How to behave with children, especially if they are very young? Can babies stay in the sun? Everything you need to know
Don't store avocado like this: it's dangerousSummer. A word that evokes holidays, the sea, the mountains… and the sun. We all know how important it is to protect our skin with suitable sunscreen but how to behave with children, especially if they are very young? THE Infants can they stay in the sun?
The question is back in vogue among the various groups of mothers. How to regulate? To provide precise information is the Ministry of Health according to which infants and young children adapt less easily than us adults to high temperatures, which is why, when it is very hot, we must avoid taking them into closed rooms that are overheated and poorly ventilated or, worse still, leaving them unattended in the car parked in the sun . Also, babies under six months of age should never be exposed to direct sun.
Even under an umbrella, you are not protected from the heat or from the sun's rays. Furthermore, a golden rule that applies to all children is that of prefer the cooler hours to stay on the beach and in the sun in general, during the early hours of the day and after 18pm.
If you take children outdoors you need to think about protecting them from the heat and direct exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun (which can damage their very delicate skin), using light clothes, natural fiber, headgear and sunscreen. An even more effective protection is obtained by leaving children in the shade, especially during 11 - 00. The damage caused by sunlight is particularly dangerous for infants and young children, explains the Ministry, which also provides a series of advice:
- Dress children very lightly, leaving large skin surfaces uncovered
- Regularly check the body temperature of infants and young children; if necessary, gently refresh their body with a lukewarm shower or wet cloths.
- Do drink water, not cold, in small quantities, slowly and several times a day.
Also 'Mario Negri Institute confirms the indications provided by the Ministry. Furthermore, according to doctors, exposure to the sun gives our body and that of children several benefits. The sun, in fact:
- promotes the formation in the body of vitamin D, essential for the absorption of calcium and for its deposition in the bones;
- helps regulate sleep / wake rhythm;
- it naturally treats some skin diseases, such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis;
- stimulates the production of melanin;
- promotes the maintenance of body temperature;
- it acts on some biological mechanisms that affect mood.
Also according to the Mario Negri Institute, infants up to 6 months should not be exposed directly to the sun. Instead
for older children, avoid direct exposure in the central hours of the day (in summer from 11 to 17) and expose them gradually to the sun starting with short times. During the first few days, if possible, it is better to wear long clothes that cover the arms and legs, especially if the children are small; wear a hat (possibly with a wide brim) and sunglasses; use creams with a high protection factor (50 or 50+), active for both UVB and UVA.
Which cream to choose?
The same Institute specifies that no cream completely filters ultraviolet rays. A more or less significant part can pass. For instance,
sunscreen with protection factor (SPF) 50 block a maximum of 98% of UVB rays. Furthermore, it should be considered that the SPF indicated on the label refers only to protection from UVB rays, responsible for the production of melanin and sunburn, but not to UVA rays, which penetrate deeply into the skin, promoting aging.
In any case, before buying sun creams, you need to learn to read the labels preferring the so-called physical filters, not the chemical ones.
According to Okotest, it does not necessarily have to be a special sunscreen for children but if chosen wisely, the cream is suitable for the whole family. The German magazine recently carried out a test, sending 22 sun creams to the laboratory and drawing up a ranking of the biggest and worst:
According to the analysis, only 4 sun creams (of which 3 references typical of the German market) obtained the maximum score. It is about:
- Cien (Lidl)
- Sun Dance Green
- Broke
- Today
Following, among the creams that get "good" there are:
- Lavera Sensitive
- Nivea Sun.
“Sufficient” Eucerin Sensitive cream was evaluated.
Due to the questionable ingredients, however, German experts advise against the purchase of three sun creams judged to be “insufficient. I'm:
- Garnier Ambre Solaire
- Piz Buin
- Cetaphil.
HERE the complete article with the test results: Sun creams, which are the best and worst brands. Garnier Ambre Solaire and Piz Buin "insufficient"
Sources of reference: Ministry of Health, Mario Negri Institute, Okotest
- Follow your Telegram
- Follow her Instagram
Read also:
- Sun creams, Inci: what to pay attention to on the label to choose the most effective and safe
- If you've had sunscreen open from last year, we'll tell you when you should NOT throw it away
- 10 Organic solar products with a good INCI
- Sun creams: can they still be used after a year?
- Sun creams: 10 things you (maybe) don't know about tanning products
