Protection From the Sun For Babies

Physicians and researchers now believe that the more a child is exposed to sun early in life, the higher the chances are that skin cancer develops at an older age. The best way to minimize this risk is to provide protection from the sun for babies at all times. Here are some ideas that you can use…

* Whenever possible avoid taking you child outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is the time that the sun’s rays are the strongest.
* Sun rays can go through clouds and can cause damage even on cloudy days. In the shade, the sun’s rays can bounce from sand, concrete or snow, so keep that in mind as well.
* Sunglasses with UVA/B protection are also recommended.
* Young babies under the age of six months should be kept out of direct sunlight. When outside with young babies, dress the baby in clothing that covers all of the body. That means long sleeves, long pants and a hat. Also, tightly woven clothes offer better protection, than clothes with a wider weave.
* Hats should be worn outdoors. Look for a hat with a bill, like a baseball cap, in order to protect the face.
* Infants can start wearing sunscreen at six months. But they should be kept out of direct sunlight, with sunscreen used only as extra insurance in case the sun can’t be avoided.
* Sunscreens are designed to basically block the sun’s rays. The “Sun Protection Factor” (SPF) is a measure of how much protection the sunscreen offers. For example, an SPF of 30 means that a child can stay out in the sun 30 times longer than without the sunscreen. The recommended SPF is 15 (at the very least) and the sunscreen should be “broad-spectrum” (protects against both UV-A and UV-B light rays).
* Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure because it takes some time for them to work on the skin.
* Remember that even “waterproof” sunscreens need to be reapplied every two hours.
* Make sure that all potentially exposed areas are covered with sunscreen, including the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and the shoulders. While putting sunscreen on the face, avoid the eyes. If the sunscreen burns the eyes, try a new type or one that can be applied with a stick applicator.
* When outside it is good advice for all of us and even more so for your baby to keep your baby in the shade, such as in their stroller with a sun canopy or under a tree.
* Never use suntan oil, as it offers no protection and causes the skin to burn quicker. In addition, sunscreens that contain PABA should be avoided.

What You May Not Know About Various Skin Types and SPF

The skin is the largest organ in your body. It is also the one that most people notice upon seeing you for the first time. Hence, here are the things you should know about different skin types and SPF.

The Main Battle Against The Sun

Regardless of the color, skin responds when there is a repeated exposure of it to the sun. This reaction would manifest by becoming tough and thick. Hence, you can get an end product of having wrinkled and leathery skin just after adulthood’s middle years. Obviously, the sun is your number one enemy in getting great looking skin. Another obvious fact is that there is no way for you to avoid the sun, unless you plan on staying inside forever without any kind of sunlight exposure. Nevertheless, there is still hope for you and everyone else who wants to take care of their skin.

Get Some Protection

Getting some protection when exposing yourself to the sun would be just the thing that you need to maintain a healthy skin. Use a sunscreen product that has some degree of UV ray protection. The degree of protection that you can get would be listed as the SPF concentration.

SPF is short for ‘Sun Protection Factor’. You can spot it as a number listed on a sunscreen product’s bottle or label. There are various types of SPFs. There are types that protect you from UVA radiation. There are also types that protect you from UVB radiation, which is the number one cause of skin burning. However, to maximize your use of your SPF sunscreen lotion, it is best that you get one that can protect you from both UVA and UVB radiation.

What The Number Means

When you are looking at SPF ratings, you will encounter numbers connected to the letters ‘SPF’. For instance, you can encounter ‘SPF 15′ or ‘SPF10′, etc. This SPF rating listed on your product’s label actually refers to the least amount of UVB rays required for that product so that your skin would turn red after its application, versus how long until bare skin would redden.

Although the computation may seem to be something like rocket science, it is not. It is pretty simple actually. Basically, the number would be your indicator on how much longer you can last being exposed under the sun with the sun protection product on your skin without getting burned.

For instance, if you normally burn in 12 minutes when exposed to the sun, then you should apply a product that has at least SPF 15. Hence, it would mean that you’d be all right for 15 times your average length of protection time. Hence, you can be protected for about 3 hours from sun exposure.

Skin Types

It is also important for you to know the various skin types. This is because it would be your basis of choosing the level of SPF that you should get. Here are the common skin types and corresponding SPF ratings.

Young Children

If you have children in the family, it is also important to protect their delicate skin. If they are already 6 months and above use baby products that have at least SPF 15. This would be enough to protect them from burning and tanning.

Very Fair

If your skin is very fair, then it would burn more quickly. You rarely get a tan, but instead get burnt. It is best that you get a product that is SPF 20-30.

Fair

This type almost usually burns easily. There are times that you can tan but not in a high level. Products that have SPF 12-20 would be best.

Light

This type burns under the moderate range. You can experience gradual tanning in which you get to have a light brownish shade. SPF 8-12 would be best for you.

Medium

Medium types could burn minimally. A somewhat moderate brown shade is achieved when tanning, which happens most of the time. An SPF of 4-8 is recommended.

Dark

Burning is something that you should not worry about if this is your skin type. You get to tan big time and end up with a dark brown skin tone. It’s recommended that you use sunscreen products that have SPF 2-4.

Baby Sun Skin Care for the Summer

The hot days of summer are getting more intense with every year. Especially if you’re in the Northeast where we have a a sun-driven heatwave. Regardless of what zone you live in, smart skin protection is the best medicine to keep your child skin safe in the sun.

You probably remember your first sunburn and maybe even your latest one because it’s so easy for adults to splash sun screen on their kids, and forget to put it on themselves.  As you know, infant skin burns much more easily than adult skin. That’s why it’s important to take extra care with infants and toddlers when they are out in the sun.

UV Rays
It’s no secret that the depletion of the ozone layer has changed our way of thinking about sun protection. There is no doubt that the sun rays today are stronger and more intense those of 60 years ago.

Extended exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun causes skin damage and premature aging. However, it is important to remember that sunlight is important to good health. Small amounts of ultraviolet rays stimulate the body to produce vitamin D, an essential vitamin for good health. Deficiency of vitamin D is a serious health concern and leads to conditions such as rickets in children. In short, moderate sun is healthy, but sunburns are not.
Too much exposure to sunlight can result in immediate pain and long-term harm. Without getting too scientific here, sunburn is caused by extended exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Short-term results can be pain, allergic reactions and heat stroke.  In the long term, researchers say that victims of sunburn can suffer from lupus, cataracts, premature skin aging and an increased risk for skin cancer.

Skin Type
A person’s sensitivity to the sun is related to his or her skin type. An individual’s skin type determines how easily that person can become sunburned. Those with fair skin, freckles, blue eyes and/or blonde or red hair sunburn much easier than those with darker skin, eyes and hair.

Children younger than 6 years of age and adults older than 60 years are at an increased risk for sunburn. Skin type affects how easily you become sunburned. People with fair or freckled skin, blond or red hair, and blue eyes usually sunburn easily. Your age also affects how your skin reacts to the sun.

Young Skin is Sensitive
The skin of children under age 6 and adults over age 60 is more sensitive to sunlight. Premature aging from sunlight can affect people of all skin shades. A sunburn can be caused by the sun or by artificial tanning sources, including tanning beds and sun tanning lights. You can even get sunburned not only in the summer, but also in the winter.

Here are some basic sun care tips:

• Sunlight is most intense between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so avoid exposure during these times
• Avoid exposing babies younger than six months of age to direct sunlight
• Dress your child in light, loose clothing that covers the whole body
• Use a sun hat or bonnet, and keep the sunshade up on the stroller up This is good advice for young babies
• Toddlers often resent the restrictions of clothing, and feel it’s best to run around naked. For these free little spirits, use a gentle, natural sunscreen with organic ingredients, available at your health food store
• Slather on sunscreen generously and reapply, even on cloudy hazy days
• Never put sunscreen too close to children’s eyes or on their hands, as they might rub their eyes and cause irritation
• Keep your child and yourself well hydrated. Keep water bottles handy or nearby
• Bring a beach umbrella to the beach or park(if there are no shady trees nearby)

Have fun in the sun this summer, but do take care of the tender skin.

Making a Safe Family Bed: Part 2

If you and your partner want some time alone in bed at night, you can start your baby off in a bassinet or crib and bring baby into bed with you when you are ready to. Some parents find this is a wonderful arrangement that keeps everyone happy.

If you find that you feel cramped in bed with your baby, you may want to consider getting a bigger bed! A king-sized bed is a wonderful investment for years to come. You might also choose to make your bed bigger by adding a twin-sized mattress beside it. Some families literally have a “bed room!

Other families want to share sleep but don’t want the baby directly in the bed. There are yet more co sleeping options if this is how you feel. A sidecar arrangement can be made in a number of ways. You can sidecar your baby’s crib to your bed, you can buy a co sleeper, or you can put your child on some type of mattress on a lower level than yours.

You may choose to lower or remove one side of your baby’s crib and adjust the mattress to the height of your mattress. You can then use clamps to clamp the crib to the side of your bed. Some parents find that putting a piece of plywood under baby’s mattress and under theirs helps the sidecar. If there is a gap you can fill it with tightly rolled blankets. Another solution is to put a pool “noodle” (made of a very firm foam) in the crack.

There are also commercial co sleepers. Some moms love these, and enjoy the piece of mind from a product made especially for co sleeping. Arm’s Reach makes a wide variety of options. Once your child is older, you may wish to put a firm crib mattress or futon down beside your bed for him to sleep on. This works well for some families transitioning from the family bed, or who are adding a new baby. The older child still feels the security of being with the family, but is not directly in bed with parents.

You can also choose to have your baby’s bed in the room with you, but not have baby in bed with you. By having your baby’s bassinet or crib in your room, you can quickly respond to his needs.

If you are trying to work out a family bed with a growing family, there are several choices for you. You might want to invest in a king sized bed, or even add a twin sized bed mattress next to your king mattress. You will want to separate your toddler from your infant (see safe co sleeping.) You can choose to have your toddler on one side of you and your infant on your other side. Or you may want to have your toddler on the opposite side of your bed, next to your partner.

You can put your infant in a side car arrangement while your older child is in bed with you. Or you can put your toddler on a separate mattress beside your bed. Maybe your older child feels ready for his own bed, but still in your room. A compact toddler bed may be a good idea for your family. Some older children like to have their own mattress or small bed at the end of their parent’s bed.

Co sleeping can be a joyful experience. There is nothing like waking up to your sweet baby grinning at you! At the end of a long day it can be delightful to cuddle up to your darling baby. It is a time of connection for a family, and millions of families all over the world have been enjoying co sleeping throughout time.

A Few Basics

 

Those first few moments with your baby, no matter when they come, are precious. Guard and treasure them to give you and your baby the best possible start.

Your first few days taking care of a baby may seem overwhelming. But baby care basics are really pretty simple and you’ll quickly master them.

Your baby really just wants to be with you – and be warm, full, clean and dry.

You’ll want to give your natural baby a bath after the first couple of weeks (or sooner!) – bathtime can be one of the most fun aspects of parenting your new child, and it can become very relaxing as well.

Following your baby’s bath with infant massage is a great way to bond with your baby. Mastering the gentle art of infant massage will also help you soothe your baby and learn his or her cues.

Routines and a baby schedule can help bring security to your baby as your baby becomes gently accustomed to them. I also have lots of practical advice on managing your home with a baby (and older children) that’s helpful as you develop a daily rhythm with your babe.

If you have been blessed with a baby boy you might find circumcision is an issue you need to consider. Please research very carefully, no matter what your religious or cultural background is. Caring for your uncircumcised son is actually quite easy!

In the early days, your baby will thrive on milk. But you may want to research starting solids so that you can be prepared when your baby is ready.

Baby’s Sensitive Skin

Your baby’s skin is highly sensitive. Before using any baby clothes or baby linens for the very first time, make sure to wash the baby items in a hypoallergenic soap formulated for babies. In addition, use only clean and natural products designed for babies when you bathe your little one. Products for adults are usually too harsh for your baby’s delicate skin.

It is not necessary to give your newborn a bath every day. Just be sure to keep your baby clean. Wash your baby’s face, head and diaper area daily. Wipe your baby’s face and head gently with a soft, wet washcloth or use dampened cotton balls. Make sure to get into all the skin creases, especially where dribbled milk and spit up can collect. Also, wash your baby’s bottom well with each diaper change to avoid diaper rash.

When it is time to dress your baby, choose loose-fitting, soft garments. Baby’s clothes can be layered for warmth. Be sensitive to your baby’s environment and make sure to peel off or add a layer or two when in a warm or cold car, store or restaurant. If you find your baby has little pimples along skin folds, especially on the neck, back, shoulders, chest or diaper area, he or she may have prickly heat, which can be remedied by avoiding heat and humidity. Give your baby cool baths and dress him or her in light, loose-fitting baby clothes.

It is healthy and recommended to take your infant outdoors to get fresh air. Simply dress your child appropriately. You may need to protect your baby from the sun and from insect bites. While the sun is an important natural source of vitamin D, it can also do damage to your child’s skin. Shield your baby from direct sunlight by keeping the stroller hood up. Once your baby is six months old, get in the habit of using clean but effective sunscreens on your child year round, even on overcast days. Choose a hypoallergenic, PABA-free sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher that blocks both UVA and UVB rays. When applying sunscreen, avoid your baby’s eyes and keep it off your baby’s fingers as your child might rub his or her eyes. Also, avoid or limit exposure to the sun between 10am and 4pm. To keep bugs away from your little one, use an all natural insect repellent and for insect bites.

The Basics Of Healthy Skin Care

After the early months of babyhood have passed the skin of most children has a more than adequate layer of fatty ‘padding’ which gives it a beautiful smooth appearance, often described as having the quality of ‘purity’. All the functions are very active, and because the stratum corneum is functioning effectively the skin is very well hydrated. Indeed, by and large children’s skin is the healthiest we ever see.

A child’s skin shows little or no damage from sunlight. Children have more leisure time than they will ever enjoy again, however, and many of them play outside whenever they can, often spending most of the summer out of doors. There is often massive exposure to the sun during childhood, which will have long-term consequences.

The care of the skin of small children is almost entirely in the hands of parents or other carers. Nevertheless it is never too soon for them to begin to learn about skin care. The skin does not need moisturising unless there is atopy or eczema, or after prolonged exposure to sun or sea, but regular protection against the sun should begin now.

Products for babies and young children are usually highly fragranced. That sweet, recognizable aroma you could smell a mile away is nothing more than added fragrance, which we know can cause irritation. Moreover, baby products almost always have a pretty yellow or pink tint, which is contrived by coloring agents, another group of problematic skin-care ingredients for sensitive skin. If baby products were really gentler than those that adults put on their skin, they would be fragrance free and contain no coloring agents. Sadly, few of those existed just a decade ago. But now there are many clean, healthy skin care products lines to choose from.

Cosmetics and hair-care companies know that mothers have an impulsive emotional pull toward scents that trigger the image of their babies. That subconscious pull is difficult for a marketer to ignore, given the way women gravitate to the fragrance generated by other perfume-laden products. In other words, hair and skin-care companies don’t have much motivation to take these problematic ingredients out. That means you, the mother and consumer, as an advocate for your child, need to pay attention to this issue and choose fragrance-free and color-free products whenever you can!