Summer is the perfect time to introduce your baby to the world outside. Whether it’s picnics at the park, a swim at the pool, or a few hours at the beach, your little one is going to enjoy every outdoor experience. It’s best to start off with simple things like a short nature walk or a baby pool in the backyard so that your baby is not overwhelmed by all the new sights and sounds. The memories you create with your family are ones that you will treasure for the rest of your life, so prepare for your experiences with your baby’s comfort in mind. If the summers in your area are particularly hot, you can still plan outings; just schedule them for early in the morning and later in the evening, and make sure the area has plenty of shade to protect your little one’s delicate skin. Even if you live in an area with relatively mild summers, it’s still important to take steps to protect your baby from the rays of the summer sun.
Summer Essentials Every Baby Needs
Baby Sunscreen
Your baby is particularly vulnerable to the harsh UV rays of the sun. In part, this is because it takes several months for babies to develop all the melanin in their skin. Melanin is the pigment in our skin that gives us colour and also provides some protection from UV rays. If your baby is less than six months old, it’s best to minimise the amount of time they spend outdoors and avoid direct sunlight, as they are still too young for sunscreen. However, if your baby is over six months old, you should apply baby sunscreen to them before heading out. Don’t try to use your sunscreen on your little one, as adult sunscreen lotions often contain additives that can irritate your baby’s sensitive skin. Furthermore, not all baby sunscreens are the same, so it’s important to compare the best baby sunscreens to decide which one is the best fit for your baby.
UV Protective Clothing
While baby sunscreen is effective in protecting against UV rays, no sunscreen offers 100% protection. Using UV-protective clothing in addition to sunscreen will offer your little one additional protection from skin damage. Skin damage from UV rays is cumulative in nature, which means that the skin damage we receive keeps adding up throughout our lives. UV rays damage the DNA in our skin cells and while our bodies can repair some of the damage, they can’t repair all of it. This unrepaired skin damage continues to build up over the years and eventually, it can trigger mutations that cause skin cells to multiply rapidly which leads to malignant tumors. Research shows that anywhere between 50 and 80% of sun exposure damage occurs in childhood and adolescence. This is why it is important to take steps right from infancy to protect against sun damage.
Baby Sunglasses
It’s not just your baby’s skin that needs to be protected from UV rays; your little one’s eyes need protection too. When buying baby sunglasses, check the label because the darkness of the lens is not indicative of the level of sun protection. Ideally, it is recommended that you get sunglasses that have a UV400 rating or “100% UV protection” on the label as they block over 99% of UV rays. Your baby may take a while to get used to their first pair of sunglasses and may try to rip them off so it’s best to go with flexible sunglasses that have a strap that keeps them in place.
Sun Hats
Sun hats shade your little one’s head, face, ears, and neck which are particularly vulnerable to sunburn. You will need a hat with a strap so that it stays on even if your baby tugs at it. Some hats have flaps that cover the back of your baby’s neck for protection. Choose a hat that is made from a lightweight and breathable fabric to keep your little one comfortable and prevent overeating. You can also mist the top of the hat with a spray bottle every now and then to keep your little one cool. It’s best to get a hat that offers UV protection like the ones from Calikids. Jan & Jul sun hats also have great coverage without sliding down as most sun hats do. Green Sprouts is a good option if you’re looking for a breathable hat that is ideal for summer.
In addition to protecting your baby from direct sunlight, you also need to prevent them from overheating. Heat exposure can have serious consequences because infants are not able to properly regulate their body temperature. Make sure that your little one stays hydrated when you’re outdoors, and if needed, you can wipe down their hands, feet, and torso with a damp towel to help them stay cool.
