Everyone enjoys a sunny day, but because of your baby's delicate skin, you need to take extra precautions. While the summer heat may be a nice change from the damp, rainy weather, exposure to warm weather comes with a new set of dangers for your baby's delicate skin, such as the sun's damaging rays and biting insects.
As a mama, it’s your job to safeguard your little one’s delicate skin. But how does one go about doing so, especially since babies are prone to rashes, allergies, and the like? The answer is simpler than you think!
Now, while lathering on some SPF may sound like an easy fix, it can’t be the only precaution you take on your baby’s skin. A baby's skin is sensitive and thin, making it susceptible to sunburn and other painful experiences. Avoid dampening your summer by considering these easy summer skincare suggestions that we’ve listed for you!
1. Avoid Direct Sunlight
Babies are wonderful bundles of joy, but they’re also more delicate and need more attention when it comes to skincare and such. Since their melanin levels are lower than that of a grown up’s and their skin is more sensitive, newborns are not prepared to endure the intensity of direct sunshine. This is why it’s vital for any mama to note that newborns should avoid direct sunlight or being exposed too much outdoors. This is because the sun's rays are at their fiercest between 10 am and 4 pm, and because of this, it’s important to keep your little ones inside during that time.
Now, it’s worth noting that experts advise against applying sunscreen to infants less than 6 months. So, if your baby isn’t yet 6 months or older, choose cotton garments with a full covering and physical protection such as hats, stroller canopies, and umbrellas.
2. Use Cotton Clothing
Cotton fabrics are wonderful options for keeping anyone cool and protected at the same time and the same applies for baby clothes. Thanks to its breathable and absorbent qualities and it being kind on the skin, cotton is the perfect fabric for newborns in the summer.
Organic cotton is even better because it is hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals that could harm your baby's skin.
Your little ones will surely stay cool and cozy even as the temperature rises if you dress them in loose-fitting cotton clothing. It’s also worth noting that since a baby’s skin is very delicate, you’ll have to make sure that every part of them is covered whenever you take them outside.
3. Make Sure Your Baby’s Skin Stays Moisturized
Keeping your baby's skin moisturized is just as important as keeping it safe from sun exposure, but doing so in the summer is even more important as this is when their skin is more likely to get dry, chapped, and irritated.
To moisturize their sensitive skin, you’ll want to choose a baby moisturizer or lotion with natural components that are mild on the sensitive skin of babies. Alternatively, you can also use natural therapies like shea butter, aloe vera, or coconut oil. You can apply this after giving your little ones a a good bath because their damp skin will absorb the substance much easier. You can also give them a gentle massage using baby oil to help lock the moisture in.
Not only will this promote the growth of your baby's skin, muscles, and joints, but you'll also get to spend quality time with them as a parent-child relationship. Keeping your baby's skin hydrated is especially important if they already have a skin issue, like eczema.
4. Frequently Nurse Your Babies
Nursing your little ones frequently is not only a form of bonding with them but it’s actually helpful when it comes to keeping them hydrated and cool during the hotter months. In addition to providing sustenance and hydration, breastfeeding your babies keeps their skin moisturized.
Summer is a time when babies frequently get sick, but nursing will keep their immune systems intact. Their skin will stay healthy thanks to breast milk. However, if you’re unable to breastfeed and must take infant formula, check and make sure that your baby is receiving a balanced diet and is not suffering from any nutritional deficiencies or dehydration.
Now, if your little ones are older than 6 months, they are allowed to periodically drink a little amount of water and other liquids, such as fruit juices, buko juice, and some soups.
5. Choose the Correct Sunscreen
Infants and toddlers who are at least 6 months old can safely use sunscreen, and it's actually a good idea for them to do so. Of course, you may want to see a dermatologist or pediatrician first before putting anything on your baby's skin.
When buying sunscreen for your little ones, take note of the ingredients the formula has, go for broad-spectrum, chemical-free sunscreen that is appropriate for children and has an SPF of at least 30. Be sure the sunblock's active ingredients list includes the natural minerals titanium oxide and zinc oxide, which serve as physical blockers and shield the skin from UVA and UVB rays.
You can try using products like the Orange & Peach Sunblock For Babies & Kids SPF 50+ or the Sanosan Baby Sun Cream / Sunblock SPF 50+ which are great and safe options for your little ones. You can find these at the edamama site along with other sunscreen options for your kids.
Now, when applying sunscreen, apply it liberally all over your baby before letting them go outside or do any outdoor activities. Every two hours or so, reapply sunscreen, especially if your child is swimming or perspiring.
6. Treat Rashes and Sunburns Immediately
It’s quite common for babies to frequently experience sunburns and heat rashes throughout the summer season. When a baby is exposed to hot, humid conditions while wearing tight diapers or clothing, their sweat glands become clogged, which results in heat rash.
To cure heat rash, keep your baby's skin cool, clean, and hydrated. To calm the skin that is irritated, apply a cool or cold compress. Aloe vera and other natural components can also help to reduce the itching and discomfort associated with rashes. Alternatively, calamine lotion can also be used to treat prickly heat, however, you may want to check with your baby's doctor before applying this.
7. Give Your Baby’s Cool Baths
During the summer months, giving your babies a cool bath will make them feel more comfortable and at ease. However, you should also note that you should be giving them a cool bath and not ones with cold water!
When giving them a cool bath, you can use very light soap and shampoo; anything harsher causes their skin to lose moisture more quickly. Now, while you don't need to bathe your little ones very often, you can give them routine baths to keep them cool on hot days. However, you also don’t need to use soap and shampoo every time.
Summers may be lovely once you've done all that you can to keep your little ones safe, calm, cool, and healthy. Before your baby turns into a toddler, you only have a limited number of summers with them, so it's especially tempting at this time to exchange their onesies and beanies for swimsuits and little two-piece swimsuits and more sun friendly clothing. However, while you should take advantage of the warmth and sunshine with your babies, you should remember that their soft skin is vulnerable to sunburns and discomfort. Don’t let summer be a bummer! Just be prepared so you and your little ones don’t miss out on the weather.
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