Can Sunscreen Be Used On Babies?

Although sunscreen for babies is not contraindicated, it is better not to use it for the first 6 months and to ensure that sun contact is not prolonged.

We are all aware of the great importance of using a sunscreen whenever we go out, not only when we go to the beach. However, what about newborns? Is it okay to put sunscreen on babies? Before answering this question, we should take into account some fundamental aspects.

For starters, if it’s summer and it’s scorching hot, we may really want to spend a whole day at the beach. However, if we have babies, they should not be exposed. Their skin is very fragile, much more so than that of a white person who burns easily.

Therefore, whenever you ask a pediatrician if it is good for your baby to sunbathe or expose himself to the scorching sun, his answer will be loud and clear: “no.” Of course, this does not mean that you should lock him at home. The baby can go out and you can get the sun, as long as it is not dangerous.

For example, in the early hours of the morning or late at night the sun is usually not so aggressive. Also, at other times of the year such as winter or autumn, the sun does not “burn” as much as it can in summer.

However, you always have to be cautious. This way it will not be necessary to use a sunscreen on babies.

Is it okay to use sunscreen on babies?

It is true that in pharmacies we can find offers and advertising to put sunscreen on babies. However, it is only recommended for use from 6 months of age.

The reason is that these often contain chemicals that could damage the baby’s skin. In addition, they have very fragile skin and any injury can cause many problems not only today, but also in the future.

From 6 months we can start using a sunscreen on babies because they can be exposed a little more to the sun.

However, we must continue to take extreme precautions to prevent ultraviolet rays from damaging your skin. Next, let’s see what we can do.

The shadows will be our great allies

If we go somewhere where the sun can hit our baby, let’s find a shade. These will become our best allies to protect our baby from ultraviolet rays.

Likewise, it is important that we use hats or umbrellas. These are sometimes built into pushchairs to avoid any possible exposure to the sun.

We will use protective filter clothing

Why use a sunscreen on babies if we have clothes with protective filters?  We always have to look for shadows and avoid exposing babies to the sun. However, in addition to this, we can get clothes that have these characteristics.

This will allow us to further protect our baby from ultraviolet rays. Because, although we are aware at all times of the sun that may be giving it, we can all get lost.

To find the best clothing with a protection factor, it must have a label on the garment where it not only indicates that it protects from the sun’s rays, but also the protection factor it has. For example, it should include 30 FPS or 50 FPS. In case this does not appear, we must suspect that the garment is not fulfilling what it promises.

What about vitamin D?

After all these tips and calls for attention about not exposing babies to the sun, one might think that we are not doing them any good, since if they are not exposed to the sun they cannot receive vitamin D.

Vitamin D is essential as it favors the absorption of calcium. Thus, it can help us prevent diseases such as rickets, cavities and problems in development, among other issues.

However, the sun is not the only way that it can be supplied. For example, there are some drops that are used as a supplement and that are given to the baby so that he does not have any vitamin D deficiency. We must always do it with a prescription, of course.

In addition, you can also ingest it through diet. In fact, breast milk itself contains vitamin D. As we can see, it is not necessary to expose it to the sun.

Undue sun exposure can lead to skin cancer. Therefore, it is essential to take extreme precautions, especially in babies.

A final reminder: until 6 months we should not put sunscreen on them and, from there, one aimed at children their age. It is best to consult your pediatrician to recommend the best option.