Protecting Your Baby From the Sun

I am LOVING this warm weather! Now that the sun is finally shining we are spending a lot more time outdoors. Thankfully Izzy loves being outside. Although I’d love to work on my tan, we need to protect our little one from the harmful rays. Vitamin D is a good thing, but a sun-burned baby sounds horrible. Here are a few tips we are using with our baby girl this summer.

Protecting Your Baby From the Sun

• A Wide-Brimmed Hat: There are so many adorable baby hats out there. Find a hat with a wide brim so the sun will stay out of your baby’s eyes. You may also want to consider a hat with a Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) – see more below. Many parents try sunglasses in addition to a hat. Our baby doesn’t seem to like them so for now we are sticking with hats.

• Sunscreen: Apply everywhere! Sometimes I wait a few minutes for our baby to soak up Vitamin D before I apply sunscreen. As I’ve mentioned before I try to find natural products for our family. I love the Badger Baby Sunscreen and Alba Kids Sunblock . Make sure you reapply! Especially after getting wet

• Avoid Direct Sunlight: This may be difficult, but for the most part try to play in the shade or go for walks in the early morning and/or evening. Your baby will thank you later when he or she isn’t sunburned! Avoiding direct sunlight may also help your baby stay cool and hydrated

• Dress Appropriately: Have you heard of UPF clothing? Essentially it’s clothing that filters out the ultraviolet rays. Theratings work like sunscreen, the higher the UPF number the greater degree of protection. Many clothes will have a tag or label stating the UPF. Normal clothes have some protective factors, but UPF clothing seems to block the most harmful rays. Also be sure to dress your baby in cool, lightweight clothing.

What have you found helpful in protecting your baby from the sun?