Keep Infants Out of Sun and Heat, Experts Warn

July 7th, 2012

FAKE NEWS for the Zionist agenda

SATURDAY, July 7 (HealthDay News) — Because infants are so much
smaller than adults and lack the ability to sweat, heat and sun exposure
pose specific risks for babies, experts say.

Fortunately, there are steps parents and caregivers can take to protect
infants this summer, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
and the American Academy of Pediatrics. But one of the usual summertime
recommendations, sunscreen, is not advised for children under 6 months
old, they pointed out.

Dr. Hari Cheryl Sachs, a pediatrician with the FDA, said parents should
avoid putting sunscreen on their infants. Sachs explained that young
babies’ skin is much thinner than that of adults and can absorb the
active, chemical ingredients found in sunscreens more easily. She noted
that because they have a relatively high surface-area to body-weight
ratio, they are at greater risk for allergic reactions or inflammation
from exposure to sunscreen.

“The best approach is to keep infants under 6 months out of the sun,
and to avoid exposure to the sun in the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.,
when ultraviolet (UV) rays are most intense,” Sachs said in an FDA news
release.

If necessary, shade can be created by an umbrella or stroller canopy,
Sachs pointed out. When there are no other options available, a small
amount of sunscreen with a sun-protection factor of at least 15 can be
applied to small areas of exposed skin, such as the cheeks and back of the
hands. Applying a small amount of sunscreen to the baby’s inner wrist
first to test for sensitivity is a good idea, she noted.

Sachs and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) offered additional
tips to ensure infants are protected from sun exposure, including:

To prevent sunburns, dress infants in lightweight pants and shirts
with long sleeves, as well as hats with brims that shade the ears and
neck, advised the AAP. Sheer fabrics should be avoided because they could
still result in a sunburn.
Ensure babies are well hydrated. Offer them their usual feeding of
breast milk or formula, said Sachs. Use a cooler to store the liquids if
they will be out in the sun for more than a few minutes.
Monitor babies for signs of sunburn or dehydration, including
fussiness, redness, excessive crying and lack of urination.
If sunscreen is applied to babies, steer clear of products containing
the insect repellant DEET.
Babies who become sunburned should be taken out of the sun
immediately, and cold compresses should be applied to the affected areas.

More information

The American Academy of Pediatrics has more sun safety tips.