Summer Safety Quiz Answers!

Here are the answers to our Summer Safety Quiz. What is your baby summer safety IQ? Please leave a comment if you have any additional questions or comments!

Do babies under 6-months of age need additional water (outside of that mixed with formula for formula-fed babies)? Yes or No?
 

No. Babies under 6-months of age do not need additional water. The amount of breast milk or formula your baby drinks is enough fluid to provide the right level of hydration for him or her. Having said that, babies can get dehydrated quickly during hot weather. If you are concerned about dehydration, please talk to your pediatrician.

True or False? Babies under 6-months of age should be kept out of direct sun.

True. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that infants younger than 6 months be kept out of direct sunlight.
 

At what age is it recommended that babies start wearing sunscreen?

Infants under 6-months of age should not wear sunscreen, according to the AAP. After 6-months of age, sunscreen should be worn every time your baby is outside. Also, hats and other protective clothing should be worn to provide additional protection from the sun.
 

What is the minimum sunblock SPF level recommended for babies?

Sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher should be used. It should also be labeled “broad-spectrum” so that it protects against many types of UV rays. It’s also important to follow all directions on the sunscreen bottle to ensure maximum effectiveness! For example, it’s important to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going into the sun.
 

At what time of the day are UV rays the strongest?

UV rays are the most intense between 10am and 4pm. Schedule outside time accordingly!
 

True or false? Babies do not need sunscreen or to be covered when skies are overcast or cloudy.

False! Damaging UV rays are still present in cloudy or overcast weather! It’s important to use sunscreen and protective clothing, including hats, even when it is not sunny.

Other Summertime posts to check out:

Summer Safety Reminders

Summer Travel with Your Baby

Summer Vacation Tips

 

References:

American Academy of Pediatrics, Committee on Environmental Health. Ultraviolet Light: A Hazard to Children. Pediatrics. 1999:104(2)328-332

Balk SJ, the Council on Environmental Health and Section on Dermatology. Ultraviolet Radiation: AHazard to Children and Adolecents. Pediatrics. 2011:127(3);e791-e871.

www.Healthychildren.org