Keep Your Baby Safe From Sunburn

May 25, 2012 - PRLog -- Unfortunately, babies can very quickly get sunburned &/or become overheated, so there are a few precautions that should be followed when spending time outdoors.

When outside, your baby is exposed to ultraviolet rays which can burn their sensitive skin.    The sun is most dangerous between the hours of 10:00am and 4:00pm, so consider limiting outdoor activities with your baby to the early morning or late afternoon hours.  Child safety advocate, Michael Pouls, reminds us that, “ultraviolet rays bounce off surfaces such as water, so be extra careful when your baby is surrounded by or near reflective surfaces.”

Additionally, Michael Pouls advises parents to, “use several different ‘layers’ of resources to shield your baby from the sun.”  First, always use a sunshade over your baby’s stroller.  Second, remember to dress your baby in protective clothing that covers his/her skin with a light, loose fitting fabric that allows the skin to breathe.  Second, never forget to cover your baby’s head with a light hat/cap that protects the back of the neck, the ears, and shades the eyes.  And finally, don’t forget to put sunglasses on your baby, if he/she will tolerate them.    

Sunscreen is a whole issue in of itself.  Sunscreen with a sun protective factor (SPF) of at least 15 should be used.  Sunscreens labeled as “broad spectrum” protect against both UVA and UVB rays.  Apply the sunscreen 20 to 30 minutes before taking your baby outdoors, and reapply as needed, at least every two hours.  Michael Pouls reminds parents that, “if your baby gets wet, such as by swimming in a pool by example, reapply sunscreen immediately, even if it is labeled as waterproof.”

One final tip:  be prepared to breastfeed or offer formula to keep your baby hydrated.  For additional child safety tips, please visit michaelpouls.info.