Sun and Babies

[kiana2015]

My question is about babies in the sun. I have a nearly 4 month DD. She has brilliant head and neck control and is at that stage where she constantly wants to be sitting up and looking around, this makes it difficult when I'm out and about as she's still in the carry cot part of the pram. I was half tempted to trial her in the seat unit as it does tilt backwards if needed, the issue I have is the sun, they say not to use sun cream on babies under 6 months and as my DD has bad exczema I would be unwilling to risk trying it at this stage. Yet I see babies younger than my DD sitting out in the sun at parks, on the beach etc, do they not get burned? I do have a parasol for the pram but I doubt that would offer full protection and I don't like the ones that cover the pram like a sheet I've heard they're dangerous

Bump

I would still keep her lying as flat as possible at that age. I did swap to the pram seat at 5 months but used an insert to make it almost flat. I used a Snoozeshade stretched between the pram hood and handle (in parent facing mode) which kept the pram well enough shaded to not need sun cream. As long as there is a large gap for air flow you can use a cover. Covering the whole pram is dangerous although Snoozeshade should be OK if not in direct sun for a long time as it has been tested.

I would try to keep them mostly covered with light clothing if in the sun and otherwise keep them in the shade. Early morning and late afternoon are usually also OK in the UK.

Does the pram seat not have its own hood? If so, often that material is UPF50.(Obviously you would have to check your pram's specification) And if it's got good coverage it should provide decent shade in itself, especially if it can extend/pull down quite far over the seat

I would really try to limit the amount of time out in the summer sun in the middle of the day regardless of protection with such a young baby. When my daughter was too young for sunscreen, I tried to keep walks to early morning and if walking slightly later in the day stick to very shaded areas.

And then use the pram hood (in combination with a parasol if needed) when outside. Other people may also be choosing to use sunscreen on a baby under 6 months.