In the midst of extreme weather changes that occur in various countries, including Indonesia, the risk of dehydration and health problems due to hot weather also increases. One of the vulnerable groups at risk of health problems is infants and toddlers.

Tips for protecting babies from sun exposure

Babies and children's skin tends to be more sensitive when compared to adults. According to the Cancer Council NSW, exposure to UV radiation during the first 15 years of life can increase the risk of developing skin cancer later in life.

Experts also recommend that children under the age of 12 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight, especially if the UV index is 3 or above. As for children over 12 months old, you should provide proper protection to protect the baby's skin from the sun.

Some ways you can protect your baby from the sun include:

Infants aged 0–6 months

• Avoid direct exposure to sunlight, preferably using a wide-brimmed hat that can protect the baby's face, ears, and neck area from sun exposure. If you are taking your baby outside, you can use the protection of a stroller or umbrella
• Avoid using sunscreen because the baby's skin is not yet able to process the chemical residues found in sunscreen
• If traveling by car, use a UV protection net that can protect passengers in the car from the sun
• Use goggles with UVA/UVB protection to protect your eyes from the sun
• If you are going to take your baby outside or sunbathe, then choose a time when the sun is not too strong

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Infants aged 6–12 months

For babies aged 6 months and older, you can already apply sunscreen to protect your baby's skin from the sun. The recommended type of sunscreen is one that is specially formulated for babies and has an SPF of more than 15, such as SPF 30 or 50.

When applying sunscreen to babies, make sure it covers the areas of the baby's body that are exposed to the sun, such as the arms, back of the hands, toes, face, and ears.

Other forms of protection, such as hats, umbrellas, sunglasses and other protection, can also still be given to babies when doing activities outside the home. You are also not encouraged to spend too long outside, especially when the sun is shining brightly. If you are outside, you should choose a place that has air conditioning or other shade.

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Another important thing to consider is baby clothes. Choose cotton clothes that are not too hot and comfortable for the baby to wear. Avoid wearing baby clothes that are hot and make the baby hot.

You also need to make sure your baby is not dehydrated by giving him breast milk or formula. Avoid giving your baby water before 6 months of age or as directed by your doctor. Giving water to babies under 6 months of age may increase the risk of indigestion.

The infant age group is particularly vulnerable to health issues caused by hot weather and the scorching sun. To protect the baby's health, wear a hat, long, loose-fitting cotton clothes, and other protective items such as an umbrella or sunglasses.

If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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