Sun Safety Guide for Toddlers and Babies

Now that summer is in full swing, you likely have lots of fun outings planned for your kids. Whether that is long stroller walks, summer camp, park days, or visits to the beach or lake, your kids have a high likelihood of getting sunkissed. Making sure they are protected from the sun is of utmost importance, considering the high risk of developing Melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer for young adults. [source: https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin ] Keep reading to learn more about how to safely protect your kids from the sun by age, and things you can try while giving them breaks from the rays.

How to Safely Play in the Sun By Age

While there is no better way to protect yourself from the sun than to simply stay out of it, that can be very unrealistic for busy, energetic kids during the summer. Instead, here are some ways you can protect your kids' skin from the sun, depending on their age and needs.

Sun Tips for Infants

If your baby is younger than six months, they have unique needs when it comes to sun protection. They include:

• Keep your baby out of direct sunlight
• Avoid using sunscreen
• Instead, use shades and umbrellas 
• Ensure their clothing is breathable
• Add window shades to your car to protect their skin while driving
• Always make sure your baby is wearing a hat

If going out in the sun is inevitable, such as bringing baby to enjoy a beach day or watch their sibling’s sports games, bring things to entertain them while in the shade.

 This can include:

EZ Grip Flower Rattle Teether & Oral Sensory Developmental Toy

Innobaby's Award-Winning Teethin' SMART Massaging Flower Rattle Teether features an easy-to-grip handle and a lightweight design, making it suitable for even the youngest teethers. Yes, even newborns!

The unique dual-sided shape and textured petals offer gentle relief for swollen, sore, and tender gums. The soft and flexible design reaches all parts of the mouth for a thorough and gentle gum massage, while stimulating oral sensory nerves for improved speech and oral development.

Created to be safe for your baby, our teether is designed with ventilated breathing holes for safety while the baby chews. Innobaby's Teethin' SMART Massaging Teethers are a safe, toxic-free way to help babies satisfy their teething needs. BPA-free, phthalate-free, and PVC-free.

The best part? Research shows improving oral motor skills aids effective nursing, develops proper muscles for eating solids and drinking liquids with a cup, and improves speech. For the parents: it is top-shelf dishwasher and freezer safe!

Sun Tips for Babies

If your baby is older than 6 months old and on the go, it can be difficult to keep them out of the sun.

Here is how to protect their chunky, beautiful skin this summer: 

• Use sunscreen that specifies it is safe for infants, and apply 30 minutes before going in the sun
• Use at least SPF 30 and ensure that it is fragrance-free
• Make sure to reapply every two hours, especially when swimming or sweating

Ways to entertain your big baby in the shade can include:

Innobaby Silicone Fish Bath Scrub

Give your baby a super fun sensory experience while taking a break from the sun!

One side features soft, short bristles, while the other has longer and even softer bristles, offering two distinct sensory experiences.

The eye hole allows fish to be easily attached to carabiners, hooks, and more. Their finger can also be looped through the hole for additional sensory feedback, and can be used as a fun addition to any water table, sensory bin, or just on its own.

Sun Tips for Toddlers

Toddlers are busy, particular, and it can be especially difficult to get them to wear sunscreen. No matter how much they may cry or protest, it is extremely important to ensure they are protected. Here are some tips:

• Toddlers can wear adult sunscreen; just make sure it is at least SPF 30
• Make sure they keep wearing a hat in the sun, as well as protective clothing
• See if your toddler would be excited about wearing sunglasses to further protect their eyes in the sun
• Make sure your child is wearing UV-protection swimwear, such as a rashguard, while swimming

Ways to keep your toddler entertained when taking a break from the sun include:

Sensory Bubble Play Skin Happy Botanical Bubbles & Blower Set

Toddlers love bubbles, and this blower set lets them create bubbles all on their own!

Simply dip, twirl, and blow our toddler-friendly wand to create a TON of bubbles without any help from Mom or Dad! They will love feeling independent, like a big kid, and doing it all on their own.

This sensory bubble toy gives tons of bubbles without the mess or soapy gooey residue. Perfect for sensory play, learning, bubble therapy, the classroom, birthday parties, special events, and more, this uniquely designed bubble system is non-toxic, calming, and worry-free for parents.

The included bubble solution is great for sun-kissed, sensitive skin. Made with plant extracts, coconut oil, and purified water, the skin-happy botanical bubble solution is easy on sensitive skin and doesn’t leave your toddler feeling sticky or slimy. More than usual, that is! 

For more great summer tips and products for the whole family, visit us at Innobaby.com!