Having a Baby

There is nothing like clean fresh air and a little sunshine, even for babies!

In fact, most babies love being outside, and as long as you take a few precautions, there’s nothing wrong with letting them enjoy the wind and rays. The precautions are just simple steps that ensure your baby is as safe outside as she is in your home.

Don’t let them eat Mother Nature’s creations.

We all know that babies like to put things in their mouths, and inside the house that’s not usually too much of a reason to panic. Of course we all make sure that there aren’t small objects lying around for them to choke on, but other than that, most of what they encounter inside is reasonably clean and harmless.

Outside is a different story.

A day-old bread crust in the kitchen floor or a taste from the cat’s food bowl may be cringe-worthy, but outside there are worse things to potentially be tasted. Bugs, grass and leaves, rocks, and dog poop come to mind…

Since you can’t vacuum and baby-proof the yard or park like you can inside, you have to keep a very close eye on your curious little one. One of the ways that babies explore their surroundings is by putting everything in their mouths…it’s just another way to touch and learn about something.

Beware the poisonous flower bed.

They will eat handfuls of grass and anything else they can get their little hands on. Remember, lots of the plants that we keep in our flowerbeds are actually poisonous. You don’t have to travel to the woods or an island to encounter poison plants. Daffodils, Wisteria, and Hydrangeas are all dangerous, along with many other “common” backyard plants.

Sun protection in a bottle.

A good bottle of sun block is your first and best line of defense against sunburns. The better ones must contain the following:

• An SPF rating of at least 15, and higher is better.
• Zinc oxide.
• Titanium dioxide.

Make sure that you buy a bottle labeled sun block, instead of sunscreen. “Block” means it leaves a thin film of white on the skin, actually blocking UV rays. “Screen” soaks into the skin, offering less protection and possibly introducing chemicals into the bloodstream.

Shady clothes.

Your next line of sun defense is the right kind of clothing for your baby. You can protect almost their whole little body with a strategically planned wardrobe, and some of those outfits are pretty cute!

For clothing, here are a few guidelines:

• Fabric with a tight weave, meaning the light doesn’t shine through easily.
• Light colors are much cooler and less sweat-inducing.
• Avoid thick, heavy materials.

If you have the extra money and time to shop around, there are even baby clothes and bathing suits made especially for sun protection!

Hats and sunglasses are also a good idea, if you can get your baby to leave them on. Pick sunglasses with UV protection and hats with brims that cover those vulnerable ears and noses.

Be prepared for anything at all.

Many parents don’t realize the advantage of a CPR class and basic first aid training. However, if you have access to a class (especially one that offers Infant and Child CPR) you should take advantage. Check with your local Community Center, YMCA, or even the local pool to see where they train their lifeguards. You may never need the training, but it would be great to know just in case you ever do.