Fun in the Sun
I think we’re all excited for a little sunshine! Here are some health tips + recommended products (that I use in my family too).
My Favorite Sun Products
ThinkBaby Sunscreen: ThinkBaby is a physical sunscreen made of zinc oxide (and no benzenes based on latest research). The newest formulation has fragrance, which I don’t love especially for kids with sensitive skin. But if it’s working well for you, it’s still a nice option!
Blue Lizard Sunscreen: Blue Lizard is a physical sunscreen that many dermatologists recommend for exceptionally sensitive skin (also no benzenes based on latest research).
Badger Baby Sunscreen: Badger is a long-time favorite (also no benzenes based on latest research).
Infant Life Vest: This vest is approved for infants 8-30 lbs. See more below for babies and life vest safety.
Toddler/Child Life Vest: This one is great (approved for kids 30-50 lbs). See below for how to assess fit in your child’s life vest.
Foundation Brushes for Sunscreen Application: Anyone who follows @mothercould knows this trick - it’s so great for applying sunscreen on infants + toddlers!
Toddler Goggles: These are great for toddlers and preschoolers - the strap helps them stay on nice and comfortably!
Portable Fan:mazon.com/dp/B07PZL6798/?ref=idea_lv_dp_ov_d So nice to have handy for quick cool-downs (and can be a great tool if your little one is getting dehydrated)
Swim Diaper: I asked the community which ones you like, and this was one of your favorites!
Infant Sunglasses: These sunglasses are a nice option for little ones!
Rash Guard: This one has built-in SPF protection, which is great for babies’ sensitive skin.
Rash Guard: Another favorite - also has SPF protection built in.
iplay Sun Hat: A good choice for younger babies (protects the back of their neck, a sensitive area we don’t always think about and that many hats don’t cover well, especially with squirmy babies!).
SimpliKids Wide Brim Baby Sun Hat: This one has a wide brim, which can cover lots of sensitive areas.
Sun Safety Guidelines at Every Age
Birth-6 Months Old
SUNSCREEN: Minimize sunscreen use as much as possible for young babies. If you’re not able to keep baby fully protected with clothing + hats, you can use it sparingly on their hands, feet, cheeks and neck.
SUN-PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Focus on cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body (think lightweight long-sleeved shirts, pants, or rash guards). Clothes with a tight weave or UPF protection work great. Hats with a wide brim that shields the face,ears, and back of neck are best (if you can get your little one to keep one on!).
WHAT TO REMEMBER:
Stay in shade as much as possible.
Avoid direct sunlight (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM). Try to avoid exposure to direct sunlight if possible during these times, when the sun is strongest.
Keep baby hydrated (babies need almost 50% more fluids when out in the sun). Babies may want to nurse or feed more when outside to protect hydration. Watch their eyes (tears), lips (moisture) + wet diapers to see how hydrated they are!
6 months – 1 year old
SUNSCREEN: Kids can wear sunscreen now, but be careful around their eyes. If they rub sunscreen into their eyes, rinse them out with water or wipe with a damp cloth. Reapply every 2 hours, after swimming, and after drying off with a towel.
SUN-PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Focus on cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body (think rashguards, long-sleeved swimsuits). Clothes with a tight-weave or UPF protection work great. Hats with a wide brim that shields the face,ears, and back of neck are best, and there are baby sunglasses with UV protection (if you can get your baby to keep them on!)
WHAT TO REMEMBER:
Stay in shade as much as possible.
Avoid direct sunlight (10:00 AM – 2:00 PM). Try to avoid exposure to direct sunlight if possible during these times, when the sun is strongest.
Keep baby hydrated. Babies may want to nurse or feed more when outside to protect hydration. Watch their eyes (tears), lips (moisture) + wet diapers to see how hydrated they are!
1-3 years old
SUNSCREEN: Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas (face, nose, ears, feet, hands, backs of knees). Reapply every 2 hours, after swimming, and after drying off with a towel.
SUN-PROTECTIVE CLOTHING: Focus on cool, comfortable clothing that covers the body (think rashguards, long-sleeved swimsuits). Clothes with a tight-weave or UPF protection work great. Hats with a wide brim that shields the face,ears, and back of neck are best, and there are toddler sunglasses with UV protection if your toddler will wear them!
WHAT TO REMEMBER:
Stay in shade and try to avoid exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible (between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM), when the sun is strongest.
Keep kids hydrated – bring lots of water, popsicles, fruits, and other hydrating snacks!
What to Have
SUNSCREEN
I prefer physical sunscreens (ones with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide), which act as a physical barrier by sitting on top of the skin instead of being absorbed into the body.
Life Jackets (Personal Flotation Devices)
If you’re thinking about being on (boating, canoeing) or near the water this summer, it’s important to think about the right life jacket (personal flotation device, or PFD) for your little one so that everyone can enjoy safely.
WHAT TO REMEMBER:
You only want to use PFDs approved by the US Coast Guard (USCG) + tested by Underwriters Laboratories (UL).
You are looking for a Type II PFD (approved for infants + toddlers) – if your baby is face-down, these will help to flip most of them to a face-up position, which is key for safety.
Most devices are approved by WEIGHT not age.
Fit is really, really important! Try them on your child before use to make sure that they fit properly (snug, should not slide or move if your little one lifts their arms).
WHAT TO LOOK FOR:
INFANTS
Grab handle. This makes it easy to retrieve baby.
Padded head + neck support.
V-neck front. Prevents it from coming up over baby’s mouth.
Crotch strap. Snug fit prevents it from riding up.
Here is an example approved for kids from 8-30 lbs.
The US Coast Guard doesn’t recommend travel on an open boat for babies < 18 lbs or travel for any young children in rough waters.
TODDLERS
Grab handle. This makes it easy to retrieve child.
V-neck front. Prevents it from coming up over a toddler’s neck/mouth.
Crotch strap. Snug fit prevents it from riding up.
An example for you approved for kids from 30-50 lbs.
I know you all know this, but I just say it to be complete. These are all additional supports, but ALL babies and children should be directly supervised when in or near water. The best protection for them is us modeling safety and remaining vigilant at all times!
I hope that you and your family enjoy your time in the sun!
