Summer is here, and so is the heat. It’s fun to be outside with the kids, but it is crucial that you remember to properly take care of their skin and protect them from the sun. You’ve got to beat the heat!
Babies’ skin is so fair and at such a young age, they can suffer sometimes-severe consequences if they’re not protected correctly. Sunburn itself can cause fever, dehydration and much discomfort to the touch.
As we all know, unless it is a cloudy day the sun is brightest after 10 a.m. and before 4:30 p.m. It doesn’t mean you should stay in all day with your children to hide from the sun, but it’s important to know the facts before you get out there!
For starters, did you know that your baby can get sunburned on cloudy days and cool days as well? This can occur because rather then the heat of the sun that’s burning the skin, it is actually the sun’s ultraviolet [UV] rays that cause sunburn.
If you’re about to purchase a new stroller, be sure it has a sunshade to protect your baby from the rays. When outside with your baby/babies, the best thing to do is find a covered area to play in so that you don’t have to worry as much.
When you’re out shopping for baby clothes, make sure to try and find outfits made of tightly woven material! The loosely woven fabrics actually protect their skin less. Also, when outside in the sun with your baby, try your best to cover your baby’s arms and legs in lightly colored, lightweight fabrics as well. The lighter colors reflect the heat and actually help keep their skin cooler! [Don’t forget a hat to protect their heads!]
Last but not least, remember the sunscreen! Sunscreen is extremely important. The next time you are at the store, look for sunscreen with a sun protection factor [SPF] of at least 15. Remember to apply it all over your baby’s body, including his or her tips of their ears, the back of their neck, their nose, etc. It’s good to apply it every two hours to ensure your baby’s skin is protected. As for words of advice, when picking out a sunscreen, remember to find a bottle that says “broad spectrum” on its label. This means the lotion or spray will protect skin against UVA rays and UVB rays, both potentially harmful.
Have fun in the sun this summer, but remember to be safe while doing so!
Photo credit © Elena Stepanova | Dreamstime.com
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