Everything you need to know about sun and UV protection for your baby
Summer without sun is no Summer, but when and how do you need to protect your baby from the sun and harmful UV radiation? In this article, you will learn why babies especially need protection from the sun, how to protect them best from it and what you should consider for babywearing and when using a stroller to avoid heat or CO2 build-ups.
Sun protection at all costs? No way, babies need sun light!
Sunlight is important for babies in order to produce vitamin D, which is essential for healthy bone development. However, only a very small amount of sunlight is necessary to get enough vitamin D.
Why does my baby need particular sun protection?
Baby's skin is thinner and significantly more sensitive than that of adults, and its natural protective mechanisms are not yet fully developed. This alone makes baby's skin much more vulnerable to sun exposure. Additionally, their skin contains less melanin (the pigments in the skin that cause tanning). Melanin provides effective UV protection, but babies have had time to develop enough of it yet.
Not to forget that even small skin damage from sun exposure can lead to faster aging of the skin or skin cancer in later life.
mamalila Tipp:
Sun protection is essential for babies under one year old!
Do you want to know more about sun protection for infants and toddlers? Than get our mini guide "Summer with baby" for free!
3 options to protect your baby from the sun
There are three ways to protect your baby from the sun efficiently. Find out below what you should definitely bear in mind!
1. Avoid direct sunlight
The best way to protect your baby from the sun is to avoid direct sunlight:
- We especially recommend you to spend the hours of the day with the highest UV index indoors (between 11 am and 4 pm).
- When outside with your baby, look for shade or provide shade with an umbrella or something similar.
- Pay attention to the sun protection factor of your baby's clothes too, as a lot of UV rays can easily go through normal fabric.
mamalila Tipp:
The UV index can be high even on a cloudy day!
Most weather apps usually show the UV index for the day, make sure you check it before leaving the house.
Looking for the best way to provide shade for your baby when outside in the sun? Get a UV cover!
2. Pick the right clothes with anti UV Protection
Depending on the density of the fibers, standard cotton clothing only has a UPF of 10-20, which is far too little to protect your baby. Dark colors have more natural UV protection than light colors, but will absorb more heat than lighter colors and you baby risks getting too hot.
However, special anti-UV clothes for summer that have a high protective effect that is comparable to sunscreen. You can recognize UV-protective clothing by checking its UPF factor. UPF 50+ for a piece of clothes offers the same protection as SPF 50+ sunscreen.
While out and about in Summer, always take with you:
- Sun protection for your baby's head: hat with a wide brim and sun protection factor
- Baby sunglasses with UV protection
In case you were wondering, the protection provided by UV clothing reduces significantly when it gets wet. For this reason, swimwear with anti-UV protection always needs a special certification.
3. use sunscreen
If you're looking for sunscreen options for your baby, keep in mind that their skin is way more sensitive than ours. Unfortunately, most sunscreen options contain chemicals or can cause allergies. Many experts therefore advise avoiding sunscreen altogether for the first 6 months of life.
As the SPF of sunscreen does not automatically provide protection against UV-A and AV-B radiation, make sure your sunscreen does both before buying it! We would also recomend getting sunscreen with a mineral filter rather than a chemical filter to reduce the risk of allergies.
mamalila Tipp:
If you want to know more about choosing the right sun protection for your baby, then download our Summer Mini Guide for free with all the information you need about sunscreen and UV protection for baby's skin:
Babywearing and sun protection
Especially when babywearing outside, your baby needs to be protected from the sun since their arms and legs stick out of the carrier, but most importantly the head and neck.
Keep in mind that the headrest of your baby carrier is NOT a SUNROOF! It does not offer sufficient UV protection and the fabric is usually thick, which can cause heat build-ups. To protect your baby's head, we recomend a sun hat with UV protection.
As for clothing, note that dark colors offer higher UV protection, but also absorb more heat.
Many parents use a baby blanket to protect their baby from the sun in the carrier. Unfortunately, it offers almost no protection from UV due to its loose weave. Luckily there are alternatives!
UV cover for babies
For simple and reliable sun protection, get a UV cover: You don't need to worry about sunscreen or UV protective clothing anymore and it is very versatile. This is what the mamalila suncover can do for you and your baby:
- UPF 50+, best protection for arms, legs and head
- Light, breathable material
- "Cool touch" effect on the skin
- Sustainable and chemical-free
- Loose cut for better air flow
- Extra sun roof for the head
- Suitable for your baby carrier, your stroller and even your baby's car seat
What about sweating and overheating?
Wondering if you will be sweating more than usual when carrying your baby? The answer ist YES. Sweating is a natural process that helps our bodies cool down and since babies struggle a bit more to regulate their body's temperature, you will be the one helping them by sweating FOR them.
To be more comfortable, you can put a baby blanket between you and your baby to absorb some of the sweat.
Our tip: Take spare clothes if you know your baby will spend time outside of the baby carrier. This way you can change your baby's clothes and avoid them from getting cold from cold sweat.
Sun protection for strollers
A sun cover with UPF 50+ protection is perfect for the stroller. Here are a few things to keep in mind when using it:
- Make sure to attach in onto the stroller in a way allowing good air flow underneath. You can for example attach it to the handle and to the roof.
- Never cover the opening of the stroller. This stops the air flow in the pram and heat can build up inside. A small baby won't be able to tell you when it's too hot, so be extra careful!
A positive surprise!
I was honestly worried it might get warm underneath. My baby boy is a real sweater and refuses to wear a hat.
But the cover is totally comfortable and you can actually feel the cooling effect of the fabric.
I also like the large & generous cut. I now have a one-year-old wearing a size 86 underneath and there's still plenty of room underneath.
Sarah R., 07/11/2024
Perfect for sunny days
I think the suncover is great! The fabric feels very good and is very light.
My baby is well wrapped up and well protected from the sun without sweating. Also great for a vacation!
Lena, 07/24/2024
Must-have for babywearing
We currently use the cover almost every day and are totally thrilled!
Super comfortable, summery fabric, easy to use and you finally feel safe in the sun :D
I also like the fact that the cover is so small & compact thanks to the built-in pocket.
Christina, 07/11/2024
* These ratings have been received without consideration or remuneration. For technical reasons, it is not possible to check whether these are actual customers.
mamalila Tipp:
Want to get more insights about babywearing in summer?
Then get our free Summer Mini Guide with information on baby's skin, sunscreen, UV index and how to enjoy a relaxed summer with your family.
From moms to moms
How to dress my baby in summer?
In summer, choose light colors and breathable, thin fabrics for your baby, such as cotton or linen. Covering skin with clothing provides additional sun protection, but keep in mind that all textiles do not automatically offer high UV protection. Thin cotton trousers, for example, only have a UV protection factor of 10, whereas special UV protective clothing offers more reliable protection (up to SPF50+). Therefore, when buying a sun hat for your baby, look for one with SPF protection. If your baby is ok with it, protect their eyes with sunglasses as well.
When can my baby start going out in the sun?
Especially in the first year of life, you should avoid prolonged and direct contact with the sun for your baby. Babies' skin is much more sensitive than that of adults. From the age of 12 months, the skin's own protection is more mature and your child is no longer quite as sensitive. Nevertheless, use protective clothing and sunscreen to avoid risking skin damage later on.
Why can't my baby go out in the sun?
The skin of babies is particularly thin and has less melanin than that of adults. In addition, the skin's own protection against harmful solar radiation (UV-A and UV-B radiation) is not yet as pronounced. For this reason, the risk of long-term damage from UV radiation is particularly high for babies. Not all harmful radiation immediately causes sunburn and redness! Some is invisible, but still damages the skin.
How to protect my baby from the sun?
The best way to protect your baby from the sun is to avoid direct contact with the sun and protect your baby by using a cover for babywearing or the stroller. Spend the time of day with the highest UV index indoors if possible (11 am to 4 pm. If you are out and about, anti UV clothing or a UV cover is the best solution for infants under 1 year old. Alternatively, you can use sunscreen, but it's best to wait until your child is older.
When is the sun's radiation at its strongest?
Most weather apps display the daily UV index, which measures the strength of the sun's rays, and therefore also the harmful UV rays. In summer, the radiation is strongest around mid-afternoon. Keep in mind that UV radiation increases steadily with altitude. It is also significantly higher by the water due to the reflection.
Can I put sunscreen on my baby?
Sunscreen contains either a chemical or a mineral filter to protect from the sun. A chemical filter may contain ingredients triggering allergies or to which babies' skin reacts sensitively. Ingredients might also penetrate the body. Experts therefore advise not to apply sunscreen to babies in their first six months.
