As the days get longer and temperatures begin to rise – so does the importance of reducing the risk of sun exposure and vulnerability to damaging rays.  Especially for our little ones.

To help us be sun-smart this summer, we are chatting savvy skin care strategies to ensure our minis stay safe while making the most of summer.  

1. Seek Shade

Your most fail-proof option is keeping your little one in the shade. Whether you’re at the beach, park or even in the backyard, having cool shady protection over them will ensure they remain safe from the sun and avoid burns. Babies have even thinner skin and underdeveloped melanin, so the best protection for any baby under 6 months is the shade. Check out a few of our favourite canopies that we highly recommend.

For days spent outside or on the go:

BBLUV Nido 2-In-1 Sun Travel Playtent: this play tent does it all! It protects your baby from UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50+ and keeps sand, wind and mosquitos out. We also love its multi-purpose use for keeping baby safe indoors if you’re doing any household chores. 

For planned picnics in the park:

Radio Flyer 3-In-1 Tailgaiter Wagon with Canopy: This wagon lends a helping hand when you’ve got your hands full. It has extra space for your cooler, folding chairs and any other items you need to bring along with you. Plus, the canopy offers UV protection from the sun, so your kids are covered anytime.

For long strolls:

Quinny Hubb Stroller: We love this stroller because of its extendable sun canopy that allows full protection for your baby. Whether you’re out for a walk or just relaxing in the backyard, your baby gets full protection from the sun with a little peek-a-boo window to look in on for frequent checks. 

Maxi Cosi Lara Stroller: Another one of our favourites for strolling around in while practising sun safety is this stroller by Maxi Cosi. It has an extendable protective sunshade with UPF 50+ and mesh peek-a-boo window for additional breathability.

TIP- Be mindful of peak ray times, limit your exposure between the hours of 10:00am-2:00pm.

2. Protect and Prevent With Mineral SPF

Cloudy or sunny, always put sunscreen on your little one before they head out (and you too). Opt for a SPF 50+ or higher to ensure they’re getting the most protection and don’t forget to reapply every two hours or immediately after any kind of water activity.

We love clean mineral aka. physical sunscreen: Clean sunscreen made with only mineral sunscreens (the active ingredient list should include nothing other than titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide) creates a protective layer on your skin, similar to the way clothing can block the sun’s rays from reaching the skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens which absorb the sun’s rays, mineral sunscreens reflect the sun’s rays away from skin. Minerals soothe skin (zinc oxide is what baby-bottom cream is made with), while chemical sunscreens are among the most irritating chemicals in the beauty industry.

TIP- A good rule of thumb is if a sunscreen’s harder to rub in, it’s probably mineral. And those extra few seconds of blending it into your skin are more than worth it.

Here are a few of our favourite mineral sunscreens great for kids- Think Baby Safe Sunscreen, Coola Baby Mineral Sunscreen, Sun Bum Mineral SPF

3. Supercharge with Antioxidants

Free radicals from sun, pollution, and other environmental aggressors damage skin (you can see the same action when you slice open an apple and the flesh turns brown as it oxidizes). Antioxidants fight the formation of free radicals, helping prevent some of the damage caused by sun exposure. Loading your kids up on a diet of plants (they are naturally filled with antioxidants) and rich in Vitamin C helps prevent damage. Eating lots of fruit and veggies is important.

4. Moisturize

Well-hydrated skin is less vulnerable to breaking down in the face of sun exposure. Keep your little ones skin fresh and supple with a consistent supply of moisture. 

Here are a few of our favourite rich moisturizers for kids- Dr.Barbara Strum Baby & Kids Body Cream, Kiels Mom & Baby Moisturizing Cream, Beauty Counder Baby Daily Protective Balm

It’s important to keep your children protected from the sun but it doesn’t mean you can’t spend majority of your time outside – to encourage everyone to get out and play this season, check out our post on The Squawk Fun (FREE) activities you can do with your kids!