We’re in for a scorching summer and experts recommend babies under 12 months avoid direct sunlight. While that sounds insurmountable, here’s how to keep your baby sun-safe without having to stay indoors.
Avoid muslin swaddles
While handy and found in most nappy bags, muslin swaddles aren’t actually sun-safe. Sure, they create shade under a pram and can cover exposed skin, but the fabric lets through too many UV rays and doesn’t meet the minimum or recommended Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) ratings to be considered sun-protective.
Use sun-safe covers
For the best possible sun protection, look for products with a certified UPF 50/50+ rating. Lightweight UV protective blankets are multi-use and can be used to shade babies in prams, baby carriers, and cars. They can even be hung up to create a shady spot for park tummy time sessions. Those with in-built magnets, like Bebe Trek’s, are even more versatile and mean no more struggling with pram clips or awkward knots.
Choose UV-protective clothing
Consider clothing with UPF ratings for outdoor adventures. Lightweight summer clothing made from muslin or light-coloured cotton is unlikely to meet minimum sun-safe UPF levels. While most UPF 50 clothing on the market is swimwear, there are some day wear options, including Bebe Trek’s UV-protective sunsuits.
sun-safe baby shade from Bebe Trek
Use evaporative cooling and directional shading techniques
Fully covering a pram, even with a lightweight cloth, can increase the internal pram temperature. On a hot day, this is dangerous for babies. However, there are safe ways to create extra shade.
A recent University of Sydney study found draping a damp muslin cloth over a pram combined with a clip-on fan, creates an evaporative cooling effect that reduces the internal pram temperature by around 4 degrees. However, noting point 1 above, swap the muslin for a breathable UPF 50 cover.
Directional shading is another safe method. Instead of fully covering the pram, use a sun-safe cloth to block the sun from the direction it’s hitting, leaving the other side open for airflow.
Use sunscreen and a hat
For babies over six months, slop on sunscreen and re-apply regularly (sunscreen isn’t recommended for babies under six months due to their sensitive skin). Slap on a hat too—the earlier you start, the more used they’ll get to hats, and they’ll be less likely to pull them off when they’re older. Look for a wide-brim or legionnaire style with a UPF 50 rating.
Stay in the shade
Where possible, stick to the shade of trees or awnings or create your own shade. Be wary of reflective surfaces (sand, water and concrete), as UV rays can bounce back onto your baby even when shaded. Sunburn is also still possible on overcast days as UV rays penetrate clouds.
Check the UV index
Sun protection measures are required whenever the UV index is 3 or higher. It averages 12-13 (extreme) around noon during SEQ summers, which can cause sunburn in less than 10 minutes if unprotected. Consider early morning and late afternoon outings when the UV index is lower. Download the Free SunSmart Global UV app to track the UV index in your area. (https://www.sunsmart.com.au/resources/sunsmart-app)
By Anna-Lise Brink, founder of Bebe Trek and designer of UPF 50+ multifunctional magnetic sun covers and sunsuits for babies.
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