizard brand. Blue Lizard is considered a chemical free sunscreen and is very safe for your baby’s skin. It is still very effective at blocking the sun’s harmful rays.
One important thing to consider, your baby’s skin is very sensitive to sun and heat. Even though it is tempting to stay outside and enjoy the sun all day, your baby cannot tolerate this. Make sure you have places to get them completely out of the sun, and cooled down. Their systems are not matured like our own, and need careful attention.
If you are looking for something a little more readily available, and from a highly trusted company, take a look at Johnson & Johnson’s Baby Sunscreen Lotion. It is an SPF 40 product, giving it very high levels of protection. The cost will be much lower than specialty brands, and still is very safe for your baby.
Your best plan of action for those days out in the sun are to have a location which allows you to take the baby under cover from the sun for most of the time. Then plan on putting on the sunscreen before going out in the sun. Stay in the sun only for about 30 to 45 minutes and then get your baby back under the protective cover.
Make sure to follow the directions on any baby sunscreen you buy. Some products need to be applied up to 30 minutes before going out into the sun for the best protection. Keep your baby’s safety as your first guideline and you will be able to go out with the family, have fun, and still keep the baby safe from sunburn. This summer can be a great time, for everyone.