Parents know that the sun can be damaging to their babies’ skin and eyes, and they try to keep infants out of direct sunlight whenever possible. However, as kids learn to crawl and walk, they may wander out of the shade, making it necessary to take extra precautions such as using sunscreen.
As infants’ delicate skin is extra sensitive, you need to make sure you only use recommended SPF sunscreen for babies. Mayo Clinic explains exactly what to look for.
SPF Sunscreen for Babies
Babies can start using sunscreen when they turn 6 months old, but you should still try to keep your infant out of the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when sunlight is at its most intense. Choose broad spectrum sunscreen (meaning the product blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with an SPF factor of at least 15 but preferably 30 or above. Apply liberally and reapply every two hours, immediately after playing in water, and when your baby is sweating.
Look for a sunscreen that contains just inorganic filters, such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide. If you will be out in the sun for more than two hours, use products that contain only sunscreen and not sunscreen combined with insect repellent. This will avoid reapplications of insect repellent, which should only be applied once per day.
Babies of all ages should wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible —Â a brimmed hat to protect their faces, and sunglasses to protect their eyes.
Baby Sunglasses
Just like babies’ skin has different needs to that of older children, babies should only use shades specifically designed to fit their smaller faces. At Real Kids, we offer three styles for infants: My First Shades, Explorer, and Explorer Polarized, which are all suitable for babies aged 0+. These shades feature UV-blocking, shatterproof lenses, wraparound frames, and an adjustable band for added comfort. Explorer and Explorer Polarized also feature FlexFit bendable, unbreakable frames. You can find these styles and others in the Real Kids collection.