Becoming a parent is one of the most amazing, beautiful things anyone can experience. The journey of bringing new life into this world can be both a very rewarding but also very stressful as you want to give your baby the best start in life as well as protecting them from harm.
The sun is among the many dangers you need to protect your baby from this summer. Overexposure to sunlight poses a number of risks to your baby and their sensitive skin. There is a very apparent risk of sunburns or blisters from playing out in the sun. Naturally, this can be incredibly painful for a baby.
There is also the additional risk your baby faces is overexposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays. Without the right precautions, your child can increase the dangers of skin cancers and other diseases in later life.
So, whether you and your baby are going off to destinations unknown or off to some days out to the park, find out how you can effectively protect your baby from sunburns and worse.
Here are some tricks and tips to protect your child from overexposure to the sun.
Pick the Right Sunscreen
The first step is to make sure you pick the right sunscreen for your baby’s delicate skin. At this early stage, it is very vulnerable and prone to damage if left unprotected in the sun.
To protect your baby from harsh UVA and UVB rays, it is best to use broad-spectrum sun lotion. By selecting the lotion, the higher the SPF value equals more protection.
When using sunscreen, you apply 20 minutes before going out and reapply every two-three hours. However, when using waterproof or water-resistant sun lotion, you will need to reply more regularly once your child makes contact with water. While the last longer when exposed to water, the quality of the protection can deteriorate greatly, so reapplying every hour is vital.
Early Morning Excursions
It is important to plan your days out, whether it's abroad or out to the park, around when is best for your baby. That’s why consider taking them out on early morning excursions. This is because babies are less susceptible to the sun during the early hours of the day, between 6am till 10am. Though this does depend on the sun and weather on the day.
In the morning, the baby is less at risk as the sun’s rays are comparatively gentler while allowing them to enjoy an outing and get their vitamin D.
Treat Sunburns Early
When you spot the early signs of sunburns, from the reddening of the skin or appearance of rashes or blisters, it is vital to treat it as soon as possible. Apply a soothing ointment to the affected areas to provide much-needed relief.
It is wise to speak with a doctor or nurse for further guidance.
Natural Remedies
Whether you’re concerned about the chemicals in certain creams or against animal testing, there’s a wide range of natural remedies and treatments for your baby. Natural agents such as coconut oil, aloe vera and honey can naturally soothe sunburns and blisters.
While these traditional, natural remedies can provide quick relief, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider.
What to Avoid?
It is important to know you should not use ice, cold water, petroleum-based products or antiseptic products to treat sunburns as these can harm your baby.
