Babies have extremely delicate skin, making them easily susceptible to sunburns. If you have a newborn or toddler that you would like to play with by the pool, you need to make sure you protect him at all times. A few simple prep steps can help your baby avoid a painful and harmful sunburn outside. Here is a guide showing how to prevent sunburns on babies.
Go out at the Right Time
Avoid taking your baby outside between 10 AM and 2 PM. That is the time in the day when the sun’s rays are most powerful. If you can go out in the early morning or late evening, you can stay out longer without having to worry about sunburns or heat strokes. Even on a cloudy day, the sun can reflect off the ground and get to your child’s skin. Plan your activities accordingly.
Dress Your Baby in the Right Clothes
Even though it’s hot outside, you need to dress your baby in protective clothing. When possible, try to put him in lightweight long sleeve shirts and long pants. A wide brimmed hat will do wonders for sun protection, if your baby is willing to wear it. Provide as much coverage for your baby’s skin as possible, without letting him get too hot outside.
Use a Canopy or Overhanging
Your baby needs to stay in the shade when you go outside. If you have a canopy over your pool or part of your porch, you could use that for protection from the sun. You could also invest in a baby stroller or carrier with a canopy, depending on how old your child is. You may consider bringing your child inside after 30-60 minutes outside to cool off and rest before going by the pool again.
Apply Baby-Safe Sunscreen
Buy sunscreen that is safe for children, as some chemicals may be too harsh for your child’s delicate skin. Get the highest SPF you can buy and apply it 15 to 30 minutes before taking your child outside. Reapply every one to two hours, depending on how much your baby sweats or plays in the water. You might want to do this when you go inside so you have an excuse to sit in with your baby. Then you can go back out and play.
Think about What Your Child Really Wants
Just because you want to go outside doesn’t mean it’s a good idea for your baby. Try not to get caught up in the fun everyone else is having by the pool if it’s not a good time for your baby to be out. There are plenty of opportunities to have a safe but enjoyable experience with your child. Choose the right days to go out by the pool with your baby and you can have a great time without the risk of sunburns.
