We love taking our bub out and about in summer but it’s crucial to protect your baby’s skin, especially during the warmer months.

Let’s look at the common skin conditions that can affect your baby, particularly during summer:

Sunburn

A baby’s skin is delicate and thin, so it can easily get damaged by the sun. Not only can this be painful but it also increases the risk of melanoma for the future.

How To Treat Sunburn on A Baby’s Skin

If your baby does get sunburned, the first step is to wet a clean washcloth and apply this to your baby’s skin for around 10 minutes. Repeat at least three or four times during the day, until the redness subsides. Then apply a moisturiser, specially formulated for babies, to soothe the skin. I find that using AVEENO® Baby Dermexa Moisturising Cream really works to reduce the appearance of redness, helping to restore the skin barrier and put dry, uncomfortable skin at ease. This cream is specially formulated for eczema-prone skin so it is a great choice if your bub tends to suffer from eczema.

If your baby is younger than one year, it is best to get them checked over by a doctor if they get sunburned.

Heat Rash

As the name suggests, heat rashes often occur during the hot summer months. This usually presents as tiny red bumps on your baby’s face, neck and arms, and chest. The rash, which is caused by blocked sweat gland pores, can be uncomfortable and tends to be itchy.

How To Treat Heat Rash

The best way to cool your baby down is with a lukewarm bath. It’s best to use a wash that is specifically developed for baby’s sensitive skin. I find that AVEENO® Baby Dermexa Wash, which is formulated with natural colloidal oatmeal and oat extract plus ceramides, works to gently cleanse without drying skin. Also, it’s a great choice if your baby is prone to eczema as this wash soothes dry, itchy skin and helps to improve the appearance of redness and scaling. It also has no added parabens or phthalates and is fragrance and dye-free.

The rash will usually fade after a couple of days but go see your doctor if you’re concerned or if the rash is getting worse.

Insect Bites

Bugs are unfortunately synonymous with summer and it’s quite common for babies to get bites from mosquitoes or other insects.

How to treat insect bites in babies

It’s best to wash the affected area with mild soap and water. If your baby is prone to eczema, avoid the soap and instead use AVEENO® Baby Dermexa Wash, which has been developed for baby’s sensitive skin. Wet a clean washcloth and apply this to the bite to reduce any swelling or redness.

If your baby reacts with signs of allergy (such as severe swelling, breathing difficulty or itching), it’s best to seek medical help immediately.

Now let’s look at the top ways to protect your baby’s skin from the heat.

Use Sunscreen

If your baby is six months or older, be sure to apply a baby-safe sunscreen all over your bub’s body (SPF 30 or higher and preferably waterproof). Be careful to avoid their eyes and make sure you apply regularly, especially after water play.

For younger babies (less than 6 months), it’s best to protect your baby’s skin from the sun by keeping them in the shade and covering them with clothes.

Get Shady

One of the best ways to protect your baby’s skin from the sun is not to expose them to direct sunlight, especially during the height of the day’s heat. Try to stay inside when the sun is at its hottest – usually between 10am and 4pm. It’s best to keep your baby indoors during this time and schedule your outdoor play outside of the peak sunshine periods.

Moisturise

Make sure you are regularly moisturising your baby’s skin with products specifically formulated for baby’s sensitive skin. Exposure to the sun can dry out your bub’s skin so it’s crucial to keep the skin supple and moisturised. We love the AVEENO® Baby range and since my child is prone to eczema, I always pick the AVEENO® Baby Dermexa Moisturising Cream. This cream is formulated with naturally active Triple Oat Complex plus ceramides and soothes your baby’s dry, itchy skin, and is clinically proven suitable for eczema prone skin. I always apply moisturiser to my baby’s skin after their bath and try to moisturise more regularly if I can.

Give the Sling A Miss

In really hot weather, I find that my baby sweats a lot if I use the sling or carrier. Your body heat plus the lack of ventilation is a sweltering combination. So when the heat is on, cut down the time your baby spends in the carrier or sling.

Regular Baths

I find one of the best ways to keep baby cool, is to give them a regular bath in lukewarm water. Avoid cleansing products that contain soap and rather opt for a wash like AVEENO®Baby Dermexa Wash which works to gently cleanse without drying skin. It also soothes dry, itchy skin, and is clinically proven suitable for eczema-prone skin.

After the bath, remember to moisturise your baby’s skin thoroughly.

Cool Clothes

Dress your baby in a hat with a wide brim and lightweight clothes made of tightly-woven fabric to cover as much skin as possible. Long-sleeved clothes are fine as long as the material is made of a natural light-weight fabric.

The AVEENO® Baby Range is available at pharmacies such as Chemist Warehouse as well as Grocery stores such as Coles and Woolworths.

What are your tips to protect your baby’s skin from the sun? Tell us in the comments below.

The team at Mouths of Mums is working with AVEENO® to bring you this article. For more than 70 years, AVEENO® has pioneered innovation and leveraged science to deliver real skincare benefits. AVEENO® believes that skincare can play a bigger role in helping children living life to the fullest. AVEENO® products help to protect, nourish and give lasting comfort to baby’s sensitive skin, so they can happily experience the world around them. The AVEENO® portfolio offers solutions for every type of baby skin, even the most compromised one, and the Dermexa range is suitable for eczema-prone skin.