Now that summer is here, individuals from across the country are going to be heading out into the sun. To stay safe in those instances, the Food and Drug Administration is spreading the word on how to protect your family.
Their latest safety announcement concerns how to keep infants safe when exposed to direct sunlight. Although most people can get away with simply putting on sunscreen, this isn’t the case with children who are less than six months old. The FDA has stated that these infants have thinner skin that can more easily absorb the chemicals that make up sunscreen.
The best thing that parents and guardians can do with a baby is to keep him or her out of the sun entirely. This can be done by utilizing natural shade or bringing an umbrella if there’s not going to be shade afforded. The American Academy of Pediatrics also suggests dressing young children in lightweight clothing that covers the arms, legs, and back of the neck.
It’s also important to hydrate the child. Because babies can become dehydrated quicker than older individuals, it’s important to keep them supplied with breast milk or formula. If you notice a decrease in urination, it could be a sign of dehydration.
Should consumers discover that their infant exhibits signs of a sunburn, then they should be immediately taken into the shade, and cold compresses should be used to ease the redness.