In the last entry of Summer Special with children We have talked about one of the greatest precautions that parents with young children should have in summer: protect them from the sun.
We have already talked about sun creams, how to choose the most suitable photoprotector and how we should apply it, but protecting them from the sun does not only imply applying a sunscreen. We must not forget other accessories such as hats, umbrellas, light clothes, sunglasses, and of course, always keep them well hydrated.
Through small gestures that we incorporate as a routine, children can expose themselves to the sun safely on the beach or in the pool, something they enjoy so much in summer.
In short, what you can not miss this summer to protect children from is:
Sunscreen
We have already talked about types of photoprotectors and different consistencies, being the cream and spray lotions the most suitable for children. It is necessary to use pediatric creams, free of PABA, hypoallergenic and with a protection factor greater than 45 for babies over six months (in younger babies, there is no agreement on whether or not they should apply sun creams, better consult with the pediatrician).
We must try to extend the protector well throughout the body, without leaving parts that we usually forget such as ears, insteps, hands and neck. Renew the protector every two hours.
Caps, caps, hats
It is important to wear hats, caps, hats or scarves that protect the child's head from solar radiation To avoid a heat stroke. Sunstroke or direct action of the sun on vital areas of the body, especially the head, can cause overheating of the brain that leads to it not working.
As far as possible, hats with wide wings are better since in addition to the head they cover the ears and neck, also very sensitive areas. They should be light and preferably light colors, as it is not convenient to make the baby's head sweat too much causing excessive fluid loss.
Sunglasses
We usually forget about this accessory, but experts warn that it is important that all babies wear sunglasses for prevent future eye problems.
The lens of the baby's eye, which acts as a filter, has not yet fully developed and, before the first year of life, lets 90 percent of the UVA radiation and 50 percent of the UVB pass, reaching directly the retina, which can cause short and long term damage.
Approved glasses will take care of the view of the damages that can be caused by exposure to UV rays. Even with sunglasses, it should be noted that children should never look directly at the sun.
Appropriate clothing
To protect from the sun, clothes are the most appropriate. Recommended light, wide garments, preferably cotton, which transpire, and light colors, which absorb less heat.
There are also special clothes for children with sunscreen that protect the skin from solar radiation.
Refresh
Bathe with fresh water in the pool or at sea, if you are at home, showering or bathing, wet face, neck and hands, use a fan or air conditioning at a pleasant temperature, between 22 and 25 degrees.
At home, lower the blinds and close the windows that are exposed to the sun to keep the environment cool.
Keep them hydrated
We have recently talked about the importance of water consumption in children, especially in summer, when they eliminate body fluids when they sweat.
You have to offer them water every two hours, even if they don't feel thirsty, to keep hydration from body tissues to healthy levels.
It is recommended that a child drink daily between 50-60 ml per kilo of weight. It is not necessary to offer breastfed babies water, breast milk is enough.
Avoid the central hours of the day
Avoid, as far as possible, the exposure of children to the central hours of the day, between twelve and five in the afternoon. For their part, babies should not be directly exposed to the sun.
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