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Summer is just around the corner! Before you and baby go out and enjoy the beautiful sunshine, keep these tips in mind! It’s not recommended to have your newborn in direct sunlight until they are 6 months old. Read on to get tips on how to protect your baby from getting a stinging sunburn.
Stay in the Shade
If your baby is under 6 months, it is strongly advised they stay away from direct sunlight. Of course, that doesn’t mean you must keep your baby cooped in your home all day!
If you’re at the beach, bring an umbrella to protect baby’s skin. If you’re out and about, use a stroller’s cover. In a well air-conditioned area such as a shopping mall, a cover may not be necessary.
Consult with baby’s doctor before applying baby-safe sunscreen, especially if your baby is under 6 months – this is due to infant skin being much more delicate. Since your baby’s skin is much thinner, consider taking stroller walks early in the morning, or during golden hour, when the sun is low on the horizon.
Stay in an indoor space or shaded areas during peak sun hours if it’s possible. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends applying sunscreen to babies under 6 months only if shade is not available.
For the car, you may want to invest into removable mesh window shields! This will keep the sun coming into your car, and keep the interior a little cooler when you’re parked. It’s the perfect car accessory to keep around for the hot summer! Remember: Never leave your baby alone in a hot car, even just for a quick moment.
Wear Sun-protective Clothing
A baby’s skin hasn’t developed the ability to sweat just yet, he or she can easily overheat and become dehydrated. Prevent sunburns by dressing him or her in protective, breathable clothing. This could look like long sleeve shirts, pants, or a dress. It’s also strongly recommended to have your baby, regardless of age wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover their sensitive neck and ears.
Avoid overdressing your baby in order to prevent overheating. A general rule of thumb to keep in mind is infants usually need 1 more layer than an adult would have on. To prevent diaper rash, avoid tight fitting clothing and apply The Best Diaper Rash Ointment as a protective barrier.
Stay Hydrated
As you and your baby are out and about, make sure your little one is always drinking either milk. If your baby is older than 6 months, they may start drinking water. This will also aid in cooling them down and keeping them hydrated. Whether you’re going on a road trip or just a day trip, consider packing your liquids in a cooler to keep it chill and refreshing.
Have you been out and about for some time now? You’ll want to pay close attention to your baby for signs of dehydration. You should call your doctor if your baby is fatigued and not paying attention, soft spot on head, and tearless crying. Your baby’s face may appear flushed.
Another telltale sign of dehydration in your baby is dehydrated is all in their diapers! If your little one is dehydrated, they will be urinating less frequently. This means there would be less than 6 wet diapers a day, or they’ve gone 2-3 hours without urinating.
Signs Your Baby May Be Sunburnt
Not all sunburns require medical attention, and it can be treated at home. Soothe the sunburnt area with a cold compress, not an ice pack. Your baby’s sensitive skin is even more sensitive, so an ice pack may be too cold.
Or, you can give your baby a cool bath and change them into a fresh pair of clothes. Offer your baby breastmilk or formula to cool him or her down. If you’ve done all of these steps and your baby still doesn’t cool down, or if you’re not sure, it’s time to call your pediatrician.
While it’s important for your baby to be protected from the sun, it’s also important to know that sunscreen isn’t the solution, especially if he or she is under 6 months. Taking these extra measures to protect your baby’s delicate skin will reduce the stress of dealing with sunburns.
Only apply baby-safe sunscreen on your little one under 6 months when you don’t have any way to cover him or her from direct sunlight. After 6 months, you can apply sunscreen but continue to keep these tips in mind to protect their skin.
Now get out there and have an amazing summer day together!
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