As we get into the warmer months, many parents ask about sunscreen for their children.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends:
•Sunscreen for ALL children over 6 months of age.
•Sunscreen should be “broad-spectrum” and protect against both UVA and UVB rays (Check the label. Most sunlight is UVA, but UVB rays cause more damage.).
•Use products with SPF 15 or higher. •Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours while
outdoors between 10am-4pm. Reapply after swimming
or profuse sweating.
•Make sure to use enough sunscreen! An average teenager
should use about 1 ounce per application.
•Sunscreen works best when applied 20 minutes before sun exposure.
Babies under 6 months should rely more on shade and clothing to prevent sunburn:
•Dress infants in lightweight clothing that covers their arms
and legs when they will be out in the sun.
•Don’t forget a brimmed hat.
•Use canopies and umbrellas to provide shade as much as possible.
•If shade is not available, sunscreen is certainly better than sunburn. Use small amounts (SPF 15 or higher) to exposed areas, like face and hands, if necessary.
More information about sunscreen and the use of insect repellants on children can be found at: http://www.wallingfordpediatrics.com/files/BugSpraySunscreenPDF.pdf