Sunburn and Your Baby

Excess sun exposure can be very dangerous to young infants and older babies alike. 

Apart from the obvious effects of sunburn to large areas of skin, dehydration can leave your infant very ill.

Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 12 months old, so keep infants sheltered from direct sunlight especially during the hottest part of the day between 10am and 2pm in the summer months.

Naturally all exposure cannot be avoided, just be aware of extended exposure.

Protect your babies skin using light cloths and long sleeve shirts and long pants. Keep them is the shade as much as possible. This means that they may get hot so offer plenty of drinks and keep baby at a comfortable temperature.

Cooled boiled water is the best drink to offer.

Place a sunhat on their head, and if you desire, you can give them good quality UV block sunglasses in very bright conditions.

Note: If you are at a beach, being under an umbrella is not good enough because the suns harmful Ultra Violet radiation reflect off the sand and water. These reflected rays still cause significant sunburn.

The same applies for clouds. All but the darkest clouds do not significantly reduce UV radiation during the middle of the day, so take similar precautions.

Be aware that glass does not stop UV radiation (Ever noticed how much curtains fade)So, when you are in the car, use towels or window shades to protect baby.

Best wishes and Happy Parenting

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