3rd Mar 2015

Baby Sun Protection Clothing: The Best Protection against Sun Damage

The sun can be an extremely good thing for you and your baby. However, when babies are still very young, they absolutely have delicate and sensitive skin. It is therefore best to keep them out of direct sunlight. Once they reach around six months, you can start to introduce them to direct sunlight more often. However, you are still going to need to be careful as the sun rays can be harmful to your baby. Below we will discuss some of the best ways to keep your baby safe while in the sun.

Use Sun Protective Clothing

One of the best and easiest ways to keep your baby protected in the sun is by using baby sun protection clothing. Many people do not know that most ordinary clothing still allows harmful sun rays (UVA/UVB) to penetrate in fibres and reach the skin. Because of this, you need to purchase and utilise clothing that has been treated in order to protect from harmful rays. Baby sun protection clothing protects at least 95% or more of harmful sun rays. It is essential to consider this specially designed type of clothing. Otherwise, you are going to put your baby at risk for getting sun damage. One of the best brands to look at when searching for different types of sun protection clothing for babies can be found at http://www.stingray.com.au/categories/Babies/. They offer an incredible selection of different protective clothing for babies.

Use Sunscreen

Sunscreen is another must for babies. Apart from wearing your baby with sun protection clothing, applying sunscreen lotion is also very helpful. This is to ensure that your baby is fully protected from the harmful rays of the sun. However, sunscreen is only advisable for babies around six months and older. For infants under six months old, using appropriate clothing and hats is recommended.

Getting quality sunscreen is important. When your baby reaches six months old, you can begin using sunscreen of 30 SPF. Make sure to purchase a trusted brand with at least 4 or 5 star rating from a reputed merchant or drugstore. This way, you are assured that your baby is getting an excellent and genuine sun protection. Also, make sure that this sunscreen product has been thoroughly tested to be mild on babies’ skin.

Eye Protection

Your baby's eyes are extremely sensitive to sunlight when they are young. It is essential that you get sunglasses with UV protection in order to adequately protect their eyes from sun exposure. They do not have to be extremely expensive sunglasses. The good news is that there are plenty of affordable options on the market that adequately protect the eyes from UV exposure.

When you are trying to purchase sunglasses for your baby, consider several important factors in order to get the best pair of sunglasses.

What to Look For:

1. Choose sunglasses with UV 400 label. This label will tell you that the sunglasses offer your baby 100% UV protection. This is a very important factor to consider.

2. Consider a pair with adjustable rubber neck strap. Babies are likely unable to keep their glasses on their head. So, you need to choose sunglasses with a strap that will keep them from falling and breaking.

Now that we have already discussed the best ways to protect your baby from the sun, it’s also important to know the best things to do if your baby gets sunburn.

Sunburn Remedies

If your baby suffers from sunburn, you need to completely follow these steps below.

a. Soak a washcloth in cold water. Place the washcloth on the affected area for at least 10 minutes. You can do this several times per day in order to adequately provide relief.

b. Bath your baby in cool water to help reduce burning sensation and redness.

c. Apply moisturiser and/or aloe vera to soothe and moisturise the affected area.

d. Offer extra fluids and/or breast milk to replenish hydration.

By doing the above steps, you should be able to completely alleviate the sun damage in your baby’s skin. Unfortunately, as much as you try to prevent your baby from getting sun damage, sometimes it is inevitable. However, if you are prepared and equipped of all vital information, you can deal with the situation appropriately when it happens.

Getting your baby sun protective clothing and utilising a good sunscreen enables you to avoid having to deal with sunburn or sun damage. When you are purchasing sun protection clothing for your baby, make sure to get the proper fitting and adequate protection against the sun. This will ensure that your baby is fully protected and prevented from the risk of sun damage. Be sure to take note of all these essential information to be able to give first aid and overall protection for your baby against the sun.