The summer season is here, which means you’ll likely be going outside with your family more. This means barbecues, camping trips, fun at the park, and more. If you have little ones who love being in nature, this means you’ll probably be planning plenty of activities in the sun. That being said, it’s important to keep your baby safe whenever you go outdoors, especially as temperatures rise and there’s an increased risk of excessive sun exposure. Here are five tips to take to heart if you’re serious about keeping your baby safe this summer.
Stay in the shade and keep things cool.
Keeping your baby cool as the temperatures approach 80, 90, and even 100 (depending on where you live), is of the utmost importance when it comes to keeping your baby safe. If your newborn gets overheated, there can be serious medical complications which could potentially cause Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, also known as SIDS. A 2018 study shows a correlation between higher temperatures and babies who died from SIDS. One way to keep things cool for your baby when you’re outdoors, is to keep them in a stroller that provides shade.
Even then, if the temperature is really high, you may want to consider another way to keep your child cool beyond shade. Purchasing a portable fan for your stroller could be just the ticket, offering a cool breeze even on the most sweltering of days. If you aren’t sure what type of stroller or fan you should buy, StrollerBuzz.com will have in-depth breakdowns of all the latest products. By looking at in-depth reviews of top strollers and accessories, you’ll be able to weigh the pros and cons and ultimately come out on top.
Avoid peak times of sun exposure.
Especially if you’re headed to an open area like a park or beach, it’s a good idea to travel to these locations when sun exposure is not at its most risky. Peak times of sun exposure are generally between 10 o’clock in the morning and 2 o’clock in the afternoon. That means that if you’re going to head out earlier in the morning with your baby, breaking in the middle of the day for a shady, cool lunch is a great plan.
Know what insurance coverage you have.
If something bad does happen as a result of sun or heat exposure, it’s crucial that you have a full understanding of how your health insurance will help you get medical treatment for your baby. In fact, it’s never a bad idea to take a look at your insurance coverage on an annual basis to ensure that you’re getting the best deal possible and the best coverage for you and your family. Especially if you’re interested in lower prices on your private insurance coverage, comparing family health insurance quotes online can get you a better deal.
Be careful with sunscreen.
While sunscreen is safe for most to use, babies have much thinner skin than children and adults. As such, the chemicals in sunscreen could be more easily absorbed by your baby and even cause irritation if you use too much of it. If you are going to use sunscreen on parts of your baby that can’t be protected by clothing or shade, be sure to find non-toxic options and use them very carefully.
Don’t forget about eye protection!
A lot of attention is paid to protecting your skin from the sun’s rays, but it’s important to think about protecting you and your baby’s vision outdoors, too! Sunglasses for your infant will keep them looking hip while offering them the protection they need to stay safe from UV rays. When you start your child wearing sunglasses at a young age, they will understand that this is an important part of summertime safety, even as they grow into being a toddler.
