Keeping baby safe in the mountains: head, eyes and skin

Babies in the mountains: protect their head, eyes and skin

Going into the mountains with a baby or young child is an opportunity to create wonderful family memories. To make these moments unforgettable, it’s important that little ones are properly kitted out. Here, we give you all our advice to enjoy magical moments!

1/ Protecting little ones’ heads

Wearing a helmet for kids when playing sports - cycling, skiing, rollerblading - is increasingly recommended by doctors. Cycling helmets became compulsory for kids under 12 in 2010.

Many ski schools require them for group lessons. As little ones fall a lot when learning, a helmet helps limit injury in the event of a fall, as well as in case of a collision.

It’s starting to become a natural reflex for many parents.

However, when little ones are having fun sledging, they often don’t wear a helmet. When tobogganing, especially on prepared tracks, kids can pick up speed, often having fun launching themselves into piles of snow and falling from their sled. And in busy areas, they can sometimes collide with other sleds.

These are all situations where wearing a helmet can mean the difference between a minor bump and something more worrying. Wearing a sledding helmet will quickly become a natural habit they’ll keep for life! And you can rest assured, knowing that your teenager will continue wearing one when they go out skiing with their friends.

All helmets sold must comply with European standard EN 1077 and are subjected to a large number of tests to ensure maximum safety.

And of course, even if it’s not protective gear in the literal sense of the word, the beanie hat remains a staple of kids’ gear.
The head is the first place for heat loss in a cold environment. This makes good sense because unless you go out without pants or boots, the rest of your body is covered!
Ideally, opt for a fleece-lined beanie for maximum warmth.
And of course, if your little angel gets too hot, start by removing their hat before opening their jacket!

The ideal thing for ski or toboggan outings if it's very cold is to have a hat that can be worn under the helmet, or even a helmet with integrated but detachable hat.

2/ Protecting their eyes:

Did you know?
Protecting your eyes from the sun is very important.
For adults and kids alike, and even more so if you’re in the mountains since you’re closer to the sun. But kids under 12 don't have a fully formed lens, so they're even more sensitive to UV rays.
In town and in the mountains, consider having sunglasses for little ones for all outings.
And in the mountains, you have to be even more vigilant because the snow reflects 85% of UV rays!

For little ones and for yourself, in winter, it’s a good idea to bring level 4 glasses, which can also be used if you go to the seaside in summer. Glasses should be worn even in cloudy weather, as UV rays pass through clouds. Glasses should follow the shape of the face to prevent rays from passing through the sides of the lenses.
To make sure your child has visual protection at all times, ski masks are perfect! They cover the entire top area, ensuring maximum protection, preventing UV rays from getting in through the sides. This can happen with the wrong sized glasses.

3/ Sun cream, protecting kids’ skin in the mountains

Do you do the right thing to protect your little angels in the mountains?

You can’t get sunburnt in winter

False
While it’s true that in winter, the distance from the sun causes a drop in the UV index, from February it rises again. And solar radiation is always present.

Snow reflects uv rays

True!
The reflection of solar radiation by the snow means you need protection all winter on the slopes!

In the mountains, you get more uv than in the plains

True!
In the mountains, you and your kids are more exposed to the sun's rays! With every 1000 metres, you receive 10% more UV rays. But you don't feel it because it's usually cooler at altitude. So you have to protect yourself in the mountains in both winter and summer.

So how do you do that?

For your little angels’ fragile skin, we recommend maximum protection: 50+. Consider putting cream on their ears if they aren’t wearing a hat, using a lip stick with sun protection and, of course, reapplying the cream regularly.
Also, watch out for breaks on the terrace in the sun - they're very pleasant, for sure, but remember to put on some more cream before lunch!

Finding the right cream can be complicated due to the abundance of choice, including in kids’ ranges. Basically, mineral filters are the ones to go for, with no fragrance to limit the risk of allergies. And certainly, avoid formulas containing alcohol because it’s photosensitising. To help you, you can refer to the advice from Quechoisir.

Extra tip: At altitude, the air is drier. And if it has snowed, the atmosphere is likely to be very dry. Remember to keep your little ones well hydrated, both by offering them regular drinks and applying a moisturiser every day. This will reduce itchy skin!
If your child has dry eyes from the wind or dry air, a few drops of saline solution may help.

4/ Protection against the cold

And of course, don't forget to protect your child from the cold! Little ones don't feel the cold like us and can't always express their needs.
Check out our tips for covering your little angel up properly by applying the 3-layer technique.

You’re ready to head off into the mountains and keep your little ones safe! All you have to do now is have fun.