Here Comes The Sun

Baby, it’s hot outside! But before you rush out to enjoy some rays with the light of your life, run through our summer safety checklist. Remember, your little one doesn’t respond to high temperatures and blasting UV rays quite like you do, writes Kerryn Massyn

- Kerryn Massyn

THERE’S NOTHING QUITE like a South African summer – and all the great family time that comes with it. Many of us are headed to an annual beach holiday or are planning a staycation around the pool at home. But before we mix sun, swimming and babies, let’s look at ways to ensure everyone has a fun, relaxing time.

THE SUN

There’s no doubt that the South African sun is amazing! But the stronger the rays, the stronger their effect on the skin. And because your little one’s skin is still developing, it’s very important to look after it in the summer sun.

“Just one blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing skin cancer later in life,” warns the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA).

With a few tips and tricks, you can keep this from happening.

Limiting the amount of sun exposure your baby’s skin gets is first prize. This means staying in the shade or indoors – the younger the baby, the more important this is.

“Ideally, babies under three months should not be exposed to sunlight,” says Dr Larisse Badenhorst, general practitioner from the Well Family Practice in Bryanston.

“If you do have to go out, limit exposure to between 10am and 3pm, and dress your child in protective clothing with a wide-brimmed hat with back-flaps to protect her eyes, face and neck.

“This applies to babies and children of all ages,” Dr Badenhorst says.