Beach and Sun Safety for Cape Cod Babies

Jun 3

A mom recently asked me about sun safety with her 4 month old. Which prompted another mom to ask about taking her 3 month old to the beach or on a boat ride. These excellent and timely questions prompted me to gather credible and safe information to share.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends trying to keep babies (especially those younger than 6 months) out of direct sunlight by using hats, light clothing with a tight weave (not able to see through), tents and other coverings of their young, sensitive skin. Sun glasses are recommended. Have you seen a baby in sunglasses? It’s pretty adorable! Good luck having them stay on - may take some practice.

If it is not possible to avoid direct sunlight, then sunscreen for a young baby is better than no sunscreen. A “broad-spectrum” sunscreen is recommended for all members of the family to protect against UVB and UVA rays. Further specifications recommend avoiding the ingredient oxybenzone and for extra sensitive skin on the face and tops of ears, use a a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Best practice is to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside, and please remember that sunburn can happen on cloudy days. Reapply every couple hours.

There is a link below regarding beach safety, much of which Cape Cod parents know from living close to the beach. The only points that struck me as worth repeating are - scan the sand for sharp objects, and be sure to offer extra liquids to babies for hydration. Whether they are younger than 6 months and still only drinking breastmilk or formula, or older and using a cup with water. Bring an insulated cooler to keep breastmilk or formula cold so they stay safe. Teach older toddlers and children to always ask an adult’s permission before going near the water.

If your young baby does experience a sunburn, the recommendation is to call your pediatrician. For older babies and young children, there are a few comfort measures such as hydrating with water, applying cool water to ease the heat, and certainly keep your child out of the sun. Please consult with a medical professional about what medicines and other treatments may be best.

Resources:

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx American Academy of Pediatrics

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/beach-safety-for-families-safe-fun-in-the-sun-sand-and-sea.aspx American Academy of Pediatrics

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/prevent/sun-babies American Academy of Dermatology

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/should-you-put-sunscreen-infants-not-usually US FDA