Friday, April 9, 2010

Sun safety tips for your Baby.... and for you....


It’s spring time and the sun is shinning! You may not think that the spring sun can be harmful to your baby but the suns rays are just as harmful as in the summertime.

Some simple tips can help you avoid sun burn for your little one. Be sure to limit your time in the direct sun, and remember that the suns rays are the most harmful between 10 am and 3 pm. If you’re going to be outside during those hours be sure you keep your baby in a shaded area.

Another necessity for sun protection is sun screen. You need to be sure it is at least SPF 30 or higher and specifically made for children. It is also a good idea to get a waterproof sun screen to help prevent from rubbing off and reapplying so frequently.

However if your baby is 6 months old or younger it is a better idea to dress them appropriately since the sun screen may be too harsh for their tender little skin. Dress him or her in baby clothing that is a snug fit but light weight material. Being tight fitting will assure that baby’s skin is shielded from the sun. Also make sure their heads are covered with a baby sun hat, preferably with a flap that will shield their eyes, face and neck. Baby sun glasses are a great investment also!

If you plan a day outside bring your own umbrella or tent to create a shady retreat or make sure your baby stroller has a shield.

If your baby gets too many rays there are some at home treatments to help with the redness and pain. Some suggestions could be:
  • Apply a cool rag on the burn for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day.
  • Aloe -vera is also very helpful with both pain and redness, but if you don’t have any on hand a hypoallergenic moisturizer works as well.
  • If there is swelling or blistering you may want to give you little one a dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen with your pediatrician’s approval. It’s always a good idea to let your pediatrician know if your baby has a bad sun burn so they may help with deciding if baby needs some extra care.
Remember that baby sunburn should not be taken lightly but by following these tips you and your baby are well protected to enjoy the beautiful sun!

No comments:

Post a Comment