Imagine life as a parent a generation ago when exercise meant leaving baby behind. All of the gear available to new parents now means maintaining that active lifestyle with baby at your side, or in front, or on back of you for that matter. This is the generation of the healthy parent, and family. But with the summer's sun, a run with baby in the jogger, a hike on the mountainside trail, or a brisk walk through the neighborhood can cause sunburn on your baby?s sensitive skin.

What products protect your little one's from the sun, and how they can be used in our own active lifestyle:

Sun Block is just the beginning and should not be considered the exclusive source of sun protection, but used in conjunction with UV blocking items. Sun block that is a minimum of SPF30+ and is broad spectrum, blocking UVA&UVB rays, should be the start of any routine. Any skin that is not covered by clothing should be covered by sun block. TerraSport, for example, is 100% natural mineral and will not clog your pores. However, some pediatricians recommend no sun block for the first six months of life (consult with your pediatrician).

There are products that cover up your jogger or stroller from UV rays, bugs, or wind. For example, the SunFree Blankee blocks 98% of UV rays, is extremely lightweight, and ties to just about anything. The versatility of this sheet allows you to tie it to your front carrier, stroller, or drape it over your child. Active parents like this sheet because of the ties because it holds the sun protection in place compared to a standard blanket that slips off during activity and contains little sun protection. The only thing challenging in a work out should be the work out itself. 100% UV blocking sunglasses are available with an adjustable band, and no arms for safety purposes. These are great because they stay on during activities, and they grow with the child. Because they are secured over the entire head, it is much more difficult for the child to remove them. They are available for newborns through five years of age.

Flap hats and wide-brimmed hats work wonders to provide shade, are lightweight, and have a strap to hold in place. Those parents that hike with child on their back enjoy the UV protection from all sides that the flap hat provides.

Lastly, many parents choose to maintain an active summer with their children (even infants) through swimming lessons. Have your child well suited for sun protection in the water with swimsuits that cover a child?s back and shoulders and filter out 98% of UV rays. Regardless of the activity your family partakes in, children are spending more time in the sun, and sun protection should be part of the warm up of any summer day!

 

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