Sun got in baby's eyes

[newmum234]

I've been trying really hard to keep my DS (4 months) in total shade at all times. I know the advice to not expose babies to direct sunlight until they're six months and I'm really nervous about him getting burnt and damaging his skin.

Anyway, the other day we were walking along a (shaded) pavement when I turned a corner and the sun momentarily shone direct into his eyes. It was literally a split second as he closed his eyes pretty much immediately and kind of frowned. I then put a muslin over the pram to cover him for a few mins while we were in the direct sun.

It's now four days later and he seems completely fine, but should I be concerned about this? I'm kicking myself for not being more aware of the position of the sun...

The NHS advice is meaning don't go out sunbathing all day with small children.

The NHS advice does not say that at all. It actually says (to quote from another NHS page): “Children aged under 6 months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight.”

@newmum234

The NHS advice is meaning don't go out sunbathing all day with small children.

The NHS advice does not say that at all. It actually says (to quote from another NHS page): “Children aged under 6 months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight.”

Yes, but it means for a period of time. Unless he's Olaf. Honestly, stop worrying!

@newmum234

The NHS advice is meaning don't go out sunbathing all day with small children.

The NHS advice does not say that at all. It actually says (to quote from another NHS page): “Children aged under 6 months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight.”

No, they mean for a hour or so, not a few minutes walking down the road.

The advice has to be set to the lowest bar. Because people "push" guidelines.

So part of the reason why the advice is to wean at 6 mjtnhs is because people will go "well baby is 5m and that nearly 6m, so I'll start now" where as if advice was 4m, they'd wean at 3m/12w which is FAR too early.

So they have to say 'keep out of the sun' because if they said 'can be in direct sun for a a few minutes' people might think ' well 20/30/40 minutes is a few'

So it's perfectly fine for your baby to be in direct sunlight at 5pm for (say) 10 mins...but not 45mins in the midday sun.

Newmum.
This is your PFB. You want to follow all the advice you can. BUT in all honesty some of it is complete nonsense. I was a childcare professional and now a private nanny. I promise you that your little one will be fine. It is very scary to have a new little person who is relying on you for everything.
Please seek out some real life support if you can as something that babies can pick up on is anxiety.
You obviously care very much for your little one, I'm sure you will be a great mum. You need to learn to relax a bit and to trust yourself and there's always us for when it's a bit crap. Some people might sound a bit harsh but a lot of us are just fondly remembering when we thought the strangest things and didn't have a clue.
Take care 💐

Oh, OP. Honestly, your baby will be fine.

I am another one who was told to put one of mine in as much sunshine as possible because she was jaundiced at birth (was ok, as she was born in July). My Gran is another one who advised putting them down to sleep in their prams in the garden because they would be more likely to shut their eyes if they were in the sun (I did do this, not least as I thought the fresh air would be good for them).

They are all still very much thriving, and they all have perfect vision.

I'm no stranger to PFB anxiety, though, OP. I can't remember the batshit things I did now where DC1 was concerned, but they were many and various.

Has anyone mentioned the MNer who rubbed 'no more tears' baby shampoo into her eyes, just to check it did what it said on the tin? That's m favourite PFB story ever

@00100001

I know!!

2 of my DCs were jaundice and needed to have sunlight. I mean, don't put them in 35°c blaring sunshine with no suncream, naked and not wearing a hat!

Being a Mum is hard, and terrifying. In seriousness though, it's baffling how people come to these kind of conclusions.

Btw ( I have anxiety, depression and ridiculous thoughts all the time ).

My friend was the best! She accidentally bumped her cup on her baby’s head when she was feeding him, so she whacked herself with the cup in the same spot to see how much it would hurt!

[quote newmum234]@Galaboutbal It's the NHS advice...

Babies less than 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Their skin contains too little melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour, and provides some protection from the sun.

www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/childrens-health/how-can-i-keep-my-baby-safe-during-hot-weather/[/quote]
What exactly are you afraid of happening in the momentary split second he was exposed? What do you think the risks are? How do you think these are explained against the backdrop of human evolution in the UK...

What exactly are you afraid of happening in the momentary split second he was exposed?

My son is 4 months old. I'm not an optician, but given his age, I assume his eyes are probably a lot more fragile and less able to cope with bright direct sunlight than mine!

🙄

@newmum234

What exactly are you afraid of happening in the momentary split second he was exposed?

My son is 4 months old. I'm not an optician, but given his age, I assume his eyes are probably a lot more fragile and less able to cope with bright direct sunlight than mine!

Bright direct sunlight isn't ideal for any eyes. But unless you or your son have some kind of eyelid closing problem you'll be fine. Evolution's a wonderful thing

Are you this anxious in general? Do you think it might be worth having a chat with your GP?

PNA has been mentioned a lot to OP in various threads over the past few months. She says she doesnt think she has it.

@LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett

Has anyone mentioned the MNer who rubbed 'no more tears' baby shampoo into her eyes, just to check it did what it said on the tin? That's m favourite PFB story ever

Ah yes, another great PFB.

I’m a mother of three (under three) and step-mother to another, and can’t state strongly enough how much I wish I had just fucking relaxed.

Everyone suggested “enjoying them” and “trust your instincts,” and I did that to a certain extent, but the truth, OP, is that being a new parent is hard work. Hell, being a parent is hard work full stop. Hell, life is hard work.

Survival and all that.

The above was typed with great empathy.