How to Take Care of Your Baby When They Are Out in the Sun
A lot of parents are scared about taking their babies out into the sun. Of course, we all know that there is a risk that you can overheat and get sunburned during the summer months and when the temperature is high. But this does not mean that you always have to keep your child indoors. It just means that you have to be careful and smart about when you take your baby outside.
So, what should you do to make sure that your baby is safe and has fun when they are out in the sun? Here is a useful guide and how you can feel relaxed when you do go on an adventure with your baby.
Table of Contents
Choose Baby Sunscreen
What is the first thing you do before you go out in the sun? This should be applying sunscreen. Well, the same principle should apply to your baby. You want to choose baby sunscreen for any skin that is going to be exposed to the sun. Applying a high SPF product that is suitable for children will shield the skin. Remember that your baby’s skin is sensitive and you want to ensure that it does not get burnt. This can be painful, as well as dangerous.
Something else to realise is that it is important to put on sunscreen before your child is out in the sun. This should be done around 30 minutes before. This way, it has time to settle on the skin and provide protection. What’s more, you will want to reapply sunscreen after your child has been in the water.
Buy Appropriate Clothing
Most of the time, it is going to be best to cover your baby when they are out in the sun. I other words, they should wear clothing that is going to protect the skin and avoid exposure to UV rays. But, you also have to make sure that the clothing is made from breathable materials so they do not get too hot.
Therefore, before you go on holiday or a trip that involves the sun, buy clothing for your child that will cover areas like the arms and legs. Look at the materials and choose clothing that is made from cotton. This is breathable and soft for comfort.
Remember the Hat
If your child has a lot of hair, you might think that this is going to protect their head from the sun. But this is not necessarily true. Hair might not provide coverage for the ears, scalp and forehead. You cannot rely on hair to avoid burning the skin or damage from the sun.
Instead, you want to make sure that you do not forget a hat for your child. In particular, choose one with a wide brim. This is going to protect the skin from the sun and give you peace of mind when it is hot outdoors with your child. So, the hat will protect the top of the head, as well as provide some shade on the face during the day. It can even make it easier for your child to see when it is bright outside.
Avoid the Afternoon
Remember that young children cannot tell you when they are too hot. So, the best thing you can do is avoid the very hot times of the day. Often, this is going to be early in the afternoon. This is particularly true if there is going to be no shade available. Instead, you can go out early in the morning, as well as after 4 pm in the day.
Choosing the times that you are outside means that you do not have to worry about your child as much. You know that you are making smart decisions and are going to avoid the worst of the heat.
Seek Out Shade
Another tip to remember when you are outside is to look for shade if you feel like it is getting too hot. Indeed, the temperature is going to be cooler when you are in the shade compared to being out directly in the sun. This can be exactly what your baby needs to stay cool and comfortable.
Of course, babies cannot tell you if they are getting hot. So, you are going to have to judge the best time to head into the shade. Again, this should be during peak hours of the sun and only spend some time out in the direct sun.
