Here Comes The Sun

Getting out of the house with your little one can be a lot of fun—that’s what the warm weather is all about! But before you walk out the front door, make sure your baby’s delicate skin is well protected. After all, the sun’s harmful rays can be strong even if it’s overcast outside. Some sun safety tips to keep in mind:

Getting out of the house with your little one can be a lot of fun—that’s what the warm weather is all about! But before you walk out the front door, make sure your baby’s delicate skin is well protected. After all, the sun’s harmful rays can be strong even if it’s overcast outside. Some sun safety tips to keep in mind:

What To Wear

• Dress your baby in a hat with a wide brim that shields his face and ears.
   
• Put him out in loose-fitting, lightweight pants and a long-sleeve shirt when possible, rather than short sleeves and shorts.
   
• Shield his little peepers with baby sunglasses. Choose a pair that blocks both UVA and UVB rays for maximum protection.

Time for Sunscreen

Sunscreen can be a skin saver, as long as it’s used correctly. For starters, you’ll want apply it any time your baby’s outdoors, regardless of the season or the weather. Here are some more pointers:

• Look for sunscreen that’s waterproof, has an SPF of 15 or higher, and is labeled “broad spectrum,” which will ward off both UVA and UVB rays.
   
• Apply a small amount of sunscreen to your baby’s arm to test his skin’s reaction. If he seems irritated by it, try another brand or a non-chemical sunscreen (one with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide).
   
• If your baby’s under six months, you can apply a small amount to the most exposed areas of his body, like the backs of his hands and his face. But loose clothing, a hat, and shade are the best ways to protect him from the sun.
   
• If your baby’s over six months, you can use sunscreen on all areas of his body, but be careful around his eyes. Reapply every two hours, especially if he’s been splashing around in the water!

Treating A Burn

Since your baby can’t tell you that he’s starting to feel sunburned, it’s important to keep a close eye on his skin. It’s so thin and delicate that it may take only 10 minutes for it to burn.

If your child is under a year old and he develops sunburn, call your pediatrician. Sunburn can be serious for a young child.

If your child is older, and the burn is mild, soak a washcloth in cool water and gently place it on the affected area for 10 minutes a day. Afterward, apply a large dollop of hypoallergenic moisturizer (like Baby Magic Gentle Baby Lotion). Sunburn is dehydrating, so also give your child plenty of fluids. If the burn is more severe, call your pediatrician; he may recommend a steroid ointment or an infant pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

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