We all know the importance of sun protection as adults, but when it comes to our infants and their delicate skin, putting in place a routine is that much more important. In fact, a baby’s skin, particularly in it’s earliest stages is considered the most sensitive kind of skin, which explains why it is more irritation and sunburn prone. Fortunately implementing a few steps and including just a select few products daily can keep your baby happy and healthy, leaving you better able to enjoy the sun with your little one.

 

Whilst it can be tempting to try and catch a few rays in the peak of this heat wave, the reality is keeping your baby in a shaded area is one if the most easiest yet most effective ways to ensure the safety of your child. This is particularly important when they are under 6 months of age, as their skin is at its most sensitive. Keeping your infant away from sun exposure is important to keep them cool and comfortable, but also to reduce the chances of sunburn. Did you know an infant experiencing 5 sunburns in their childhood or just one blistering sunburn can double their chances of developing some kind of skin cancer in adulthood? 

Which is why to err on the side of caution keeping your little one out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time and dressing them in loose and light clothing (cotton is a great example of a material that is both breathable yet comfortable, so no worries about scratchy fabric) which still offers good coverage of their delicate skin. This way we can ensure they are both comfortable but also protected.

 

It has been recommended by many health care professionals as well as The Skin Care Foundation that children under 6 months do not wear sunscreen. This is because at this age babies have a higher surface area to body weight ratio in comparison to older children. This therefore increases the risk of a reaction from the chemicals in the sunscreen. This makes shade and the correct kind of clothing even more crucial as they are the primary forms of protection from the sun at this stage. However post 6 months an SPF30 sunscreen is recommended, particularly mineral sunscreens which use Titanium Dioxide or Zinc Oxide as their UVA and UVB filters. This is because mineral sunscreens are known to be less irritating, therefore recommended for sensitive skin types in particular. Simply apply every 2 hours when out in the sun and always reapply after a swim.

 

Whilst sunscreen, the right clothing and shade offer great protection, sometimes life happens and despite our best efforts our little ones are left looking a little pink. Finding a product that can deal with life’s emergencies and yet is gentle enough to treat our children’s skin with the care and concern it deserves can be seen as a tall order. Fortunately, our Wonder Balm ticks all the right boxes and has all the credentials to prove it. Our multi award winning balm has been recognised for its incredible results, most recently as the Best Baby Balm by the Green Parents Awards. As with all our Vemel products, Wonder Balm is free from synthetic fragrance or harsh essential oils (which are known skin irritants) so you can use it on your baby with confidence. Instead, it is full of goodness; from organic chamomile extract to calm the skin, the healing properties of organic chickweed oil to the soothing nature of organic calendula oil, Wonder Balm has been carefully and intentionally curated to offer relief from an array of day to day concerns. Whether it’s mild sunburn, nappy rash or Eczema, it is the perfect balm to offer your baby relief. To use, simply apply liberally to the area affected or for more specific conditions apply twice a day for two weeks for best results. To enjoy Wonder Balm a little more, why not use it for a little baby massage, melt first in the warmth of your hands and then gently rub and massage the balm into the skin using soft stroking motions. It can be a wonderful end to an evening to give your little one a little extra TLC and soothe them into the evening for a more relaxed sleep.

 

Putting in place these few simple steps can make the heat a little more comfortable and manageable for your baby, therefore giving you a little more peace of mind