Recently, your UltimateMama spent a week in Florida. It is part of the NYC triangle – Manhattan, Hamptons, Florida – that most folks find themselves in during the year. Anyhow, sunscreen was a big part of UltimateMama’s family vacation, even on cloudy days. Every morning, after a wonderful Chef UltimateMama made breakfast of fruit, pancakes, turkey bacon, and eggs, the while family would spend fifteen minutes lathering up SPF 30 (or above) sunscreen. Then, after swimming it would be reapplied. It was a ritual for UltimateMama’s family.
UltimateMama is always SHOCKED, STUNNED, MORTIFIED, and ANGERED when she comes across parents or caregivers who regularly fail to put sunscreen on their children. They argue that the kids complain about the sunscreen applications or get it in their eyes. UltimateMama believes that once it is part of a “routine” your child will stop complaining. It is like zipping up a jacket or brushing teeth. You, as the parent, can get your child to accept it if you are consistent. Consistency is key.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sun and covered with protective clothes.
If you are worried about your child having an allergic reaction to sunscreen then start by applying a small amount or “patch” on their arm and observing their reaction for the next 24 hours.
Keeping your child’s skin healthy now will benefit them in the long run!