Top summer safety risks for babies

1. Sun

For babies under 6 months, it is best to avoid putting any sunscreen on their skin.  Try to keep them out of the sun but if they will be exposed, use light layers and a hat to make sure their skin is protected.  For babies over 6 months, you can use a little bit of sunscreen on exposed skin.  Choose one designed for babies and make sure to test it on a small area of skin first (call your doctor if a rash develops). 

There are some great products available to help protect babies when you are heading out this summer.  A sun shade over the stroller can help protect your baby while you are out for a walk and adding a sun shade to the car window can help protect your little one on car rides.  (This month, momstown moms have been checking out this sun shade from Brica, available at Walmart!)

2. Heat

Babies are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as adults. (Did you know that babies have less sweat glands than adults so actually sweat less?).  This means they can get overheated faster than we do and their body temperature can get to a dangerous level much more quickly.  Keep babies in the shade as much as possible or in an air-conditioned space. 

And, we see a lot of reminders about this in the news but please remember not to leave babies or kids unattended in the car.  Parked cars can reach dangerous temperatures in about 10 minutes, even less for small infants.

3. Water

Kiddie pools are a great way to help babies and kids cool off during the summer but remember to keep an eye on them at all times.  Babies can drown in less than 2 inches of water.  If you are taking them swimming, remember to stay within arms length of your kids, even if they are wearing flotation devices until they are older and have mastered some swimming skills.

4. Bugs

As a rule, you should avoid using insect repellant on babies under two months old.  For babies over two months, choose a spray with a DEET concentration of 30% of less and only apply once a day.  (Another tip – DEET can make SPF less effective so be extra cautious with the sun protection).  There are some natural bug sprays available than can be quite effective too – read the labels and test a small area of skin before using them on your baby.  You can also use a netting over your stroller when out for a walk – this is a great, natural way to protect baby from bugs.

SPONSORED MESSAGE:

momstown and Today's Parent have partnered with Walmart Canada to help rollout Walmart's new Every Little Step program all about baby basics and the essentials that moms and babies need. Offering convenient free shipping, anytime, with no minimum purchase requirements, Walmart is a one stop online and in-store for all of your baby needs.  Did you know that Walmart has over 1,800 products for moms and babies? Join the conversation online!  #WMBabyBasics