Although with this interchangeable weather it is hard to believe, we are heading towards the summer months. It is useful to be prepared when the weather decides to finally surprise us. Sun safety is very important for the little ones as too much exposure to sunshine can be dangerous and we are more likely to be out and about and enjoying the nice weather outside during hot days. After all, we have been waiting for them for such a long time! I have gathered some useful tips below to provide you with information on how to ensure you and your baby's safety in the sun. Staying out of the sun in peak hours of 11- am to 3 pm The higher the sun is in the sky the stronger the UVB radiation is, and between the times above the UV index reading is at its highest. This means that within 10 minutes of unprotected sun exposure you can cause damage to your skin. Babies have very delicate skin and so it is very important to ensure that they are not exposed to such strong UVB radiation. Most babies enjoy their afternoons naps during this time so their daily routine is on your side! If, however, you are out and about during this period of time ensure that you spend as much time in shaded areas and use protective umbrellas and tents to create a comfortable and safe environment for your baby. Remember that sun exposure is equally damaging on a cloudy day! How much sun is too much? Wear broad spectrum sun screen SPF There are so many different sun screens and the information on packaging can be very confusing for parents. Boots have created this very informative guide on UVA, UVB & SPF-what you need to know to inform us about the various types of UV radiation and what sunscreen packaging information really means. Always remember to apply sunscreen in good time before your intended sun exposure and reapply it after getting wet or sweaty. As babies under 6 months old are more prone to develop sunscreen sensitivity you might want to look more into alternative sun screen protection for your infant. Cover up with sun protective clothing This is especially important to do when you are planning to be around places with access to water such as parks with sand and water features to splash in, lakes and beaches as, although you apply sunscreen, longer exposure to sunrays, especially in places when sunscreen can be easily washed off means that the sun protection may not be as effective. There are many SPF 50+ protective bathing suits, vest and light trousers available on the market for your child that can be used in addition to a good broad spectrum SPF cream. Ensuring that your child wears a wide rimmed sun hat to protect their face, eyes and head is a good habit to develop for life long sun safety. Some children may also enjoy using sun glasses that provide eye sun protection but with a wide rimmed hat these are not essential. Use sun protective tents and shades at the seaside and areas with limited shade access These are especially useful when you are out and about in places when there is limited shade available such as the beach. They provide high SPF protection and are excellent for creating your own shady areas to escape from strong sun rays. Modern designs are easy to set up and transport as well as pack up. Stay hydrated Ensure that your baby is kept well hydrated by offering them regular and more frequent drinks of breast milk for under 6 months and if you are bottle feeding offer some cooled boiled water to your baby in addition to their regular milk feeds. Babies from six months onwards who have started solids should be offered water with their meals with breast milk or formula milk remaining their main drinks. For the older children you can offer beakers of water and ensure to check in how much they are drinking. Providing juicy, cooled fruit such as watermelon, for your child to eat during warmer weather is also very hydrating and refreshing at the same time. For additional information have a look at NHS Sunscreen and Sun Safety Information , which will provide you with a comprehensive sun advice that is worth becoming familiar with to ensure sun safety fun for your family!
