How to Keep Your Baby Safe and Healthy while Outdoors: 7 Tips from the pros

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When it comes to keeping your baby safe and healthy while outdoors, many people are experts at one thing but not another. We all know that certain things are dangerous for children to do around water – scalding, immersion, boiling (on a hot day!), and even cold water can be dangerous for babies too. But how do you know what activities are okay for your child? And more importantly, how do you know what activities are safe for your child? The answer is simple: research. As much as we like to trust our instincts when it comes to our kids and outdoor activities, research is our best friend in this area. So before going out in the woods with your baby or tagging along with your husband’s hunting party, make sure you check out these helpful tips from the pros!

Don’t let the sun burn your baby!

Your little one’s skin is like the most delicate of cloths – it’s easy to overheat in certain situations. The harsh UV rays from the sun can cause permanent damage to your baby’s skin, even when they’re young. While the sun’s rays are actually pretty low intensity during the day, they can be super harmful at night when your baby is trying to sleep. If your baby is between 6-12 months old, you may want to consider giving them an oil-free sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 50. This is the best sunscreen for your baby and should be used year-round. It should be applied before going to bed and before your baby comes inside for bedtime.

Don’t forget the sunscreen!

While it’s true that the sun’s UV rays are lower at night, that doesn’t mean that your baby shouldn’t wear sunscreen during the day too! Sunscreens specially formulated for babies should be applied before going outside, not after. Choose a product that is oil-free, non-greasy, and easily applied with a SPF of 50 or higher. Make sure that your baby is staying hydrated too, especially during the day when they are not active in the water. As your baby gets older they will start to drink more solids so make sure they are getting the required amount of water through their meals.

Jump in and play right away

Kids will often “play” in the water when they’re not supposed to, and that’s a huge no-no according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). “Play” in the water means actually being in the water, so even a few feet of water is too much for your baby. Wear a neoprene safety vest when you’re out in the water with your child, or put on a pair of swimming goggles or an appropriate mask or face shield. If your baby is younger than 6 months, they may not be ready to go in the water yet, so talk to your doctor first.

Stay hydrated and eat healthy

Your baby’s skin is 20 times thinner than yours, so they are more likely to get dehydrated than you are. Make sure they are drinking enough water – at least 2 litres (3/4 gallon) of water for each day of the week. Encourage your baby to eat healthy foods too, especially fruits and vegetables. Pickle relish and kiwi are both delicacies for growing toddlers, and should be avoided.

Take your child help out around the house

Kids love to help out around the house. It’s one of the many things about them that makes them so lovable. Helping out around the house does you and your child a world of good in the long run. If your child is able to help out with house duties like sweeping the front or taking out the garbage, let them. If not, sit back and relax, because your little one is more than capable of taking care of themselves.

Always check with a doctor first!

It’s incredibly important to know the correct thing to do for your child when it comes to outdoor activities. If you’re unsure, contact your doctor. Drinking and playing in the water are two important things your baby will do as they grow older. It’s best to be safe than sorry when it comes to water activities, so make sure you do your research, and get your children’s recommendations on the right stuff before heading out in the woods. And don’t forget to bring a hat and sunglasses too, because the sun will be out for hours!

Bottom line

Every parent’s worst nightmare is for their child to get hurt while out on a family adventure. Luckily, there are plenty of precautions you can take to keep your baby safe and happy. Whether you’re bringing your baby to the park or the zoo, lake or reservoir, the water park or the ocean, these 10 tips will help you keep them safe and happy.