When you’re at home with your child, you have a lot more control over your environment and, as such, it’s much easier to keep them safe.
However, when you’re out and about, you have to adapt to the environment, and nothing requires your consideration more than the sun itself. Direct sunlight can be harmful to adults, so imagine the potential damage it can do to a small, sensitive baby. Here, we’re going to look at what you can do to ensure that they are safe and protected while out in the sun.
When is too young for the sun?
You might want to spend time out in the sun with your baby, but is it always a good idea? For children under six years old, the answer is typically a no. If you’re not able to find any shade, then using some baby-safe sunscreen is okay, but you want to avoid it as best as possible. During these first six months, their skin is especially sensitive. If you are applying sunscreen, you want to use it lightly, not generously, as the skin needs to breathe. Try to keep it on key contact areas such as the face, back of hands, and tops of feet, rather than covering them in it all over.
Sunscreen is always vital
For children who are of the age of six months or over, then you can use sunscreen a little more generously. Sunscreen protects against the UV radiation that comes from the sun, not just preventing the discomfort of sunburn, but also reducing the chances of skin cancer. You should use sunscreen on all exposed areas of the skin if they are six months old or older. You want roughly a shot glass’s worth of sunscreen, and make sure that you’re choosing a waterproof formula, even if you don’t expect your child to get wet. An SPF rating of about 30 to 50 is recommended, and you should be reapplying it every couple of hours if they are out that long, though you may not want to keep out that long.
Being mindful of their skin
Of course, the first priority should be making sure that your baby’s skin is protected from UV radiation. However, you might also want to think about the effects the products you choose can have on their skin, as well. A lot of babies have sensitive skin that can react to common chemicals in sunscreen. As such, you may want to look into mineral sunscreen lotions, sprays, and sticks that can be a lot gentler on their skin. Of course, if they have frequent reactions on their skin to any products, you might want to take them to a baby dermatologist to see if they have any allergies or skin conditions you can treat.
Keep their skin covered
When it’s possible, you don’t want to have to rely on sunscreen too much. If the sun is strong out, then you want to avoid taking your child out when it is at its strongest, from roughly noon to 4 pm in the evening. When you do go out, try to keep their skin covered. You should have loose clothing for them so that it’s not too clingy, and they don’t get too hot. However, baby summer clothes should also have a tight weave. If they are see-through, then that’s because light is able to pass through it easily. Clearly, that makes them less effective at blocking sunlight, as well. A good wide-brimmed hat can offer their head plenty of protection, too.
Keep an eye on the temperature
It’s not just direct exposure to sunlight that can make the summertime a little unsafe for your baby. The temperatures that come with it are worth keeping in mind, as well. If the weather is under 90 degrees Fahrenheit, then it doesn’t pose too much of a risk, provided that you are following the tips above. If it’s any hotter than that, however, then you should avoid keeping them out for any prolonged period of time. Not only is it uncomfortable and can lead them to become dehydrated more easily, but there is a real risk of heatstroke that you need to avoid, as well. Know when to keep them indoors and keep them cool.
Signs that your child is getting overheated
Your baby will not be able to express to you that it’s getting too hot for them. As such, if you are feeling the temperature rise, it’s important that you keep a close eye on them and the signs that it might be getting too hot for them. A good way to check their temperature is to put your hand on their belly. If it feels very warm or sweaty, then you might want to get them somewhere cooler as soon as you can. If they are acting more tired, weak, or seemingly don’t have as much energy, you should take them inside, too. Even if they just want a nap, you should ensure that they do it in a cool and comfortable environment.
Don’t let them get dehydrated
The other great risk of being out in the sun and heat is dehydration. The body needs to constantly supply water to its various organs, and this is difficult if your baby is losing that water due to heat. Keep a bottle full of water around you any time you’re going out into the sun and the heat. If they’re under six months old, then breast milk or formula is going to be primarily how they get their hydration, but small sips of water can help to keep them cool. You need to keep yourself hydrated to be able to keep producing that milk, as well, of course.
Being out in the sun and fresh air is good for your baby, of course. It’s not something that should be actively avoided unless it’s really hot out. But any time you go out, you should be mindful to offer them the protection they need, too.
