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Keeping Cool
Babies at the Beach By Gwen Kopetzky
The sun is on its way out again! You remember summer – barbecues, beaches and pool parties? If you're looking out the window right now and watching the cat blow across the yard, put your skepticism aside. Now is the time to start stocking up on a few things you'll want to have on hand to get out and enjoy the summer with Baby.
Here's a list of must-have sunny day baby gear to keep your little one cool:
- Car window shade. One time I forgot to put the window shades on the car until it was too late. After a particularly long car ride, Baby's cheeks had turned bright pink from the sun that streamed through the windows. Now I put one on the side window next to Baby and one on the other back window as well.
- Light cotton infant gowns with long sleeves. These were so nice for keeping the sun off Baby and keeping her cool. Plus, when you're out, the last thing you want to have to do is unsnap, unbutton and unpeel layers of clothes for a diaper change.
- Sun hat. Not only are these too cute – tiny baseball caps, fishing hats, little flowered sunbonnets – but they also keep the sun off Baby's sensitive scalp. My daughters both sported sparsely populated skulls when they were tiny – not enough hair to even make a decent comb-over. So we have a nice collection of hats in all colors and styles. Try the kind with the earflaps to cover those delicate little pieces of skin so often missed when you're slathering on the sunblock.
- Hypoallergenic baby sunblock. When I had my first daughter, now almost 6 years old, my pediatrician cautioned me against using sunblock. With my new baby, the doctor strongly recommended it – as does the American Academy of Pediatrics. There are many wonderful products on the market that are much gentler to Baby's skin than the off-the-shelf lotions. Take the time to ask a pharmacist or talk to your pediatrician or dermatologist. But always remember that it's best to keep Baby out of direct sun as much as you can.
- Beach umbrella. Babies don't like missing out on all the fun. With a nice beach umbrella, you can make your own protective shade. I never tried one of those baby beach tents – probably because of my severely underdeveloped skills in putting up camping tents. But give one a try if you're up to the challenge.
