The summer season brings warmth, sunshine, and a lot of outdoor activities. While it’s an exciting time for families, it’s crucial to protect your baby’s delicate skin from the harsh sun and other potential skin irritants.

Here are a few essential tips to help you keep your baby’s skin healthy and protected during the summer months:

#1 Shield Your Baby from the Sun

Babies have sensitive skin that is highly susceptible to sunburn and damage from harmful UV rays. Whenever you take your baby outdoors, especially between 10 am and 4 pm when the sun is strongest, ensure that you protect their skin with appropriate measures.

Dress your baby in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers their arms and legs. Opt for fabrics with a tight weave, such as cotton, to provide added sun protection.

Consider using a broad-spectrum sunscreen for your baby. It will have an SPF of 30 or more. Apply the sunscreen generously and reapply once every two hours. You should also apply it after your baby is done swimming or if they have been sweating a lot under the sun.
It’s advisable to perform a patch test on a small area of your baby’s skin before applying sunscreen for the first time to check for any adverse reactions.

#2 Keep Them Hydrated

The heat of summer can cause your baby’s skin to become dehydrated, leading to dryness and irritation. Ensure that your baby drinks plenty of fluids, such as water or formula, to stay well-hydrated throughout the day. If your baby is older than six months, you can also offer them small amounts of water between feedings to keep them adequately hydrated.

To combat dry skin, consider using a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer after bath time. Look for moisturizers specifically formulated for babies, as they are designed to be gentle and free from harsh chemicals that could irritate their delicate skin. Apply the moisturizer while their skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture.

#3 Protect Against Bug Bites

Summertime often means pesky insects like mosquitoes are out in full force. Dress your baby in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing to protect them from bugs. Your strollers and cribs should also have mosquito nets so that they can keep the insects at bay.

Avoid using insect repellents on infants younger than two months. Instead, consider using natural alternatives like citronella candles or essential oils that are safe for babies.

If your baby does get bitten, try not to let them scratch the area, as it can lead to further irritation and potential infection. Consult your pediatrician for appropriate remedies or soothing creams that are safe for your baby’s delicate skin.

#4 Be Mindful of Pool Chemicals

Swimming is a popular summer activity, but the chemicals used to maintain pool water can be harsh on your baby’s delicate skin. Before taking your baby for a swim, ensure that the pool water is properly balanced and chlorinated within safe levels. Excessive exposure to chlorinated water can lead to dryness, itching, and rashes.

After swimming, rinse your baby’s skin with clean water to remove any chlorine residue. Follow up with a gentle bath using a mild, fragrance-free cleanser to restore the skin’s natural balance. Moisturize their skin afterward to replenish moisture lost during swimming.
During summer, you will likely be tempted to use baby powder on your child. However, these powders contain talc, and talc products have been found to cause harm to children as well as adults. The recent talcum powder lawsuits, or talc lawsuits, against Johnson & Johnson prove just that.

As explained by TorHoerman Law, the talcum powder lawsuit against Johnson & Johnson’s baby powder suggests that these products can put their users at risk of ovarian cancer and mesothelioma, which are life-threatening illnesses. Therefore, using these products might put you and your child in harm’s way.

According to the latest Johnson & Johnson talcum powder lawsuit update, the brand is still trying to defend itself and has even managed to garner support in its favor. However, the lawsuit is still ongoing with more and more victims coming forward, which is a sign for you not to risk using baby powder without consulting a professional first.

#5 Seek Shade and Limit Sun Exposure

While babies need to get fresh air and sunshine, it’s crucial to strike a balance and avoid excessive sun exposure. Get under the shade whenever possible, especially when the sun is burning with all its might. Use a stroller with a sunshade or a portable umbrella to provide additional protection.

When taking your baby to the beach or for a picnic, set up a shaded area with a beach tent or a large umbrella. Keep in mind that even in the shade, UV rays can still reach your baby’s skin, so continue using sunscreen and protective clothing.

Protecting your baby’s skin becomes very important during the hot summer days. Unless you do so, you put your baby at risk of serious harm, including various diseases. Thus, keep the above-discussed points in mind and protect your baby’s skin at all costs.