Summer is here and with that comes family beach time, playing in the pool, trips to the zoo and amusement parks, boating and all the other fun outdoor activities we love so much here in Florida. As a parent of a new baby you may be wondering how to keep your baby cool, hydrated and safe from the sun during your summer activities. Here are some tips that I have discovered with my own children and from other experts I have researched.

Baby’s First Summer Tips

1. Be careful with heat that can get trapped in your baby’s stroller. When you have the sun shade up and your baby is laying flat napping, there is not a lot of airflow happening. Keep the ventilation flap open and look at clipping on a battery operated fan to get added airflow when possible.
2. Start putting a hat on your baby as early as possible so they get used to it. Nothing worse than trying to keep a hat on your baby at Disney World when they are pulling it off and tossing it out of the stroller as a game!
3. Try to keep your baby out of the sun during the most intense part of the day from 10am-2pm. When out in the sun for water activities they should wear a full rash guard swim suit (and hat) to protect their delicate skin. Watch for reflective light. You may have them shaded from above but sun can bounce off reflective surfaces (pool decks, sand, water etc.) and burn that baby skin!
4. Look after yourself and stay hydrated! If you are breastfeeding this is especially important. Be sure to stay ahead of your thirst and drink plenty of water.
5. If you need to cover your baby with a blanket while out in the heat use a soft, light muslin wrap.
6. If wearing your baby out in the sun be mindful of their exposed skin and cover their legs and head. You can get a chilly pad to put between you and the baby to keep you both cool. There are several brand options to choose from. I have not personally used them so I don’t have one to recommend, but have friends who have used Frogg Toggs.
7. Dip your baby in and out of the water to cool them off. If you don’t have a pool, you can get one of those little splash pools that hook up to a hose in your back yard to have fun with your baby.
8. How old should your baby be to start using sunscreen? I would ask your pediatrician for advice on this one. Here is an article from the FDA that can help give you some answers.
9. Make sure your baby is drinking plenty of breastmilk or formula to stay hydrated.

Baby Swimsuit Portraits

If you have purchased the most adorable baby swim suit and are looking for that perfect summer-time portrait, you know who to call! I love photographing babies in their swim suits! If you have a six month sitting milestone session scheduled be sure to bring their swimsuit! I have Adirondack chairs and plenty of beach props to complete the look. Check out these summer cuties …

Have a fun and safe summer!

Jeanine