Easy, Practical Steps for Protecting Baby’s Skin
Spending time outdoors is what summer was made for. If you’re heading outside with your baby, you’ll need to protect your little one from the harmful effects of the sun. Whether you’re going to the beach, park, playground or pool, providing appropriate shade is key, because a baby’s delicate skin has different needs than that of adults.
Baby’s brand new skin contains less melanin, making him or her more likely to burn and more vulnerable to illness from overexposure to the sun’s rays. [1] According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), infants younger than six months of age should avoid sun exposure whenever possible. This can be unrealistic and a challenge during summer months, so the AAP recommends using small amounts of sunscreen on exposed areas for babies this young if you find yourself in an outdoor area without shade or sun-protective clothing. If your baby is more than six months old, choose a sunscreen specially formulated for use on babies to help protect his or her sensitive skin.
For sunny days with less stress, check out some of our favorite sun-safe gear.
Make Your Own Shade
You won’t have to worry about finding a shady spot on a sunny beach when you pack your own baby beach tent. On days when you’ll be in the sun for extended periods of time, it can provide a shady place for naptime, snack time and downtime. Look for options that are easy to assemble and break down, provide significant ventilation and UV protection, and are durable enough to stay put on a breezy day. We like the Schylling UV Play Shade – you can get it on Amazon!
When you’re strolling down the boardwalk or shopping at a farmer’s market, keep baby’s skin safe by gtting your stroller fitted with a sun shade. These specialized canopies, including the one from Snoozeshade, are made from a heavier mesh fabric than your basic stroller awning. Not only do they offer privacy during naptime, they also provide full-body coverage against up to 97% of the sun’s UV rays.
Sun-Safe Baby Style
These days, many of the most adorable styles for babies are made from fabrics that offer built-in Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) coverage. If your little one is six months old or younger, a romper offers maximum coverage – and many styles come with snaps at the bottom for easy diaper changes. For active toddlers, Coolibar UPF 50+ swimsuits and rash guards are stress-free options for a busy day at the pool. Long sleeve options for grown-ups are becoming the norm as the mercury is soaring higher and higher. So, don’t hesitate to snap up a matching one for mom. We like these options from Lululemon, J.Crew and Roxy.
What’s the most beach-worthy accessory to pair with a romper? A cute baby sun hat, of course! Our favorite options include comfy designs that can be adjusted as baby grows, with chin straps, protective flaps for the back of the neck, and UPF 50+ coverage. Check out this cutie from Twinklebelle.
Sunglasses aren’t just a style statement. when it comes to protecting baby’s eyes, they’re also a summertime essential. Choose brands that are designed to stand up to anything a curious, teething or playful little one can do them – with polarized lenses for 100% UV protection, durable construction and free replacement for broken frames,
Baby Banz is our choice. For younger babies, options with adjustable, elastic head straps can help keep sunglasses on during cuddle time.
Natural, Gentle Organic Baby Sunscreen (Earth Baby, of course!)
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