What Spf Sunscreen Should I Get For My Baby?
Filed Under (baby sunscreen) by admin on 31-07-2009
Tags: Baby, Should, Sunscreen, What
You do not say how old your baby is so that will make a difference. If your baby is younger than 6 months than he/she should not be in direct sunlight for long periods of time necessitating sunscreen. If, however, it is just not possible to keep the baby in the shade, covered with a lightweight blanket, or otherwise out of the direct sun, then applying a bit of sunscreen is a better alternative than using nothing. Sunscreens have not been tested on babies under 6 months so there is no scientific evidence to show if using it or not is most beneficial. We always carry an umbrella so that no matter where we are we can always provide shade for the baby. We live in Michigan and often traveled south to visit relatives. It is easy to keep babies out of the sun, even at the beach, with an umbrella. Regardless of your baby’s age, be sure to keep his/her head covered with a nice wide-brimmed hat that covers ears and neck. If your baby is older than 6 months, there are many sunscreens on the market made specifically for babies and children. Look for one of these. The absolute lowest SPF that really does any good at all is 15. 30 or 45 or even 60 are better choices. Put the sunscreen on your baby before you go out for the day and re-apply if he/she gets wet or every 2 hours. My children are now 28, 26, 23, and 10 and I have an almost 12 month old grandson. My 26 year old was diagnosed with Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, when he was only 16 years old. He was never into laying out in the sun or obsessed with getting a tan nor is he a big outdoors person. However, he is quite fair skinned and we have family history of skin cancer plus he had several bad sunburns as a child. We were fortunate to know the signs of a changing mole and got him right in to the doctor. It has been 9 years since his treatment and remains cancer free at this time. I commend you for wanting to protect your baby from the sun. It does have potential to cause serious health concerns. In addition to applying sunscreen frequently and adequately, wear protective clothing, and remember to keep your baby hydrated with water if you must be out in the direct sun. If there is no way to avoid it make the time period short, but try to always have something to create shade for the baby, even if it is your own body.