Why is sunscreen a must for your baby?

1. Why is Sunscreen a Must For Your Baby? Spending time outdoors with your baby may be the best way to make the most of the summer season but it’s just as important to protect your baby’s skin. Be it going to the park or planning a vacation to a scenic beach, it’s important to keep in mind that your baby’s delicate skin needs to be protected from the harsh rays of the sun. Is baby sunscreen necessary? It’s often said that the best form of protection from the sun’s harmful rays is prevention so keep your baby indoors between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is at its strongest. Your baby’s skin is delicate and extremely sensitive. When it is exposed to the sun, the harsh UV rays can cause skin reddening, sunburn, premature ageing and may even increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life. And that’s why it’s important to use​​sunscreen for babies​.

2. Your baby’s skin is thin, delicate and much more porous as compared to your skin. As such, anything that you put on your baby’s skin gets absorbed easily hence it’s not recommended to use sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months. This is also the reason why it’s important to choose ​natural baby care products​ for your baby. If your baby is younger than 6 months then here are some tips you can follow to protect them from the harsh rays of the sun: 1. Dress your baby in light coloured cotton clothes with full sleeves, pants and wide-brimmed hats. 2. When taking your baby out in a stroller, cover it with an umbrella or shade flaps 3. Stay in a cool, shaded area whenever possible. 4. If possible, stay indoors between 10 am to 4 pm when the sun is at its peak. 5. Ensure your baby is hydrated with breast milk or formula if they are younger than 6 months.

3. For babies who are 6 months old and above, using a sunscreen is a must when you step out with them. However, when choosing a sunscreen, there are certain factors you should consider such as the type of sunscreen. Choose a physical or mineral-based sunscreen over a chemical sunscreen for your baby. Mineral-based sunscreens are made with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide which are found naturally in the environment. These minerals sit on top of the skin and block and reflect the sun’s harmful UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, have Oxybenzone and Octinoxate which get absorbed by the skin and enter the bloodstream. These chemicals can cause skin redness and discomfort. They also help absorb UV rays and convert them into heat which can make your baby uncomfortable. Just like you choose​​natural baby products​ for your baby, it’s best to choose a mineral-based sunscreen over a chemical sunscreen as well. Here are some factors you should consider when choosing a sunscreen for your baby: 1. Choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection to protect against both UV-A and UV-B rays and has SPF 50 2. Water-resistant sunscreen is always a better option to keep your baby protected in the water 3. Opt for a sunscreen which is hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested. Before using a new sunscreen for your baby, apply a small amount of it on your baby’s forearm a few days before you use it to check if your baby is allergic to any of the ingredients. Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before you step out and re-apply it every two to three hours to ensure maximum protection. It’s also important to note that your baby should wear sunscreen even if the day is cloudy and during the winter season as the sun rays are present throughout the year. However, sunscreen shouldn’t be used as the only means of sun protection. It’s equally important to ensure that your baby is dressed in loose-fitting cotton clothes with full sleeves and pants and wear a wide-brimmed hat. If your baby has started drinking water then keep them well hydrated. Keep checking on your baby from time to time for signs of dehydration and sunburn, skin redness, fussiness, excessive crying. If your baby is feeling uncomfortable or showing these signs then move them to a shaded area right away and attend to them. Is there a difference between baby sunscreen and regular sunscreen? Most baby sunscreens are physical or mineral-based and while adult sunscreens are typically chemical-based. Mineral-based sunscreen are best suited for your baby’s delicate skin as they are less likely to cause irritation. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, have chemicals that can get absorbed by the skin and cause skin redness and rashes. These chemicals also trap the sun’s rays in the skin and convert them into heat which is another reason why they should be avoided.

4. As with all​​baby care products​, it’s important to know which ingredients are safe for your baby’s skin and which should be avoided. Ingredients such as Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, which are typically present in chemical sunscreens, should be avoided as they can cause skin redness and rashes. Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide, on the other hand, are used in mineral-based sunscreens and are best suited for your baby’s delicate skin. These ingredients create a physical barrier on top of the skin and reflect UV-A and UV-B rays. They do not get absorbed into the skin or cause redness and rashes. Apart from Zinc Oxide and Titanium dioxide, here are some other ingredients that you should look for: 1. ​Organic Carrot Seed Oil -​ a rich source of Carotenoids, it reduces free radical damage caused to the skin 2. ​Red Raspberry Oil -​ packed with essential fatty acids and vitamins, it provides protection from harmful UV rays 3. ​Pongamia Glabara Seed Oil​ - reduces skin redness 4. ​Shea butter -​ moisturizes and soothes the skin Give your baby the benefit of these ingredients with The Moms Co.’s Mineral Based Sunscreen. Not only does it have natural ingredients, but it also provides protection with

5. SPF 50+ and is water-resistant. Mineral Based Sunscreen by The Moms Co. is one of the best sunscreen for babies in India​​as it is natural, effective, dermatologically-tested and hypoallergenic. Part of The Moms Co.’s range of baby care products which include baby face cream, tear-free shampoo, wash and lotion, Mineral Based Sunscreen is bound to protect your baby’s skin while you spend time under the sun.