Many parents don’t know the best ways to protect their young children from the sun. Fortunately, Dr. Alan J. Parks of Eastside Dermatology is a board certified dermatologist with some tips to share. In addition to his expertise in the dermatological field, Dr. Parks has two kids and knows the best tricks to limit a baby’s exposure to dangerous ultraviolet rays.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, just one blistering sunburn in childhood more than doubles a person’s chances of developing melanoma later in life. According to one US study, 54 percent of children become sunburned or tanned in their second summer, versus 22 percent in their first.
These startling statistics prove how important it is to limit your baby’s exposure from the sun.
“If you plan on exposing your toddler to the sun, make sure their skin is covered to avoid sunburn,” advised Dr. Alan J. Parks. “They should be wearing a bucket hat, sunglasses and have a shirt with sleeves so their shoulders are covered. That being said, it is best to keep your child out of the sun whenever possible if they are less than six months old.”
Dr. Parks also stated that toddlers should be kept out of the sun during the strongest hours of sunlight, which typically is between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Even though it can be tough for a toddler to keep still, parents can’t forget to apply sunscreen to their young baby.
“The SPF should be at least 15,” said Dr. Parks. “Zinc Oxide is always my top recommendation for babies as it forms a barrier against the sun’s rays.”