FUN IN THE SUN! How To Keep Your Little One Protected This Summer

Summer time is coming soon, and your little one is going to want to head out and soak up some of those rays! It’s important, as their parent, to know what to do to make sure that delicate new skin stays protected, and that they (and you) don’t have suffer through a sunburn!

A few simple summertime rules will make sure you and your beach baby can enjoy the warm weather safely and happily!

SIX MONTHS AND YOUNGER:

Because infants’ skin is super sensitive, it’s important in the first six months to shield them from the sun rather than use sunscreen. It’s especially important to avoid direct sun exposure and seek the shade during the sun’s hours of greatest intensity, between 10 AM and 4 PM.  When out and about, keep to the shady side of the street on walks, and use the sun shield on your stroller.

Always make sure your to dress your baby a brimmed hat and lightweight clothing that fully covers the arms and legs. (And, a pair of infant sunglasses with a strap can protect those little eyes!)

OLDER INFANTS AND TODDLERS:

Once your little one reaches 6 months of age, it’s time to introduce sunscreens. Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen that offers a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15. Look for the active ingredients; zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because these physical filters don’t rely on absorption of chemicals and are less apt to cause a skin reaction.

Continue to hang out in the shade, plan outdoor playtime before 10 AM or after 4 PM and keep covering young children with hats, sunglasses and lightweight clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

With these simple rules, and a hat from Melondipity.com you and your baby have it ‘made in the shade’ this summer!