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Photos by Lisa Pederson
Spring is here and summer is coming up fast here in Minnesota, the Land of 10,000 Lakes. With summer comes nice weather and outdoor fun with our children. With lakes and playgrounds and fairs, there is much to do outdoors.
Going outdoors is so good for our children. They get needed exercise and the sun provides needed vitamin D. However, the risk of sunburn on infant and young children's skin is high. It is believed that the the risk of skin cancer rises for people who have had two or more blistering sunburns before adulthood. Parents need to be aware of the risk and take precautions.
Avoid sunburn:
1. Apply sunscreen
2. Wear light, but long clothing
3. Put on a hat with a wide brim
4. Use sunglasses
Any parent who picks up a bottle of sunscreen is warned not to apply on a baby under 6 months old. The American Academy of Pediatricians has released information that it is alright to use on babies under 6 months in moderation. Their skin to weight ratio is great, increasing the amount of chemicals absorbed in their system, so it is best to limit the amount used. Their sensitive skin is also more prone to having a reaction to the chemicals.
It is better to keep your baby out of direct sunlight, but if you can't avoid it, apply hypo-allergenic sunscreens and be sure it is PABA-free. Sunscreens that are made with zinc oxide or titanium oxide which lays on top of the skin, so it doesn't absorb into the body, and doesn't need to be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure. Dress your baby in long sleeved, light clothing and a wide brimmed hat so that you only need to use sunscreen on the hands and possibly the face and neck.
Other ways to protect from the sun:
2. Use umbrellas and sun shades
3. Limit time in the sun from 10AM to 4PM
4. Use a stroller with an adjustable shade
Remember to keep your baby hydrated, their bodies have a harder time regulating their body temperatures. Formula and breastmilk are normally plenty of liquid, but giving small amounts of water is fine. Too much water can cause water intoxication, which causes seizures.
A little safety makes for a fun summer!
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