Shouldn’t young children be out in the sun? Here are some tips and advice on how to protect them

First of all, it is important to bear in mind that the sun’s rays are more intense in summer and that exposure to the sun (and consequently the risk of sunburn) is greater in the mountains and/or in the presence of surfaces that reflect the sun’s rays, such as snow, water or sand. Babies under six months of age must never be exposed to direct sunlight, not even in the city.

For older children, direct exposure during the middle of the day – roughly between 11.00 and 17.00 – should be avoided, whilst the safest times remain in the morning, until around 10.30, and in the afternoon, after 17.00.

The first line of defence in protecting young children from the sun is physical barriers. Even at the beach, children should be made to wear protective clothing (UV-protective clothing), a hat and sunglasses.

For children with more sensitive skin, there are special protective garments that filter out the sun’s rays whilst allowing the skin to breathe and drying quickly, so they can even be worn whilst swimming.

Sunglasses chosen for children must provide at least 99 per cent protection against UVA and UVB rays, and should not be regarded as merely an accessory. Remember, too, that the sun’s rays can still penetrate clothing and beach umbrellas, and even when it is cloudy.

Sun cream should not be used on children under six months of age, nor should they be exposed to the sun. If you find yourself in a situation where you have no choice but to expose them to the sun, seek advice from your paediatrician. Furthermore, up to around the age of three, sun cream is the last line of defence recommended: you should prioritise shade and avoid the sun; you should opt for clothing made from fabrics that filter UV rays, hats and sunglasses, so as to physically protect the skin from radiation.

Sun cream provides an extra layer of protection, but it should be used in addition to the advice given above, not as a substitute for it. This is also because it is worth noting that no sun cream completely filters out ultraviolet rays.

You should also follow a number of recommendations: use very high sun protection, SPF 50 or 50+; for older children, use high SPF factors as well, and only reduce the SPF once they have developed a sufficient tan (never less than SPF 30); apply sun cream at least twenty minutes before going out in the sun; reapply sun cream every two hours and after every swim, bearing in mind that drying off with a towel removes most of the cream; Apply a thick layer of sun cream; if you use sun sprays – often preferred by children because they are easier to use – take care when applying them to the face and be mindful of the amount used (with sprays, it is more likely that you will use less sun cream than is necessary for adequate protection).

No, you need to know how to choose the right sun cream for your child’s age. There are, in fact, suncare products specifically designed for children (which often feature the word ‘kids’ on the label), which generally offer high or very high protection and often contain fewer potentially problematic ingredients and fragrances that could trigger allergies, as they are designed for children’s sensitive skin.

You should also opt for sun creams with physical filters, based on zinc oxide, which remain on the surface of the skin without penetrating it. Some sun creams containing chemical filters may, in fact, contain ingredients which, when absorbed through the skin, can interfere with the endocrine system. In any case, to be on the safe side, it is always best to ask your paediatrician for advice on which sun cream to use and how to apply it.

Generally speaking, young children need to be protected from the heat in summer, as their body temperature rises quickly due to their reduced ability to regulate their body temperature. Furthermore, as they sweat more, they are at risk of becoming dehydrated.

Here are a few tips: offer your child water to drink frequently and breastfeed newborns more often; choose a diet rich in fruit and vegetables, with a high content of fluids and minerals; check the body temperature of infants and young children, cool them down with a lukewarm shower and, where possible, leave their nappy off; keep the rooms where your child spends time cool (for more information, read the factsheet on air conditioning); if your child shows mild symptoms of heat exhaustion (including nausea, vomiting, fatigue and headache), keep them in the shade, cool them with water and leave large areas of their body uncovered; if there are moderate or severe symptoms (including reduced urine output, intense thirst, exhaustion, irritability, low blood pressure, rapid pulse or fever), contact your paediatrician or the emergency services immediately.

Read the full factsheet on the dottoremaeveroche website run by Fnomceo.