THE BABY MUST RECEIVE THE CORRECT AMOUNT OF SUN TO PREVENT BURN AND DEHYDRATION

Since maternity leave, your baby can and should be sunbathed. In contact with the skin, ultraviolet rays activate vitamin D in the body, essential for bone formation.

In order for the baby to receive the correct amount of sun, without running the risk of getting burned or developing skin cancer in the future, parents must organize the routine and take certain precautions:

VITAMIN FOR HEALTHY BONES

Vitamin D is essential for the development of healthy bones. Our bodies “create” vitamin D from direct sunlight on our skin when we are outdoors. Certain foods also help to ensure the supply of this substance, such as salmon, sardines and red meat.

The body must have enough vitamin D to absorb calcium and promote bone growth. Lack of this substance can result in a disease called rickets, characterized by a defect in cartilage mineralization. The child who develops it has growth retardation and bone deformities. In adults, vitamin deficiency can cause osteomalacia, which makes bones fragile and deformed.

SUN BATH: HOW TO TAKE AND WHEN TO USE SUN PROTECTION?

The baby must be well protected from the sun to avoid burns, injuries, heat stroke and the appearance of skin cancer in adulthood. However, the baby can only use sunscreen after six months. Younger babies do not have the ability to metabolize and excrete filter chemicals, which can be absorbed through the skin.

Even so, babies under six months can sunbathe, which should last five to ten minutes all over the body, or 30 minutes just for the arms and legs. Since they cannot use sunscreen, the ideal is that they are exposed between 7 am and 10 am in the morning or after 4 pm, when the incidence of sunlight is lower.

Babies over six months, on the other hand, should wear infant sunscreen whenever they are out in the sun. The filter must be age-appropriate and must have sufficient protection for the exposure time.

REDOUBLE CARE

Even protected, the skin can suffer unwanted effects from the sun’s rays and heat, such as allergic reactions in the form of rash (dermatitis). If this happens, see the pediatrician.

If the skin becomes red, the pediatrician should also be consulted to indicate the correct treatment. However, it is essential that precautions are taken so that this never happens. Especially during the summer, the baby needs to be protected from the sun and in cool places.

Frequent sun exposure without proper protection is associated with premature aging, increased risk of skin cancer in adulthood and even the onset of cataracts, according to the Pediatric Society. Therefore, extra care should be taken with the baby’s skin.

If you liked the tips, leave a comment! I’d love to hear from you!