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Having Fun in the Sun: Summer Safety for Babies & Toddlers

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*This post was brought you in partnership with Bowe Baby.*

It’s heating up outside and after this long winter, we are all eager to spend some time outdoors. Your baby has sensitive skin that burns easily and a little too much time in the sun can leave baby dehydrated and could lead to heatstroke, heat rash, sunburn or other problems.

Most pediatricians recommend keeping infants under six months in age out of the sun as much as possible in the summer months. However, with a little planning you and even the littlest baby can enjoy some time outside without worry. Here are some tips to help keep your little one safe and happy outside.

5 Ways to keep Your Child Safe from the Sun

Watch the Clock

The sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. so try to limit your baby or child’s exposure to direct sunlight during this time and protect them as much as possible if you need to be outside during these hours.

Use Sunscreen

You should be using sunscreen all year round to protect against skin cancer, but it is especially important in the summer months for anyone over 6 months of age. Sunscreen should be applied about 30 minutes before heading outside, should be at least SPF 30 and be applied to all parts of the body and face that are not covered by clothing. Sunscreen that is waterproof and sweat proof is best, and it should be reapplied every two hours while outside. Set a timer to help you remember.

Dress Smart

Try to dress in clothing that is light and loose, to keep your child cool and comfortable and to reflect the light and heat. Tightly woven fibers keep more sun out. You can check the weave of the clothing by holding it up to light. The less light that passes through the tighter the weave. All babies and children should wear a sunhat to protect their scalps, even with a full head of hair and sunglasses with UV blocking coating is important to protect their young eyes. You can also buy clothing made of special UV blocking fabrics for added sun protection. Don’t forget their feet! Babies need protection on those tootsies too! Make sure your little one has shoes, socks, or sun socks with built in UV protection on.

Keep Hydrated and Cool

Shade should help cool your baby but if it is extremely hot and you don’t have air conditioning in your home, seek out a public library, museum or shopping mall during the hottest hours of the day. If you are spending a lot of time in the sun, remember to continue to offer your baby fluids. Offer him breast milk or formula often, and if she is already drinking from a cup, don’t hesitate to offer water and keep it readily accessible. Keep it in an insulated toddler cup so the water stays cool while outdoors.

Bowe Baby Car Seat Shade

Stay in the Shade

If you are going to be outdoors gardening, fishing, etc. Try to keep baby in the shade as much as possible. Park her stroller or play cot under a shady tree. If you are going to be on the move, invest in a stroller shade or car seat shade like these from Bowe Baby. (They even have storage built in!)  For trips to the beach, a pop up shade tent or umbrella are great options.

These practices should help you and your baby stay safe and cool while having fun outside! One last tip, make it easy on yourself. Keep appropriate sunscreen, hats, and sunscreen in your diaper bag and purse at all times so you aren’t caught unawares while out and about, running errands, or for an impromptu stop at the park. Stay safe!

Comments

  1. Sunscreen is always a must for the entire family. But keeping cool in the shade and staying hydrated are great tips. ve that cover also for baby.

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  3. Thank you for the tips! My baby loves being outdoors, but I try to always be aware of how long we have been outside…especially if we don’t have any shade!

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  4. hydration is always my biggest challenge with my kids – this summer we’re doing a lot of homemade popsicles. Anything I can freeze (avocados and almond milk, juice, lemonade, etc) they will eat in popsicle form!

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  7. i love that but the baby can’t see whats going on! either way anythings better then my baby having skin cancer!

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    • Hi there! I’m Elizabeth Bowe, owner of Bowe Baby! The stroller shade actually has a window that can be opened so the child can see out but still be shaded. Or it can be closed for naps on the go! See more at bowebaby.com

      Reply

    • Hi there! I’m Elizabeth Bowe, owner of Bowe Baby! The stroller shade actually has a window that can be opened so the child can see out but still be shaded. Or it can be closed for naps on the go! See more at bowebaby.com

      Reply

  8. Thank you for this info. It may seem like common sense, but sometimes we forget the most obvious things we should be doing to keep baby safe from the sun and heat.

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  10. great tips! a lot of people don’t dress smart enough ! thanks for the help! i showed this to my hubby!

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  12. its so important to stay out of the sun ! you dont want sunburns on your baby ! my babies have very fair skin so they are prone to burns….

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  13. This was a enlightening article for my baby in the hot southern sun. The accessories are also useful.

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  14. Thanks for these important tips to protect our kids from the sun especially during the summer and year round. I followed these steps with my 2 children and now with my 2 grandkids. I take my grandkids outside before 10 am and after 4 or even 5 pm to avoid the peak hours of the sun. I did not know you need to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out. I was putting in on the kids and going out – now I’m going to follow your tip. Thanks!

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  15. My baby is finally 6 months so I can start using some sun protection , still , shade is better !!

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  16. We always put a blanket over everything we called my son the bird in the bird cage for the firs year of his life.

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  18. Good tips here. Sun protection is necessary for everyone. You don’t want to visit the dermatologist in 10-20 years and he says you have melanoma.

    Reply

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