Is Sunscreen Safe for Infants?

Fresh air and light are healthy for infants, but the sun's UV rays can be dangerous. In most cases, however, you should not use sunscreen on an infant, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Instead, keep infants out of direct sunlight until they are at least 6 months of age, according to the North Dakota Department of Health.

  1. Dangers

    • Infants are especially vulnerable to the sun because their skin is thin. Sunburns increase the risk that a child will later develop skin cancer, especially if he has two or more blistering sunburns before he is an adult. Although children and adults should wear sunscreen to protect their skin from UV rays, infants have a higher surface-area to body-weight ratio, which means they absorb more of the chemicals in sunscreen. These chemicals could cause an allergic reaction or inflammation, according to the FDA.

    Sun Safety

    • Protect infants from the sun by keeping them in the shade or underneath an umbrella or stroller canopy. UV rays penetrate clouds and are reflected from concrete, water and sand, so keep infants in the shade even when it isn't sunny. In addition, dress your child in lightweight clothing that covers her exposed skin and a brimmed hat to protect her face, neck and ears. Clothes with a tight weave provide more protection than clothes with a loose weave. Finally, infants should wear sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of the sun's damaging UV rays.

    Considerations

    • If it isn't possible to keep your infant inside or in the shade, apply a small amount of sunscreen to his hands, cheeks or other small areas of skin to protect him from the sun, recommends the FDA. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen designed for infants or children that has an SPF of at least 15. Don't use sunscreens that have DEET, an insect repellent. Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside and closely monitor your infant for signs of sunburn, fussiness or dehydration.

    Warning Signs

    • Whether she is in the shade or sun, watch your infant for signs of dehydration, overheating and sunburn. Danger signs include redness, fussiness, decreased urination, fever, sleepiness, blistering or puffy eyelids. Dehydrated infants may also have a dry mouth, no tears, listlessness and sunken eyes, according to the North Dakota Department of Health. If your infant gets a sunburn or has other symptoms, take her out of the sun, apply cold compresses to her skin and contact your healthcare provider.

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