Protecting a newborn in the sun

By Heather

Our Facebook page recently posed the question “How do you protect your family or your newborn from the strong summer rays?” and we got some fantastic tips from the readers.

My skin is super fair. My babies inherited my fair skin and were bald for the first year of their lives. Our key to sun protection was HATS!

Me and Holden

In the tiniest newborn phase, I was also fond of throwing a light blanket over the infant carrier or stroller to block all the sun’s rays. If you choose that mode, make sure to allow ventilation and cross-breeze on hot days.

Autumn makes sure to seeks out shade and puts her little one in a floating pool toy with a shade on the top.

Tiffany reminds us not only to seek out shade but also to remember lots to drink! For infants that means milk. For mamas, that means water!

Ronnie adds a light blanket to the list (yay, summer-weight blankets!).

Kimberly waits to go outside until after 2pm and recommends using a long-sleeved rash guard shirt for older babies.

Melissa warns that even a little suntan is skin damage and uses a sun umbrella.

Remember sunblock is only recommended for babies over six months old because of babies’ delicate skin. Jennifer suggests finding spray sunscreens that don’t need to be rubbed in to make application easier.