Without adequate protection, your baby’s delicate skin can quickly burn, causing them pain and discomfort and putting them at risk of heatstroke. Here are just a few tips I’ve picked up about keeping babies safe and happy while they play in the summer sun.
Apply sun cream
If your baby is more than six months old, you can protect their skin from UV rays with a sun cream that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above (SPF 50 is recommended). The most common spots for sunburn are the back of the neck and the shoulders, so it is important to pay special attention to these areas. If you want to go into the water with your baby, you can use a waterproof sun cream, which should be reapplied after swimming.
Encourage them to play in the shade
Toddlers and newly crawling babies will probably want to explore and play in the sun. So, getting them to stay in the shade can be tricky. Set up games under trees whenever it is sunny, so that they associate the shade with fun rather than feeling restricted.
Dress your baby in a sun hat, loose-fitting clothes and sunglasses.
Make sure your baby wears a wide-brimmed hat that covers their face, ears and neck, and that their clothes are nice and loose.
Have a poncho at the ready
After playing in the sea or the paddling pool, you can put a poncho on your baby to make sure their skin is protected while they dry off. Our Slumbersac ponchos are absorbent, cosy and soft on your baby’s skin, and also have a hood to protect their head from the sun.
