Sun protection

Summer is great. Most families favorite time of the year. Children usually love this time, where they can run around lightly dressed and play outside. Parents are on a vacation and families can enjoy spending time together. Even though the sun is great and the D-vitamin we get from it, we have to be very careful. Especially with infants. Sunburns are painful for adults, but in babies sunburns can be a medical emergency. Infants should be kept out of the sun at all times. Babies, 6 months and up should be well protected and covered from the sun.

Here are our main recommendations for protecting infants, babies and toddlers from the sun.

Sunscreen

Adding sunscreen to newborns, before the reach six months, is not recommended. Newborns sensitive skin is more vulnerable for the chemicals in sunscreen and more likely to have skin reactions like rashes, allergies or inflammation. Babies are also more likely to ingest sunscreen by licking their hand or other reachable body areas. After six months of age parents should apply sunscreen to their children's skin 30 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply every two hours.

Sun hat & sun protective clothing

When you spend longer time in the sun, you should always make sure your child is wearing a sunhat or a cap. The hat should cover the face, ears and the neck. A baby’s head should always be covered in the sun. Babies should be dressed in sun-protective clothing, that are lightweight, breathable and long sleeved. Brighter colors offer better sun protection. 

Shade and shelter

Make sure your child is in the shade during the warmest time of the day. Place a baby in the shadow under a tree or make sure you have a sun umbrella on the pram or bring a sunscreen tent to the beach or the park. The SleepCarrier is perfect for placing your child in the shadow, close to you, knowing it has a safe and familiar environment to rest and play in.

Sunglasses

Children's eyes should always be protected from the sun, with a sun hat and/or UV-blocking sunglasses. The eyes are sensitive and delicate and can be seriously damaged when in direct contact with the sun. Sunglasses should block 99-100 percent of both UVA and UVB light. A hat with a brim will help block UVB rays from the eyes and eyelids. Sunglasses don't have to be expensive to have a good UV protection, but they should also be comfortable, so that the child will want to wear them.

Car safety in the sun

When you are traveling by car, during the sunny summer months, it is extremely important to keep you baby well protected from the sun. In the center in the back seat, away from the side windows, or make sure the car window blocks the UV light. Window film will block almost 100 % of Uv Rays without reducing visibility. Last but not least, make sure your child is hydrated and cool on the road.

Baby Carriers sun protection

Carrying an infant or a baby in a baby carrier will help keep the child safe. When the baby is carried closely, it's easier to keep a close eye on the baby and how he or she is feeling. It's more likely that you will notice if the child is to warm or not feeling well.