Babies are often exposed to solar radiation as soon as they come into contact with the outdoors, and children spend much of their time outdoors, playing in the garden, in the playground, on the beach...

Although the sun is important, for example in the synthesis of vitamin D, the sun's rays and unprotected skin are not good friends, whatever your age:

• Ultraviolet A (UVA) contributes to premature ageing and skin cancer;

• Ultraviolet B (UVB) can also cause sunburn, cataracts and weaken the immune system.

Because children's skin is less thick (making it easier for solar radiation to pass through and increasing dehydration), perspiration is insufficient to cool the body and the pigmentation system (skin protection) is underdeveloped, the skin is naturally more fragile in childhood. Therefore - at the risk of doing more harm than good - babies' and children's exposure to the sun should be short and, in addition to applying specific sun protection, should follow a set of rules:

1. sun exposure

The risk of developing skin cancer in adulthood is twice as high when a child has suffered a sunburn. In view of children's fragility and the future risk, prevention is essential - with maximum protection (preferably SPF 50+). First of all, babies under twelve months old should not be exposed directly to the sun - they belong in the shade. It is also in the shade that all of us, especially children, should stay between 11am and 5pm - the period when the intensity of solar radiation is greatest.

2. Clothing

Even at the beach or swimming pool, children should wear (over their swimsuit) fresh cotton pants and a shirt that covers their arms and legs. They should also wear a wide-brimmed hat, not forgetting sunglasses with ultraviolet protection. Cover your baby's exposed parts even on the windiest and cloudiest days.

3. Water

It is essential to promote fluid intake - even if the child resists or doesn't seem to be thirsty, we must insist to prevent dehydration.

The sun is a friend, but you can't abuse it: you learn to enjoy what it has to offer safely at a young age!

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