How to Look After Your Baby’s Skin in the Summer

Summer is a season for relaxation, picnics, beach trips, and refreshing drinks.

However, for a new parent, it can be a stressful period of time. With soaring temperatures and the challenges — from skin issues to dehydration — brought on by the intense sun, parents understandably worry about how to take care of their baby's skin in the summer.

In this article, we will touch upon some summer skincare tips for babies that will allow you to cater to your baby's needs and also experience the joys of the balmy season.

Don't worry, even if it's your baby's first summer, you and your little one will be able to have a marvellous time!

How to Take Care of Your Baby's Skin in the Summer

Baby skin is delicate and prone to skin problems, and thus it's necessary to pay close attention to their daily skincare routine.

During the summer season,  it becomes even more important to be cautious of what your baby's skin is exposed to. The heat and humidity can lead to rashes and other skin problems.

However, there are some things you can do to help keep your baby's skin healthy and happy all summer long.

Here are some easy summer skincare tips for your baby:

Choose Cotton Clothing, Always

Cotton is the best type of fabric for babies in summer due to its breathability, absorbability, and how gentle it is on the skin.

Even better is organic cotton, as it is hypoallergenic and does not contain any harsh chemicals that can react badly with your baby's skin.

Dressing your baby in loose-fitting cotton clothes will allow them to feel cool and comfortable even as the temperature goes up. Clean, cotton clothes are therefore a must for any baby! Plus, this natural material is so versatile that you'll be able to find many cute clothes in many different styles for your infant.

Additionally, remember to clothe your baby fully when taking them out — we're talking a full sleeves t-shirt, pants, and a hat, all made of cotton!

It's important to shield your baby's skin from the sun using clothing. Choose light colors (such as pastels) since dark colors absorb heat.

Keep Newborns Away From Direct Sunlight

Newborns have highly sensitive skin that contains lower amounts of melanin and isn't ready to face the harshness of direct sunlight.

So, if you have a newborn, don't take them outside when it's sunny. In particular, stay indoors between 10 am and 4 pm since that's when the sun's rays are the harshest.

However, remember that doctors suggest NOT to use sunscreen on babies that are under the age of six months. You can check out our article on whether sunscreen is safe for babies to get more information about the topic.

If you need to protect your newborn from the sun, opt for full-coverage cotton clothing and physical shields (such as hats, stroller canopies, and umbrellas).

For Babies Older Than Six Months, Choose A Chemical-Free Sunscreen

Babies older than six months and toddlers can wear sunscreen — in fact, it's a good idea for them to do so. Of course, always speak to a paediatrician or dermatologist before applying anything to your baby's skin.

Make sure to choose chemical-free, broad-spectrum kid-safe sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Also, ensure that titanium oxide and zinc oxide are in the active ingredients list of the sunblock — they are natural minerals that function as physical blockers and protect the skin from UVA and UVB radiation.

Apply the sunscreen generously all over your baby (of course, do a patch test first) before taking them out during summers. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours or so, especially if your kid is sweating or swimming.

It's a good idea to make your baby wear sunscreen even if they are only going to be in the shade outdoors. 

Keep Your Baby's Skin Moisturized

It's important to keep your baby's skin moisturized, and it's even more essential to do so during summertime when the heat quickly dehydrates their skin, leaving it dry and chapped.

Opt for a baby moisturizer or lotion that contains natural ingredients that are gentle on delicate baby skin. Nature's Baby has a fantastic range of baby lotions and oils that are plant-derived, organic, minimally processed and suitable for all skin types.

However, you can also use coconut oil, aloe vera, or shea butter as natural remedies to nourish, heal, soothe, and moisturize your baby's sensitive skin.

It's best to apply a baby lotion or oil after giving them a good bath because their damp skin will absorb the product much better. You can also give them oil massages! Not only will this help the development of your baby's skin, muscles, and joints, but you will also get to enjoy parent-child bonding time with them.

If your baby has an existing skin condition, such as eczema, then it's even more necessary to keep their skin moisturized.

Speak to a paediatrician and choose the best way to keep your little one's skin protected from contaminants and heat. Generally, the natural ingredients mentioned above are suitable for eczema-prone skin as well.

And don't fret, dry skin is common in babies in all seasons. However, you do need to combat it! You check out our article on how to treat dry and chapped skin in babies at home to get more baby care tips.

Give Your Baby a Bath with Cool Water

A cool bath will help your baby feel more comfortable during summers. However, don't use cold water! Water that is slightly cooler than room temperature will be ideal for your baby.

When giving babies a cool bath, make sure to only use mild soap and shampoo — anything stronger and their skin loses moisture more quickly!

You don't need to bathe your baby very frequently, but you can use regular cool baths to cool them down on sunny days. However, you need not use soap and shampoo each time you give your baby a bath. Make a judgment call based on how dirty they are!

Avoid Heat Rashes and Sunburns

Heat rashes (or prickly heat) and sunburns are common problems that babies face during summer. Heat rashes are clusters of small red blisters whereas a sunburn leads to red, irritated patches on the skin. Both can often look similar.

Heat rash occurs when the sweat glands in the baby's skin get clogged; this often happens when they wear tight diapers or clothing and encounter hot, humid weather.

Babies usually get heat rashes in the folds of their skin, particularly near the neck, elbows, and knees.

To treat heat rash, keep your baby's skin cool, hygienic, and moisturized. You can use a cool compress to soothe the irritated patches of skin. Natural ingredients like aloe vera will also help to alleviate the itchiness and pain of the rash.

You can also use calamine lotion to combat prickly heat, but speak to your baby's doctor first.

Also, make sure the rashes don't get scratched at by your baby — this can lead to a bacterial infection because the skin will be raw and exposed to contaminants. If the rashes are severe, extremely painful, and not healing, seek out a doctor.

To treat a sunburn, apply a cool compress to the affected area. You can also use — after consulting a doctor — a fragrance-free baby lotion or aloe vera gel to soothe the skin. You can even apply breastmilk to the affected regions. 

Don't let your baby come in contact with direct sunlight for a while and make sure they are dressed in loose fitting, airy clothes. 

If the sunburn is severe — i.e., it is accompanied by infected sores, fever, vomiting, excessive crying, and/or fainting — then seek medical attention immediately.

Nurse Your Baby Frequently

It's essential to nurse your baby frequently, especially during summertime. Breastfeeding not only provides nutrition but also helps keep the baby hydrated.

Babies tend to fall sick during summer, but breastfeeding will ensure that their immune system stays strong. Breast milk will also help them to have healthy skin. In fact, as mentioned previously, you can even apply breast milk topically on mild sunburns. 

Additionally, make sure to drink water and plenty of fluids yourself so that you can produce enough milk for your baby. If you can't breastfeed and use baby formula instead, make sure your little one is well fed and not dealing with dehydration or any kind of nutritional deficiency. 

If your baby is over six months old, they can occasionally have a little bit of water and other fluids like fruit juices, coconut water, and soups along with you.

Don't Let Summer Be A Bummer!

With the right precautions, you can ensure that your baby enjoys summer just as much as you do! Just stay vigilant and take care of their delicate skin. Protect them from sun exposure, dryness, heat rash, sunburns, and dehydration by following the tips mentioned above.

Most importantly, don't forget to have fun!

The Goodness of Nature with Nature's Baby Organics

At Nature's Baby Organics, we believe that baby care should be natural and gentle. We have a range of USDA certified organic baby products that are free from harsh chemicals, parabens, gluten, SLS, and fragrances.

Our baby skin and hair care products are non-GMO, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-approved, and certified toxin-free as well!

In short, Nature's Baby Organics' gentle products are designed to nourish and protect your baby's sensitive skin — everything from our Organic Massage & Baby Oil (Mandarin Coconut) to our Organic Diaper Ointment (Fragrance Free) will help your baby keep summer skin problems at bay and embrace healthy, refreshed skin!

Head over to the Nature's Baby Organics website today and check out our range of baby products. If you have any interesting summer skincare tips for babies, leave them in the comments below!