Sun Safety For Newborns: Timing And Precautions

Newborns have delicate skin that is highly vulnerable to sun damage. Their skin is not mature enough to form a barrier against UV rays, and their eyes lack the pigment that filters out UV rays, making them more susceptible to retinal damage. As such, it is recommended that babies under six months old be kept out of direct sunlight. Here are some guidelines to protect newborns from the sun:

1. Plan outdoor activities during early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are lower.

2. During moderate to high UV times, keep trips outside brief and seek shade.

3. Use sun protection methods such as pram shades, large-brimmed sun hats, and clothing that covers the arms and legs.

4. Avoid using sunscreen on newborns unless necessary; instead, create a physical barrier between the sun and the baby.

5. In the car, use shades or UV shields to block UV rays from reaching the baby.

6. Keep newborns well-hydrated by offering frequent breastfeeds or bottle feeds.

Keep newborns out of direct sunlight for the first six months

The first six months of a baby's life are critical for their health and safety. Here are some guidelines to follow to ensure your newborn stays safe and healthy while enjoying the outdoors:

Avoid Direct Sunlight

It is crucial to keep newborns out of direct sunlight during the first six months of their lives. Their skin is extremely delicate and sensitive during this period, and their eyes lack the pigment that filters out UV rays. This makes them highly vulnerable to UV damage, which can lead to serious health issues later in life. Plan your outdoor activities during the early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are naturally lower.

Create Physical Barriers

When outdoors, protect your baby from direct sunlight by using pram shades, large-brimmed sun hats that shield their eyes, ears, and neck, and lightweight clothing that covers their arms and legs. You can also use UV-protective car window shields or professional protective window film to block UV rays from entering your car.

Stay in Shady Areas

When outdoors, stick to shady areas, such as under trees or umbrellas, to minimize your baby's exposure to direct sunlight. Keep them away from crowded places like malls, pools, and airplanes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, as these places increase the risk of germ exposure.

Use Sun Protection

While it is generally recommended to avoid using sunscreen on newborns, if you are concerned about UV levels, you can apply a small amount of sunscreen specifically designed for babies to exposed areas, such as the tops of their feet. However, creating a physical barrier between your baby and the sun is the best defence.

Keep Them Hydrated

Breastfeed or bottle-feed your baby frequently to ensure they stay well-hydrated, especially in hot weather. You can also offer cooled boiled water if your baby is over six months old.

Be Mindful of Extreme Weather

Avoid taking your newborn outdoors during extreme weather conditions, such as strong winds, snow, or high temperatures. Their delicate immune system may struggle to cope with these conditions, and it can be challenging to protect them from the sun during peak sunlight hours.

By following these guidelines, you can safely enjoy the outdoors with your newborn while protecting them from the sun's harmful effects. Their sensitive skin and eyes will thank you, and they will be less likely to develop health issues related to UV exposure in the future.

Use sun protection methods to create a physical barrier between newborns and the sun

Newborns have very delicate skin and eyes, and are vulnerable to UV rays, perhaps more so than they will ever be again in their lifetime. Therefore, it is important to use sun protection methods to create a physical barrier between newborns and the sun. Here are some ways to do that:

Pram Shades

Use a parasol or sunshade attached to your baby's pushchair to keep them out of direct sunlight. It is important to note that you should not cover your baby's pram with a blanket as it can lead to overheating. Instead, use a tested pram cover that provides adequate ventilation. You can also leave side or front air gaps in the cover.

Sun Hats

Always protect your newborn's head, face, ears, and neck with a wide-brimmed sun hat. A baby who gets used to wearing a hat during the first few months is more likely to keep it on as they grow older.

Clothing

Dress your baby in lightweight, sun-protective clothing that covers their arms and legs. Clothing with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) offers extra protection against UV rays.

Car Shades

Use a shade or barrier to block UV rays from coming through the backseat window of your car, where your baby is sitting. You can also invest in UV window film, which can screen almost 100% of ultraviolet radiation without reducing visibility.

Sunglasses

You can also try sunglasses for your baby if they will tolerate them. Look for glasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB rays.

Dress newborns in lightweight, sun-protective clothing that covers their arms and legs

When it comes to sun protection for newborns, clothing is the first line of defence. Here are some tips to keep in mind when dressing newborns to protect them from the sun:

Choose Lightweight, Breathable Fabric

Select lightweight, breathable fabrics that will keep your newborn cool and comfortable in the sun. Avoid dressing your baby in too many layers, as this can lead to overheating.

Opt for Sun-Protective Clothing

Look for clothing with a high ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) rating. The UPF rating indicates how effective the fabric is at blocking UV rays. Aim for a UPF of 30 or higher, with 50 being the highest rating. Sun-protective clothing is usually made with a tighter weave or knit and is often darker in colour to absorb more UV radiation.

Cover Arms and Legs

Choose clothing that covers your newborn's arms and legs. Long sleeves and pants will protect their delicate skin from direct sunlight. Avoid clothing with short sleeves or that leaves their arms and legs exposed.

Select Bright or Contrasting Colours

When spending time near water, opt for bright or contrasting colours like neon. These colours are easier to spot in the water, ensuring your newborn is visible and safe.

Use Sun Hats and Sunglasses

In addition to protective clothing, always put a wide-brimmed sun hat on your newborn to shield their head, face, ears, and neck from the sun. You can also try sunglasses to protect their eyes and eyelids from UV rays if your baby will tolerate them.

By following these guidelines and creating a physical barrier between your newborn and the sun, you can ensure they are protected from harmful UV rays and enjoy time outdoors safely.

Protect newborns' heads, faces, ears, and necks with wide-brimmed hats

Newborns have delicate skin that is vulnerable to UV damage. Their eyes are also not fully developed, which means that UV rays can reach the retina more easily than in adults. For this reason, it is important to protect your newborn's head, face, ears, and neck with a wide-brimmed hat.

A wide-brimmed hat is an essential item for any newborn. It will shield their eyes, ears, and neck from the sun's harmful rays. The brim should be large enough to cast a shadow over the face, typically around 3 inches wide. The hat should be made of lightweight, breathable material to keep your baby cool. It is also a good idea to choose a hat with a chin strap to ensure it stays securely on your baby's head.

It is recommended that you get your baby used to wearing a hat from an early age. If you start early, they will be more likely to keep it on as they get older. You can also try to get them used to wearing sunglasses from an early age, as the melanin in their eyes is still forming. Look for baby-sized versions with soft elastic straps to keep them in place.

In addition to a hat, it is important to dress your newborn in protective clothing when they are in the sun. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants will help shield their skin from UV rays. You can also use a parasol, sunshade, or stroller shade to keep them out of direct sunlight. If you are using a stroller, be sure to position it in the shade and avoid covering it with a blanket, as this can lead to overheating.

While it is important to protect your newborn's head, face, ears, and neck from the sun, it is also essential to ensure they stay cool and comfortable. Check on them regularly to make sure they are not getting too hot and offer extra breastfeeds or bottle feeds to keep them well-hydrated.

Avoid using sunscreen on newborns; instead, create a physical barrier between them and the sun

Newborns under six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Their skin is still very delicate and not yet mature enough to form a good barrier against UV rays. Their eyes are also not fully mature, as they lack the pigment that filters out UV rays, making them more vulnerable to retinal damage.

To protect your newborn from the sun, it is best to avoid using sunscreen. Newborns' skin does not have the ability to metabolize and excrete chemicals often found in sunscreens. Instead, create a physical barrier between them and the sun. Here are some ways to do this:

• Use pram shades, parasols, stroller shades, or stroller canopies to keep your newborn out of direct sunlight when outdoors.
• Dress your newborn in lightweight, sun-protective clothing that covers the arms and legs.
• Always protect your newborn's head, face, ears, and neck with a wide-brimmed hat.
• Use removable mesh window shields or UV window film in your car to block UV rays from entering through the windows.
• Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are naturally lower.
• Seek out shady areas when outdoors, such as under a tree, or create your own shade using an umbrella or a pop-up tent.
• Keep your newborn well-hydrated by offering frequent breastfeeds or bottle feeds.

While it is best to avoid sunscreen, if you are concerned about UV levels, you can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen designed specifically for newborns to small exposed areas, such as the tops of their feet. However, creating a physical barrier should be the first line of defence.

Frequently asked questions