Sunny days and warm breezes add up to a summer of outdoor fun—and a time of serious risk to children and adults alike for over-exposure to the sun.  Skin cancer rates are skyrocketing worldwide. Ninety percent of skin cancer is caused by solar exposure and over 80% of the lifetime exposure and risk occurs in the first 18 years of life. One bad sunburn as a child can double the chance of developing skin cancer later in life.  At the same time, pediatricians advise that infants under six months not wear sunscreen due to possible absorption of harmful chemicals through the skin. With warnings like these, the responsible parent is tempted to keep their child indoors during all but the cloudiest days. Even this is not a sure bet because the sun can penetrate many cloud covers. But there is no need for such extreme caution, even with the youngest infants. Great strides have been made in understanding the risks of solar exposure and the best methods for protecting against those risks. The danger comes from penetrating UV-A and UV-B solar rays.  Australia and New Zealand have led the world in both research and developing standards for protection from these harmful rays. This is because they live under the “hole in the ozone” for part of each year giving them the highest rates of skin cancer worldwide. Part of their progressive approach is the development of the UPF or “Ultraviolet Protection Factor” rating system for fabrics.  Every fabric has a UPF. Common cotton T-shirts, for example, typically have a UPF rating of between 5 and 8—meaning you or your child can get a sunburn through the fabric. To be protective, a fabric should have a UPF rating of 30 or above. 

In the United States, the rating authority for fabrics, the American Association of Textile Colorists and Chemists, has adopted the Australia/New Zealand UPF system. However, since most fabrics don’t show their UPF rating, the best practice is to dress your child in tightly woven fabrics which, in summer, are loose fitting. Long sleeves and long pants are always the best. Children should also wear broad-rimmed hats with bills that shade the face and flaps thatguard the neck.  Another danger lurks from UV rays reflected up by sand and water. An umbrella at the beach is not sufficient protection and the same precautions should be followed as when in direct sunlight.   A child over six months should wear sunscreen when playing outdoors. Sunscreen should be applied before going outdoors so that it can penetrate the skin for maximum protection. Be sure to use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of at least 15. Infant sunscreens are generally Paba free and hypoallergenic, which is gentler for tender skin.  Infant sunscreen formulas work just as well for adults—so the whole family can slather up together. Read the manufacturer’s label for cautions and proper usage and be sure to re-apply thinner applications of the sunscreen more frequently when your child is playing in the water or is very active. Whenever possible, outdoor activities should be limited between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, when the sun’s rays have the greatest strength. The growing awareness of the dangers of over exposure to the sun has resulted in a profusion of new products and services available to protect infants and adults alike. The Skin Cancer Foundation has provided information on solar risks for years. The American Academy of Pediatrics has a web-page devoted to the topic. Most major parenting magazines also have web pages devoted to sun-safe practices. The Denver-based, non-profit American Sun Protection Association was created recently to educate consumers on the dangers of solar exposure. Sponsored by the AMC Cancer Research Center, the ASPA has developed a certified testing program for fabrics. 

Additionally, there are a wealth of new manufacturers of sun-safety products for infants. The Baby Shade Stroller Cover is a new item we just started carrying Click here to see.  This stroller cover fits over the canopy of the stroller and provides a fine mesh window around the sides and front of the stroller, while easy snap-on/snap-off Solar Guard Panels (UPF = 30+) protect your infant from the sun. Fit Pregnancy Magazine has named The Baby Shade as the “Best Product of the Year” for 1999. Another helpful solution is our new Bumper Beanie Caps (Click Here to see)which provide sun protection and injury from falls. Children are at the highest risk of complications due to sunburns. Sunburns are difficult to detect before the damage is done; therefore, never wait until your child’s skin turns pink. Parents should establish good sun safety habits and practice them consistently. Now that summer is here enjoy the sun safely!