Sun protection for babies and children
Heading out into Canada’s great outdoors with the kids? Be sure to protect your little ones properly from ultraviolet rays with baby sunscreen! Toddlers’ skin is thinner and more sensitive than adults’, but that’s not the only reason to use sun protection! Young skin is also more permeable, more sensitive to irritation and dehydrates more easily. Because it's low in melanin, young children’s skin is particularly vulnerable to ultraviolet (UV) light, which means it can burn very quickly.
As you surely know, sun exposure can cause harmful long-term damage. Practicing sun safety for kids—namely using the best sunscreen and following basic rules—is a must when you’re spending time outside. In this article, you'll find some useful tips to help you choose the best sunscreen for babies and young kids.
What are the risks of sun exposure for babies?
Not taking the proper precautions for sun safety can lead to a number of short- and long-term skin problems. That’s why it's important to adopt a good sun protection routine, right from the start.
- Short-term risks: dryness, sunburn, serious burns (which can lead to fever and infection) and sun intolerance that can lead to allergic reactions, like redness or eczema.
- Long-term risks: in children, sun exposure without protection can lead to sun allergy, eczema, melanoma and other cancers.
Acronyms to remember: UVA, UVB, SPF and CDA
What’s the best sunscreen for baby: cream, lotion or spray? Before you pick a type of sunscreen, take the time to read the package. You should see the words “broad spectrum,” which means the sunscreen will protect your baby against UVA and UVB rays. Fortunately, all products for children offer this dual protection these days. But do be vigilant!
When shopping, you should also pay special attention to the sun protection factor (SPF). SPF indicates the level of protection against UV rays. The higher the SPF, the greater the protection against the sun’s rays.
For baby sun protection, it is recommended to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. If your child has fair skin, an SPF of 45 or 60 is best.
Did you know?
The sun can also damage darker skin!
Even though darker skin offers better natural protection, it can burn like any other skin type. So be sure to maximize your baby’s sun protection!
Don't forget to look for the Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) logo on sunscreen packaging. The CDA represents Canada’s dermatologists. One of the organization’s missions is to raise public awareness about sun protection. It’s a good expert reference to keep in mind!
Demystifying chemical and physical sunscreens
There are two types of sunscreens: chemical (or synthetic) and physical (or mineral). Both contain filters, but they don’t work in the same way.
So which is the best sunscreen for your baby?
- Chemical sunscreens transform UVA and UVB rays to make them harmless. Sunscreens that contain these filters act like sponges and absorb the sun’s rays.
- Physical filters (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) act like a shield on the skin’s surface by reflecting harmful rays.
Physical sunscreens are highly recommended for toddlers since, by blocking the sun’s rays, they offer natural protection for your baby’s delicate skin.
Practical sun protection tips
The CDA has long recommended that children under the age of one year not be exposed to the sun at all. However, this warning was revised after the underlying science was questioned. All experts now advise parents to apply sunscreen on all of their children’s uncovered skin.
Here are some basic rules for sun safety while you spend quality time outdoors with your kids:
- Keep your little one out of the sun. Create shaded areas with trees or umbrellas, for example.
- Have your child wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- If the sun's rays can’t be avoided, apply a small amount of baby sunscreen to exposed skin.
- Optez pour un écran solaire à large spectre possédant un FPS d’au moins 30. Recherchez les produits qui portent le logo de l’ACD.
- Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Look for products with the CDA logo.
- Choose a sunscreen specifically designed for sensitive babies and children.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating heavily. - Don't forget sensitive areas, like ears, nose and lips (with an SPF 30 or higher balm)!
- Dress your child in long, loose, lightweight, tightly woven clothing.
- Have your child wear sunglasses with UV 400 or 100% UV protection.Remember: If labelled “UV 100” or “UV protection,” the protection is insufficient and therefore not recommended!
- Limit your outdoor activities between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If possible, keep children out of the sun between noon and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are at their strongest.
Did you know?
Up to 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds and fog. So it’s best to wear sunscreen for all your outdoor activities!
Important !
For babies, a severe sunburn is a medical emergency! Consult a doctor right away.
Pharmacy services
If you have questions about the best sunscreens for babies, ask your family pharmacist or beauty consultant. They'll be happy to help.
The pharmacy services presented in this section are offered by pharmacist owners who are affiliated with Uniprix. The pharmacists are solely responsible for the professional activities carried out during the practice of pharmacy. These services are offered in participating pharmacies only. Certain fees and conditions may apply.
* The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide complete information on the subject matter or to replace the advice of a health professional. This information does not constitute medical consultation, diagnosis or opinion and should not be interpreted as such. Please consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your health, medications or treatment.