Summer with Babies and Toddlers: Sun Safety and Fun

Summer with a baby or toddler is extra memorable. Swimming at the lake, picking berries in the woods, and long bright evenings create magical moments.

But summer with the littlest ones requires a bit of extra planning around sun, heat, and water safety. Here is the complete guide.

Sun protection for babies and toddlers

Children's skin is thinner and more vulnerable than adult skin. According to the AAP, sunburn in childhood can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.

Babies under 6 months

• Keep your baby in the shade — direct sun should be avoided entirely
• Avoid sunscreen if possible — the skin is too thin to break down chemicals effectively
• Use clothing and an umbrella as protection
• Avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun is strongest

Babies 6–12 months

• Use sunscreen with SPF 30–50 on exposed skin
• Choose mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide), which is gentler on baby skin
• Wide-brimmed sun hat covering face, ears, and neck
• UV clothing with UPF 50+ protection
• Sunglasses with UV protection

Toddlers 1–3 years

• Sunscreen on all exposed skin — apply 20 minutes before going in the sun
• Reapply after swimming, sweating, or every 2 hours
• Continue with sun hat and UV clothing
• Teach your child early that a sun hat is part of summer dressing

Swimming with babies and toddlers

Water safety

Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in young children. These rules apply:

• Never leave your child unsupervised near water — not even for a second
• Arm's reach distance for children under 4 years
• Pools and buckets — always empty splash pools after use. Young children can drown in just a few centimeters of water
• Life jacket always near open water, docks, and boats

First time in the water

For babies who have never bathed outdoors:

1. Start with a small splash pool with lukewarm water at home
2. Let the baby get used to having water on their body
3. Hold the baby securely and close
4. Short sessions (10–15 minutes) are enough — babies get cold quickly

Water temperature

• Babies under 6 months: Water temperature around 90–93°F / 32–34°C (home splash pool)
• 6–12 months: Tolerates slightly cooler water, but check that the baby isn't getting cold
• Toddlers: Lake or pool water in summer (60–70°F / 16–21°C) is fine for short swims followed by warming up

Summer activities by age

0–6 months

• Shade time — lay your baby on a blanket under a tree
• Sensory outing — let the baby feel grass, listen to birds, watch clouds
• Stroller walk along paths and trails
• Splash pool with lukewarm water in the shade

6–12 months

• Sandbox play — sand is wonderful for the senses (watch that they don't eat too much!)
• Berry picking — let the baby taste blueberries and strawberries (from 6 months)
• Water play with cups and buckets
• Hiking in a carrier through woods and fields

1–2 years

• Beach trip with bucket and spade
• Bug hunt — look at ants, butterflies, and beetles
• Splash pool with toys
• Berry picking in the woods — blueberries are pure gold
• Walk with stops to explore everything along the way

2–3 years

• Riding a tricycle or balance bike
• Fishing trip — exciting even without catching anything
• Camping in the backyard (a safe first camping experience)
• Farm visit — many farms offer summer activities
• Playground safari — visit new playgrounds in the neighborhood

Summer and food

Warm summer days call for extra focus on hydration and food safety.

Drinks

• Breastfed babies generally don't need extra water, but can nurse more often
• Formula-fed babies can be offered a little extra water between feedings in the heat
• Toddlers need reminders to drink — offer water regularly
• Avoid juice and sugary drinks

Food in the heat

• Pack food cold — use ice packs in the lunch box
• Avoid dairy products that have been sitting in the heat
• Fruit and berries are perfect summer snacks
• Freeze fruit like halved grapes, banana, or mango pieces as snacks

Insects and stings

Summer means mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks.

Mosquitoes and gnats

• Mosquito net over stroller and travel crib
• Insect repellent — use products rated for children (check age recommendation; choose low-DEET or picaridin options)
• Clothing with long sleeves and legs on evenings and in wooded areas
• After a sting: Cool with a cold cloth. Contact a doctor if there is significant swelling or an allergic reaction

Ticks

Ticks are active from spring through fall.

• Check the body after outings in tall grass or woods
• Remove the tick with tweezers — pull straight out, don't twist
• Note the date and location of the bite
• Contact your pediatrician if redness develops around the bite site (a bull's-eye rash can indicate Lyme disease)

Heat and overheating

Babies regulate body temperature less efficiently than adults. On hot days:

• Never leave children in a car — the temperature rises dramatically fast, even with a window cracked
• Dress your child lightly — an onesie or just a diaper is enough indoors on hot days
• Ensure air circulation — a fan or open windows
• Offer extra drinks and nursing
• Cool baths or damp cloths can help

Signs of overheating: red, hot skin, restlessness, lethargy, fever without illness.

Frequently asked questions

Can my baby sleep outside in summer?

Yes, outdoor naps are common and recommended by many pediatricians. Use a mosquito net, place the stroller in the shade, and check the temperature regularly. Your baby needs lighter clothing than indoors. Never cover the stroller with a blanket or cloth.

What's the best sunscreen for babies?

Choose mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) with SPF 30–50. Avoid products with fragrance and alcohol. Look for products labeled for sensitive skin or babies. Always test on a small patch of skin first.

Is it okay to take a baby to the beach?

Absolutely — but adapt the visit. Choose a time outside of peak sun hours (before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m.), bring shade (umbrella or beach tent), and keep sessions short for babies. Regular drink breaks and shade breaks are important. Follow activity tips appropriate for your child's age.

This article is based on recommendations from the AAP, WHO, and the American Red Cross.

Sources

1. AAP — Sun safety
2. WHO — Infant and young child feeding
3. American Red Cross — Water safety