- Knowledgebase: Child Safety, Injury Prevention and Treatment
- Questions about child safety and injury prevention, as well as treatment for minor injuries.
- 1. Should infants use sunscreen? - Top
- Doctors used to discourage the use of sunscreen on babies less than six months old, but the American Academy of Pediatrics now states that sunscreen is probably safe to use on younger children.
Even so, younger children should be kept out of direct sunlight because they can burn easily and may not be able to handle getting overheated as well as older children. So while it is safe to use sunscreen on kids less than six months old, it is best to keep them out of the sun.
Other tips:
•Use a water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
•Use hypoallergenic and fragrance free products.
•Apply enough sunscreen to protect your child. Most experts estimate that many parents only use about half of the recommended amount of sunscreen on their children, providing less protection than they think.
•Be sure to reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, or more often if your child is swimming or sweating.
•Remember to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before your child will be exposed to the sun.
- Updated: June 5, 2010
-
[e-Mail me the Knowledgebase]- [Search
our Knowledgebase] - [Question Not Answered?]
|
