How to protect your child from ultraviolet light and sunburn

However, sunbathing can also have an impactnegative impact on the child, causing redness or irritation of the baby, allergies and other serious consequences. How to spend time with the baby in the sun, while protecting him from dangerous radiation?Photo: Getty Images

When the sun is safe

Going with your baby to the beach, to the park or even toA regular summer walk is only worth it when the sun is least active. It is necessary to take care of the correct daily routine and not go outside with the child at dangerous times: from 11 am to 4 pm. It is better to choose morning or evening for joint recreation, because the delicate skin of children under three years old is very sensitive and easily burns, since its protection and recovery system has not yet been formed. Babies react to ultraviolet radiation faster than adults, so they can be exposed to the negative effects of radiation in just a few minutes. Therefore, it is necessary to protect the child even at a time when the sun seems safe. Babies under one year old should not be under direct rays, it is worth buying a protective curtain for the stroller, dressing the baby in a long-sleeved blouse, pants and a Panama hat, and also spending most of the time in the shade. Remember: the younger the children, the less time they can spend in the sun. Babies from two to three years old should also stay in the shade or under a canopy. But even in such conditions, additional protection is desirable to protect thin and sensitive skin from redness, itching, peeling and other unpleasant consequences.

How to choose a sunscreen for a child

Photo:Getty ImagesSunscreens will be a reliable and gentle protection for sensitive baby skin. They are necessary not only on the beach or in nature, but even on a regular summer walk, before which it is worth applying protection to exposed areas of the child's body and face. For the delicate skin of babies, sunscreens, lotions or sprays marked "From birth" or "Baby" are suitable. The SPF index, that is, the sun protection factor, is usually high - 30 or 50. The higher the number on the package, the longer the product will protect the baby from ultraviolet radiation, but it is not recommended to choose an SPF greater than 50, since such a high degree of protection does not allow you to benefit from sunbathing. Creams, sprays and lotions for thin baby skin should contain UV filters that protect against the negative effects of two types of rays at once - A and B spectrum. UVA rays affect the surface of the skin and can cause an allergy to the sun, and UVB penetrate deep into the epidermis, and it is because of them that burns appear. Good sunscreens minimise the effects of both types and often contain vitamins such as C or E to help the skin recover, and panthenol to provide an extra layer of protection.Photo:Getty ImagesThe choice of a product to protect against dangerous rays depends on the age of the child and his skin type. Most creams, lotions and sprays are recommended for use from the age of 3, since before this age it is generally undesirable for children to be in the sun. However, gentle protective creams marked "0+" are also produced for the little ones - such cosmetics can be used from three months and carefully care for the baby's thin skin, protecting it from solar radiation from an early age. If you go to the beach with your child, the cream must be waterproof. When swimming, the baby also needs protection, because the rays reflected from the water are the most dangerous. Apply the product evenly and in sufficient quantity, be sure to renew the layer of sunscreen every 1.5 - 2 hours. Remember that even a waterproof product needs to be reapplied to ensure that your baby's skin remains completely safe. Before using sunscreen, make sure that your baby reacts well to it by conducting a tolerance test: apply a drop to the skin the day before a walk or a trip to the beach. Make sure that the product is suitable for your child and does not cause allergies or irritation. In addition, when buying a cream, carefully read the label and be sure to follow the recommendations on the package.

Simple rules for safe sunburn

To prevent overheating of the baby every 40-50 minutes, let him drink water.
Of course, do not forget about the headdress, so that the child does not get a sunstroke.
Save sights will help sunglasses, but it is important to choose really high-quality, which will not miss the radiation. To do this, it is recommended to search for them with the label "100% UV filtration".
Shoes kid should wear even on the beach, he should not run barefoot on hot sand.

Try not to spend too much time with your child.time in the sun, stick to simple rules of protection, and let your baby enjoy the summer with you and get only benefits from the sun! Read also: