Baby sun protection? Reader Q&A

I just had my fifth baby a couple weeks ago and need some ideas for baby sun protection. Could you tell me some of your favorite products for making it easier and safer to be out in the sun with a very young infant? -Kim

Congratulations on the birth of your baby! Number five no less. The cool
thing is, there are a lot of great new products out there for you,
even since your first was born. Here are a few picks to help keep your
babe safer in the sun. –Christina

I got to try out the GoCrib portable/inflatable travel crib last year (above) and think it’d be smart for outdoors as well as summer travel. They sell a separate sunshade accessory that would offers great protection for a day at the beach.

Now that the AAP has changed their recommendations to suggest babies under 6 months need sunscreen too, we are big fans of MD Moms Baby Silk sunscreen which is safe for use on infants and helps keep their soft skin away from the damaging sun. The SPF 30 Sunscreen Towelettes are genius when you’re on the go, by the way.

You can’t ever go wrong with wide-brim hats, and I love this cute organic baby sun hat from Kate Quinn Organics that keeps those sensitive ears under wraps too. (at Urth Child)

I really like the suits from UPF swimsuits for babies by Baby Banz, which also makes adorable sunglasses for little ones. While it’s a one piece, it has an easy-access opening to make diaper changes a lot less tricky.

Newborns can get chilled easily when day turns to cooler nights, so a lightweight blanket with sun protection built-in, like this SPF blanket from Rain or Shine Kids, is a smart way to keep the sun and wind off your baby.

While you can always toss a blanket or swaddler over a baby carrier, this retractable Brica infant canopy cover gets great ratings. It’s UPF 50+, yet it’s made of mesh to keep the air flowing. It also makes it easy to tote your baby outside without having to remove him from his little “nest”.

If you sling your baby, Mamma’s Milk’s Summer Sling is made of a light gauzy fabric but still offers SPF 70 protection. Plus it dries so quickly, you can still splash in the shallow end together.

All the coolest babies wear shades. We love the comfy, stay-put My First Shades sunglasses which offer protection from all that summer sun. Pair them with that cute sunhat and you’re sun ready…and photo op ready.

For even more fun-in-the-summer sun essentials, check out our Beach Gear Collection and our Summer Swimwear Collection.