A baby’s skin is very sensitive. If you think about it, your baby went from being in a warm womb at just the right temperature and moisture level to an often harsh weathered outside environment. It’s going to be up to you to protect that precious and fragile skin from the harmful effects of too much sun. I’m going to go over some tips for protecting a baby’s skin and eyes from the sun in today’s article.
Shade
Look for Shade
The best way to keep your baby from getting too much sun exposure is to keep them out of direct sunlight. Look for shade when you are outside. Look for trees at the park and play in the playground section that is shaded.
Sun Umbrellas
When the shade is not available, you may need to make your own shade. Traveling with a sun umbrella in your vehicle can be helpful. That way you are always ready to provide your baby with some shade when it’s not available. An umbrella can give you the freedom to hang out at a place like the beach where shade may be scarce or not available at all.
Wide Brimmed Hats Or Bonnets
Bonnets
I love seeing babies in bonnets. There is an old-time cuteness that shows through when babies wear bonnets. I’m not sure why they are so hard to find. I remember special ordering one for my baby when she was little. Long ago, all babies wore bonnets because they protected the baby from sun and wind. A bonnet is made to wrap around the back, sides, and the front forehead of the head. The large brim on the front is made to protect from the sun. I highly recommend getting your baby a sunbonnet.
Wide Brimmed Hats
A wide-brimmed hat is great for protecting a baby’s face from the harmful effects of the sun. There are many hats on the market to choose from. From sailor, safari, sunhats, or western there are many styles to choose from. You can also choose from many different kinds of materials ranging from natural fibers such as cotton to synthetics and blends. There are many cute patterns on the materials to choose from also. Your baby can be in style while being protected from harsh sun rays.
Sunscreen
Applying sunscreen is a tip that you may have heard the most often. However, this should be used secondarily for keeping a baby out of the sun. Apply sunscreen to your baby when he or she is in the sun. Get a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVB and UVA light. These are the types of sun exposure that can lead to cancer.
Sleeves and Pants
Nowadays you can buy your baby lightweight and breathable long sleeves and pants that won’t retain a lot of heat. Always keep them packed with you, and then put them on your baby when you are heading out to the sun. Skin can’t get harmed when it’s protected by a covering. Keep those little arms and legs safe this summer.
Sunglasses
Let’s not forget to protect those little eyes from the sun rays also. Here are some things to look for when selecting sunglasses for your baby.
- Look for sunglasses that protect against UVA and UVB.
- Wide coverage is better than narrow coverage. Plus just think how cute your baby will look in big movie star-like sunglasses!
- Comfort. If your baby isn’t comfortable, you will hear about it very quickly. Look for rounded shapes and designs. Rubber nose guards and flexible fits are going to be crucial. Also, go for light-weight over heavy-weight.
- Polarized. Sunglasses that are polarized will help with reflecting rays and preventing glare. If you are around a pool, or large body of water while swimming or boating this summer, you ‘ll definitely want sunglasses that are polarized.
- Avoid hinges. Babies can be stronger than they look sometimes. A metal hinge can get broken very easily. If you can find sunglasses without hinges, you may just save yourself some money down the line by not having to buy your baby another pair of sunglasses.
- Scratch proof and shatterproof. A pair of sunglasses in the hands of a baby will eventually get dropped, thrown, stepped on, etc. Look for glasses that have lenses that won’t easily break.
- Headband. A headband will help to keep your baby’s sunglasses on, and hence off the ground. Look for adjustable headbands so that you can get a great fit. Plus your baby’s head will be rapidly growing, so it makes money-wise sense to get an adjustable band that will grow right along with your baby.
Conclusion
Protect your precious one this summer by following the sun exposure tips that I wrote about. A little planning ahead before heading out will help and also enable you to be outside all that you want. Buy that umbrella and keep it in your vehicle. Stash sunscreen in your purse. Put long-sleeved shirts and pants in your diaper bag. And don’t forget always to pack those hats and sunglasses. Then go and enjoy the great outdoors without causing harm to your baby’s sensitive skin and eyes. Good luck!
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