With summertime comes warmer weather and more opportunities to spend time outdoors. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers of sun exposure for babies: like sunburn, heat exhaustion, heat rash and eye damage.

Avoid direct sunlight
First, try to keep baby out of direct sunlight as much as possible. If they are 6 months or younger, avoid the sun completely.
If you are going to be outside, make sure they are wearing a hat and light-coloured clothing. Slather sunscreen on them before you go out, and reapply it every two hours or after they have been swimming.

Dehydration
Dehydration can be a serious problem for babies, especially during the summer months when the weather is hot and they are more likely to perspire. To prevent dehydration, it is important to keep your baby well-hydrated by giving them plenty of fluids to drink, including pre-boiled and cooled water, breast milk, or formula.

Opt for a light, fragrance-free, mineral-enriched water mist spray, which is great for cooling your baby off on hot days and will give the skin an added boost of nutrition.

Dress your baby in light, loose-fitting clothing and a hat. If you think your baby may be dehydrated, watch for signs such as excessive thirst, dry mouth, reduced urine output, sunken eyes, or lethargy. If you see any of these signs, contact your paediatrician.

Sun screen
Keep your little one safe from harmful sun rays. One way to do this is by applying sunscreen to their skin whenever they're going to be outside. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best product.

Here are a few things to look for when selecting a sunscreen for your baby:

• Look for a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 30.
• Make sure the sunscreen is water resistant.
• Choose a sunscreen that is free of harmful chemicals like oxybenz and octinoxate.
• Avoid products with added harsh fragrances, which can be irritating to babies' sensitive skin
• Opt for a sunscreen that is formulated especially for babies, which will ensure that their delicate skin stays protected. Baby's young skin doesn't have the ability to metabolize and excrete chemicals often found in sunscreens, which is why it is wise to choose sunscreen formulated specifically for babies.
• Don't use harshly fragranced products or tanning oils.

Pigmentation
Whatever our skin color, we're all potentially susceptible to sunburn and other harmful effects of exposure to UV radiation. Although we all need to take precautions to protect our skin, be extra careful if baby has the following:

• pale skin
• blond, red, or light brown hair
• been treated for skin cancer
• a family member who's had skin cancer

Use a Stroller or Umbrella to Shield Your Baby from the Sun
By using a stroller with an adjustable sun shade or umbrella, you can significantly reduce your baby’s exposure to the sun. Make sure that the stroller or umbrella is large enough to completely cover your baby and be sure to position the stroller or umbrella so that it blocks the sun from all angles. Don’t forget to reapply sunscreen frequently for an added layer of skin protection.

Did you know that baby’s eyes are affected by exposure to the rays of UV radiation? Over exposure to UV light contributes to the development of cataracts, retinal damage and other eye problems. Experts report that as much as 80% of UV damage to our eyes is done before the age of 18, making it even more important for all of us to start protecting our eyes at an early age. Be sure to use baby sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection.