How to Survive the Summer Sun with Babies and Fair-Skinned Toddlers
On June 3, 2021 by Megan FolsomEven though I married a tan, dark-haired boy with olive skin, our son somehow still ended up with my bright blonde hair and sensitive skin! Unfortunately for him, that means a very high risk of sunburns and skin cancer.
In other words, I have to be SUPER careful with him, especially in the summer time! He wants to spend all day outside in the summer sun, so it’s my job to protect his fair baby skin and keep him safe.
There are a few MUST-HAVES in my books and some favorites I’ve found along the way. Even if your baby isn’t fair-skinned, kids’ skin is much more sensitive than adults.
Plus, I know how unpleasant I am when I’m in pain from a bad sunburn… I can’t even imagine dealing with it from a toddler or baby who can’t articulate and are just sad and unpleasant.
While this list is specifically geared towards SUN protection with littles, I have an entire post on surviving activities away from home and play dates outside, too! It’s all about all the things you should remember to pack and have handy in your diaper bag.
1. Safe Sunscreen
I know the word “safe” can be so controversial these days, and honestly, any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. However, we are so lucky these days to have so many different options to choose from (and so much research available at the tips of our fingers).
After doing research, asking mom friends, hearing experiences and trying a few out, I can say I’ve found the perfect option for us! I trust the company and have never had a bad experience with them or any of their products. (We pretty much use all of their baby products, to be honest).
I love that they have an amazing SPF face stick, which makes it SOOO much easier to get onto a wiggling, squirmy little face. It’s so easy to rub in and my son actually thinks its kind of funny to watch me do when I pull it out of the bag.
We also use the liquid sunscreen for the rest of his body and he has never had a sunburn before while wearing this sunscreen. This is actually now the only brand of sunscreen I use for him!
If you shop through my link, you’ll automatically get 10% off your whole order!
2. Water (Bottles)
Kids should be drinking a lot of water already, but with the added heat and sun they need MORE. There should ALWAYS be a water bottle or cup available to them during the day.
This is especially important if they aren’t at the stage of talking or recognizing until they’re super thirsty. Dehydration in babies and toddlers is scary and something I don’t want to have to worry about.
Drink Choice
Water is definitely the best choice overall for kids and toddlers to stay hydrated, rather than soda or juice, while playing outside. However, you’ll want to be breastfeeding or bottle-feeding enough (and probably extra), for the babies that are still too young for plain water.
*Always consult your doctor if you have any questions about the current guidelines for babies and water.
Favorite Toddler Water Bottles
We’ve tests SO many water bottles lately with my son. There are so many different options and types; there are plastic, stainless steel, handles, no handles, straws, sippy cups, etc. It can be overwhelming, so I will be reviewing them for you this summer!
The one universal thing I’ve learned is that regardless of the bottle, they pretty much need to be washed daily. If water gets left overnight in there with the lid sealed on, it smells RANK. Also, mold starts to grow pretty quickly in them and in all of the crevices, especially if you put anything besides water into them. YUCK.
Currently, our most frequently-used water bottles are:
3. Hats
Nowadays, there are a lot of different options of hats and some that cover a lot more than others. You can go for a swimming hat, or a bucket hat for more shade on their ears and necks
There are also so many cute hat shops that sell adorable, trendy snapbacks and baseball caps for babies, toddlers and kids. What you choose, really just depends on what style you’re going for, what activity you will be doing and how much you want to spend.
For my toddler, we have an assortment of hats to choose from and these are our favorites this summer:
4. Rash Guards
These make SUCH a huge difference and also offer a lot of peace of mind! I worry soo much less about Trussler and his fair skin when I know he has a long-sleeved rash guard covering him.
Wearing a rash guard means less surface area to apply sunscreen to and remember about reapplying, while not missing any spots. Plus, his arms usually get the most wet when he’s playing in with water, which means the sunscreen is likely coming off more quickly.
For some reason, it was super difficult for me to find many options of cute, plain rash guards in baby and toddler sizes. Most either had tons of graphics and words or weren’t offered in tiny sizes. This summer, we were able to find a few, cute options:
5. Shade
Obviously, the most fool-proof method is to avoid the direct sunlight, which isn’t always possible. However, there are lots of ways to provide some shade for snack breaks, naps on-the-go, or relaxing.
If there aren’t many trees for shade, you could set up an umbrella or a tent (even a small kids tent). I’ve also seen moms set up a pack and play for babies and then put a fitted crib sheet over the top! SO GENIUS! Then, your baby is safe in one spot AND in the shade (and out of sand or dirt!)
Don’t forget that tree shade isn’t always 100% sage either. With sun moving and wind blowing, people have been known to get sunburns while thinking they are safe!
Being outside with sensitive babies and toddlers can be so stressful! I promise it gets easier and less stressful as you find products you’re comfortable using. Keep them hydrated, protect them from that sun and enjoy the warm days outside together!
RELATED POST: What You Should Never Forget to Pack For A Play Date Outside
For my other favorite products and tons of discount codes, see my Favorites tab above.
*Disclaimer: Some of the links on my website are affiliate links. This means that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Sign-up for exclusive deals and more mom tips!