Summer Safety Tips For Baby

Many of us only get a few months of summer all year. We brave the frozen chills of winter for this mealy string of moments. While we can, we soak up the warmth and become bronzed by the golden rays of the sun. Along with warmer weather come cookouts, pool parties, weekends on the lake or by the beach, camping, hiking, outdoor events and special occasions. As moms the first thing that pops into our heads when the weather starts changing is, "How do I keep my baby safe during the summer?" That's exactly what I thought about. It gets very hot where I am. Often times with very little cloud cover. So below are some tips, hacks and facts for summer safety with baby.

Sunscreen vs. Sunblock 
Sunscreens use chemicals to absorb UV rays so they don't penetrate the skin, while Sunblocks use minerals, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to physically deflect rays from the skin. Here are some great, highly rated, and safe options for baby under $20:

Aveeno Baby

I love Aveeno's baby products. They are so soft and gentle on Milo's sensitive skin and soothe his eczema. This does not contain any dyes, parabens, phthalates, or fragrance and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. 

Babyganics 
No PABA, phthalates, parabens, fragrances or nano-particles. Never tested on animals and mineral based. I have used a number of babyganics products, but not yet the sunscreen. However, if you are looking for an organic, cruelty free option it is highly rated by consumers. 

Honest Company 
We all know the love I have for the Honest Company and the sun screen is no different. What I like most is that there is no typical sunscreen smell. I keep the SPF 30 Spray in my diaper bag for out and about touch ups. 

Think Baby 
This baby sunscreen is PABA free with UVA and UVB protection. Melon scented and fast absorbing. 

Stay Shaded
Having a place for diaper changes, naps, cool downs and time outs from the sun's bright shiny rays is really important when soaking in the warmth of summer with baby. It's recommended to only expose baby to the sun/heat for 30 minutes at a time, then take a 30 minute break. Sun canopies are great places to shield baby and even you from bright summer days. Here are a few options under $50: 

Babymoov Anti UV Tent
Protects baby from 99% of UVA & UVB rays. Easy pop up design and zip closure bug net.

 

Sunbayouth Pop Up Baby Beach Tent
UV Protective, Waterproof & Windproof.

Coleman Beach Shade Canopy
A trusted brand. Comes with manufacturer 1 year warranty.

Easy Tip:
If you already have a Pack n Play use a crib sheet to cover the top to shade baby during outdoor events & occasions. (see Milo pictured below)

Car Window Shade
The car can heat up to 3x's the outside temperature during the long summer days. Did you know you can even get a sunburn through the car window? It's true, you can. That's why window shades are so important when hauling around your most precious cargo. These are some great options under $10:

Munchkin White Hot 2pk Static Cling Shade
Comes in a set of two and has a white hot indicator to warn you when your automobile is too hot for baby. 

Munchkin Safekit Sun Shade, Black, 2 Ct
This is the shade I have in my SUV. I would have gone with the window cling, but my local department store didn't have them in stock at the time the desert heat hit my little western town. These also have the white hot button which is super helpful. The retractable feature makes the shade easy to adjust to any car window. 

SafeFit - Adjust-to-Fit Sun Shade
This is the cheapest out of all the options listed and very highly rated. I think the stretch fit technology is actually pretty fun and convenient for varying window sizes and shapes. 

Best Practices For Beating The Heat 

Avoid High Sun Hours. The sun is highest and the temperature is hottest mid day.  Take walks and plan outdoor activities with baby before 10 am and after 4 pm when the temps are cooler and the sun is lower. 

Apply Apply Apply. Too much sunscreen never hurt anyone. Especially, if you use the natural brands listed above. Every time kids get out of the water, or for best practice every hour, reapply sunblock. Better safe than sorry. 

Stay Hydrated. Babies can't control the demands of their body quite yet, so it's your job as a parent/caregiver to make sure they stay hydrated. Dehydration is extremely dangerous in infants and babies and can cause numerous health complications.

Signs of Heat Rash. Heat rash, also known summer rash, are little patches of bumps, and sometimes tiny blisters, on the skin that can show up when your baby overheats. The bumps may appear red, even more so on light skin. Children of all ages can get heat rash, but it's most common in babies. It will most commonly show up in the folds of babies skin and where his/her clothing fits tight.