Summer Sun Advice: Tips to Keep Baby Safe in Summer

Looking for some tips to keep your baby safe in Summer? You’re in the right place!

When it comes to the summer sun the last thing you want is a hot and bothered baby, however keeping them cool can be tricky. Persuading a baby or toddler to keep their hat on is a never-ending battle and you can get lost trying to figure out which of the many sun creams you should use.

In this guide, we will give you some excellent tips for keeping your baby cool when the temperatures soar. From avoiding sunburn to picking the best suncream we will cover the basics so you are ready for that high summer heat.

Avoiding sunburn and heatstroke

Regardless of your baby’s age, if the temperatures are high it’s best to avoid being outside, especially during the hottest parts of the day between 11 am to 3 pm. Remember babies under the age of 6 months have very sensitive skin and should be kept out of direct intense sunlight.

Seek the shade

If you can not avoid the midday sun, then seek the shade whenever possible. Walk on the shadier side of the street and take shelter during the midday sun. If you are out and about take a break at a nearby cafe or restaurant, especially if it has air conditioning. Shopping centres, local libraries, and art galleries are also great places to hide from the sun with babies.

Drink plenty of water

To help avoid heat stroke make sure your baby stays hydrated.

• If your baby is under 6 months and you are breastfeeding you may need to offer them feeds more often. Your breastmilk should contain all the water they need and will adapt to quench their thirst.
• For bottle-fed babies, you can offer your child a small drink of cooled boiled water after they have been fed.
• For babies that are weaning, you can offer them a drink of water with their food.
• Babies over the age of 12 months should be offered cool water as a regular drink more often during the hot summer months.

Keep your baby safe in Summer: Cover up in the sun

Even when it’s hot you can still protect your baby’s delicate skin by dressing them in loose breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen. Choose outfits that have long loose sleeves to cover their arms or layer with a lightweight cardigan so their skin is not in direct sunlight.

Don’t forget their sunhats, which you can buy with under-the-chin straps to help prevent the battle to keep the sunhat on. You can also help to protect your baby’s eyes with baby-sized sunglasses that meet the British Standard for UV protection and have the CE mark on their label.

If you are spending the day at the beach, invest in an all-in-one swimsuit that covers your baby’s arms and legs. This will help keep them protected from the sun even on the beach. Many baby swimsuits include high SPF protection too, although you should always double up with suncream to be safe.

Try to avoid the temptation to cover your pram with a muslin or blanket. Even if it shades them from the sun, it can dramatically raise the temperature inside the pram and increase the risk of heatstroke. Instead, use a flexible sun parasol that fits onto your pram or buy a specific sun shade that has been designed to be well-ventilated.

Always wear your suncream

There are many different suncreams available and the one you choose will depend on your baby’s age and skin sensitivity. Although suncream alone will not protect your baby from sun damage it can prevent them from burning. Remember to apply suncream to your baby half an hour before they are going to be in the sun and choose your suncream wisely.

Pick a high SPF such as SPF 50 and make sure that the suncream includes a high UVA and UVB protection score. Many well-known brands have suncream designed specifically for children with fewer chemicals that irritate their skin. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo is a great choice for sensitive baby and toddler skin. You can also buy mineral-based sunscreens such as Aveeno Baby Zinc Oxide suncream that is kinder to your baby’s skin.

Suncream will need to be reapplied throughout the day, especially if they are playing in the water or going swimming. Make sure to reapply suncream as soon as they are out of the water or choose a waterproof suncream with a high SPF.

Additional summer sun ideas

Summer Sun Advice: Tips to Keep Baby Safe in Summer

Accessories such as pram fans and a cool bath, before they go to bed, can help them cope with high summer temperatures. Keep your baby’s room cool by keeping the blinds closed during the day and purchase a room thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature.

Final thoughts on keeping baby safe in summer

By following all these tips you will be able to have a fun and enjoyable summer while also staying sun safe. It is worth remembering that young babies are unable to regulate their own temperature until they are around three months, so you should limit the time they are exposed to the sun or out and about in high temperatures.

Making sure your baby is kept safe by buying appropriate clothing, suncream, and accessories for summer will help protect them during the summer months and will also ensure that their skin is protected in the long term.

Know the signs of heatstroke and what to do
Although it is ideal to avoid the intense sun during summer, it is also good to know the signs of heat stroke or heat exhaustion in a baby.

During the high heat of the summer months be on the lookout for the following symptoms of heat stroke in a baby:

• A high temperature of over 39 degrees
• Rapid pulse
• Vomiting
• Lethargy or floppiness
• Shallow breathing.

If you are worried that your baby has heat stroke

make sure to get them out of the sun as soon as possible. Call 999 or take your baby to A&E immediately if they show the above signs of heatstroke.