Baby skin care in summer

There are only a few days left until summer arrives and we are already enjoying the sun and pleasant temperatures. That's why we want to emphasize the importance of taking care of our babies' skin against the harmful effects of the sun's rays.

Babies' skin sensitivity makes them one of the most vulnerable groups to suffer from sunburns and heat strokes during the summer, so it's necessary to take the appropriate measures to prevent it.

Sunscreen for Babies

The most recommended way to protect a baby from the sun's rays is to avoid prolonged exposure, as well as to cover their body with loose and comfortable clothing and their head with a hat.

It's also advisable to use sunscreen, and that's why it's important to know which ones are recommended for each age.

Lucía mi pediatra explains the existence of three types of sunscreens:

*Physical/mineral filters: these are suitable for babies between 6 months and 3 years old, as they reflect radiation on the skin without penetrating it.

*Chemical/organic filters: they are used from the age of 3 years and preferably should have a protection factor of 50 and be specifically for children. These filters take effect 20 minutes after application, so you should apply them a little before sun exposure, and remember to reapply every 2 or 3 hours.

*Mixed filters (physical and chemical)

And, what are the recommended sunscreens for children under 6 months old? Babies under 6 months old should not be given any type of sunscreen to avoid allergies, just as they should not be exposed to the sun continuously. Their skin is very sensitive and prone to burns, so it's recommended to cover their skin and head with a hat and walk in the shade. If you want to take your baby to the beach, try to do so early in the morning or late in the evening, avoiding the midday hours when the sun is strongest (from 11 am to 6 pm). Of course, you must be especially careful because even if they are under an umbrella, the radiation reflects and they can still get sunburned and dehydrated.

What is Heat Stroke and Its Symptoms

Our body is capable of maintaining a stable temperature in different situations and conditions, retaining heat in a cold environment or cooling down when it's hot. However, this ability can be disrupted in extreme environments, leading to heat strokes in summer or hypothermia in winter.

What are the symptoms of heat stroke? The main symptoms are vomiting, dizziness, weakness, confusion, and if left untreated, it can lead to more serious problems, even multi-organ failure. In the case of babies, pay special attention to their behavior, as they cannot express their discomfort. If you notice that your baby is experiencing a heat stroke, lay them down in a cool place without clothes, apply cold water compresses, and give them water to prevent dehydration. Seek medical help as soon as possible to have the baby evaluated.

Preventing Heat Strokes

• Dress your baby as you would dress yourself. Do not overdress them, as blocking sweat glands can cause a rash or heat stroke
• Offer water between feedings to keep them hydrated
• Do not expose your baby directly to the sun. Their skin is so sensitive that even brief exposure can easily cause burns.
• The best times for walks are early in the morning (until 11 am) or late in the afternoon (from 6 pm)
• When traveling by car, ventilate the interior of the vehicle by occasionally opening the windows and keep the air conditioning at a moderate temperature (between 21 and 23°C)

Are you ready for summer? How do you protect your baby from the sun?