How to best protect a baby from the sun?

Summer is finally here! Whether you're on vacation or not, you want to soak up some vitamin D and enjoy outdoor activities (or just relaxing). What could be more natural, especially after several lockdowns? Great news! Milk Away nursing clothes allow you to lead an active life this summer and breastfeed discreetly anywhere. However, remember to protect your baby from the sun!

Summer or winter, the sun's UV rays penetrate even through clouds and reach us. Ideally, we should protect children, and adults too, all year round. This is especially important because the skin of infants and young children is still immature and therefore particularly fragile. Discover everything you need to know to protect your baby's skin (literally and figuratively) this summer.

Just a few minutes spent on a patio, by the pool, or on the beach is enough to spot children poorly protected from the sun. Most parents mean well, of course, but they lack knowledge on the subject. The result? More than 33% of children under three have already suffered severe sunburns (according to a study by Newpharma). These burns should not be taken lightly and, depending on their frequency and severity, can cause irreversible damage and lead to serious skin diseases in adulthood. Repeated exposure to these inflammatory reactions significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer. Every year in Belgium, there are no fewer than 37,000 new cases of melanoma. So, sun protection is not something to joke about, even from a very young age, because it can happen to anyone!

"This is a reality that Doug's godmother, my son, can unfortunately attest to; he developed skin cancer at just 20 years old." Aurélie, Milk Away MUM.

What are the best practices to adopt to avoid sunburn? 

Most of these recommendations are applicable at the beach and in the mountains, but also at the playground, in the city, or even from behind the car window.

• Don't expose your child to the sun during the hottest hours of the day. Although, theoretically, no exposure at all would be ideal. A child doesn't really care whether they're tanned or not… From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the sun's rays are strongest. You don't tan faster when you're in the sun during these hot hours, you just burn faster. Plan indoor activities (games, meals, naps) or activities in the shade (walks) and go back outside to enjoy the nice weather in the late afternoon. 
• Don't let your child play in the sun for too long, even if they're well protected. Besides sunburn, they can quickly suffer from dehydration, heatstroke, or even sunstroke, which will require a trip to the doctor or emergency room. The height of holiday fun! Also, remember to offer them water at least every hour. Opt for snacks made with fresh fruit (which naturally contains water) or make homemade popsicles with fresh fruit juice to limit sugar intake.
• Apply a generous amount of high-protection SPF 50+ sunscreen specifically formulated for children to their face and body. Be meticulous and don't miss any areas or creases: the backs of knees and elbows, the creases of ankles and wrists, toes, ears, and neck—sunburn in these areas is particularly painful. There is a wide variety of quality sunscreens available on the market. Regardless of the brand or texture (oil, cream, lotion, gel, mist, etc.—note that the richer the texture, the more resistant it will be), make sure the sunscreen protects against both UVB rays (responsible for sunburn) and UVA rays (responsible for premature skin aging). Reapply every 30 minutes ideally, at least every hour, and after swimming. Good to know : chemical sunscreens only become effective 30 minutes after application, while mineral sunscreens are effective immediately. Another important point: once opened, sunscreen is only effective for one year. It is therefore essential to buy one every year to guarantee maximum protection.
• Dress your child in light, appropriate clothing : a UV-protective swimsuit (be careful of the water's reflective surface, which accelerates sunburn), a t-shirt, a hat, sunglasses, etc. When it comes to sun protection, it's better to be overprotective than underprotective. And if you're a fan of caps, Milk Away has a great surprise in store for you. #Staytuned!
• Seat your baby on a towel rather than directly on the sand, as 20% of UV rays are reflected by the sand, and also beware of the reflection of rays on the water.

Warning: Danger 

If, despite all your precautions, your baby develops sunburn, do not try to soothe the burn by applying an ice cube. Ice is at the worst possible temperature for the skin. Applying an ice cube directly to the skin risks causing another burn from the cold. Soothe the area with a calming thermal water mist and after-sun care products containing aloe vera, for example. In case of a true burn (swelling, blisters, etc.), consult a doctor and use more medical-grade creams such as Biafine, Flamazine, etc. If, after sun exposure, you notice that your baby has a fever, is lethargic, is not eating well, is vomiting, etc., consult a doctor as soon as possible; they may be suffering from dehydration.

The sooner you learn how to protect yourself from the sun's harmful rays, the better! Spread the word. And above all, enjoy your summer! And why not, in our long La Vie en Rose dress ?

#inmumwetrust #sunbaby #vacaymode #babysunglasses #mothering #neverwithoutmycap #vacaymood