Up to the age of 3, children have an immature skin defence system that makes them very vulnerable to the sun: it is therefore strongly advised not to expose them directly to the sun. If your travels nevertheless require you to take your baby to a sunny place, be sure to take all precautions to protect their delicate skin!
By following a few simple rules, you will preserve the future of their skin and their natural defence system from potentially serious damage. And because childhood is the best learning period, the gestures repeated with you today will become your child's reflexes tomorrow.
Sun safety rules
- Avoid exposing your baby to the sun, especially between 11 AM and 4 PM. Always seek shade in case of intense sun.
- Never leave your baby naked or in a swimsuit in the sun. Dress them in loose but thick cotton clothes to filter UV rays effectively, a wide-brimmed hat, and appropriate sunglasses (CE standard, UV category 3 or 4, with wide rims or mask shape).
- Apply a thick layer of suitable SPF sun protection product (50+) 20 minutes before exposure. Focus on sensitive, overexposed areas (forehead, cheekbones, nose, lips).
- Protect your child even in the shade or on cloudy days: more than 80% of UV rays pass through clouds, and a parasol does not provide sufficient protection.
- Avoid potentially allergenic filters and prefer mineral or organic-mineral screens.
- Reapply sunscreen in sufficient quantity every 2 hours and after each swim.
- Make your child drink regularly, even if they don't ask for it. Take care of your sun protection products: close the tube or spray tightly, do not leave them in direct sunlight, and never reuse an opened product the following year.
Choosing the right sun protection for your child
Your child's skin is fragile: thinner than yours, it is particularly vulnerable to the sun. This is why it is essential to choose sun protection for their skin that is optimally effective against the sun's harmful rays, while respecting its delicacy and preserving its cellular capital. Good sun protection for your baby must therefore meet the following criteria:
- Offer an SPF 50+ and UVA index, combined with a skin barrier protection action to preserve the skin's natural defences and avoid any cellular damage resulting from sun exposure.
- Guarantee high tolerance: the formula must be hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, paraben-free, and tested under dermatological control.
- Be adapted to children's lives: the product must be water and sweat resistant and visible upon application to ensure no area is missed.
- Be adapted to your child's skin type: if their skin is very fair or easily reactive, choose a product specially designed for intolerant skin.
