Taking your baby to the beach for their first experience in the sea or watching them explore the sand can be magical moments. The new sounds, smells, colours, and textures are incredibly stimulating for their developing minds, while toddlers particularly enjoy splashing in seawater and building sandcastles.
However, amidst all this fun, it is crucial to ensure your baby is properly protected from the sun's harmful rays. Without adequate protection, a baby’s delicate skin can quickly burn, leading to pain, discomfort, and the risk of heatstroke. Here are essential tips to keep your baby safe and happy in the summer sun.
Apply Sun Cream
For babies older than six months, it is vital to protect their skin from UV rays with a sun cream that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Applying SPF 50 can provide even better protection. Pay special attention to areas prone to sunburn, such as the back of the neck and the shoulders. If planning to go into the water, use a waterproof sun cream and reapply it after swimming to maintain protection.
Encourage Play in the Shade
Toddlers and newly crawling babies are naturally curious and love to explore. Encouraging them to stay in the shade can be challenging. Setting up games under trees or using a beach umbrella can help them associate the shade with fun activities, making them less likely to feel restricted.
Dress Your Baby in Protective Clothing
Ensure your baby wears a wide-brimmed hat to cover their face, ears, and neck, along with loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable and breathable. Adjustable sunglasses that wrap around the head and offer 100 percent UV protection are ideal for safeguarding their eyes without the worry of them falling off.
Have a Poncho Ready
After your baby plays in the sea or paddling pool, a poncho can protect their skin while they dry off. Soft, absorbent ponchos with a hood, such as Slumbersac ponchos, are perfect for keeping your baby’s head and skin shielded from the sun during this time.
