Good Habits to Adopt When Taking Your Baby to the Beach

A day at the beach is one of the great pleasures of living in the Philippines, and there is no reason your baby cannot come along. But sand, salt water and, above all, the sun ask for a little more planning when a small person is involved. With a few good habits, you can keep your baby cool, comfortable and protected while the whole family enjoys the day.

Babies and the sun: why extra care is needed

A baby's skin is thinner than an adult's, produces less protective pigment and loses moisture faster. That means it burns more quickly and reacts more strongly to heat. In the Philippines the UV index is high all year round, not only in summer, and the reflection off sand and water adds to the exposure. Sunburn in early childhood is worth avoiding, so sun protection at the beach is not optional for babies; it is the main thing to get right.

Pick the right time of day

The simplest habit is also the most effective: avoid the strongest sun. UV levels peak between about 10 am and 4 pm. Go early in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the light is softer and the sand is cooler underfoot. If you are at the beach in the middle of the day, keep your baby in the shade during those hours and save the paddling for later.

Shade, clothing and hats first

For babies under six months, shade and clothing are the first line of defence, and sunscreen is used only on small exposed areas if shade is not possible. Bring or rent a beach umbrella or a small pop-up tent, and set it up before you do anything else.

• Dress your baby in loose, light-coloured clothing that covers the arms and legs. A long-sleeved rash guard is ideal in and out of the water.
• Choose a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears and back of the neck. Caps leave the ears and neck exposed.
• Baby sunglasses with UV protection help older babies who will tolerate them.
• Remember that a wet T-shirt offers much less protection than a dry one.

Sunscreen for babies: what to look for

From about six months, sunscreen becomes part of the routine on any skin that clothing and shade do not cover. Choose a product made for babies with these features:

• SPF 50 or 50+ with broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Water-resistant, so it holds up through paddling, sweat and towel-drying.
• Dermatologically tested and gentle enough for delicate skin.
• A format that suits your baby. The Biolane Baby Sunstick SPF 50+ is a mess-free stick that is easy to apply to the face and is gentle enough for babies' delicate skin from birth. The Biolane Sun Spray SPF 50 covers a wriggling toddler quickly and evenly, while the Biolane Sun Cream SPF 50 lets you see exactly where you have applied it.

Apply generously to all exposed skin 15 to 20 minutes before you go out, and do not forget the ears, the back of the neck, the tops of the feet and the backs of the hands. Reapply every two hours, and every time after swimming or heavy sweating, even with a water-resistant product. You can browse the full Sun Care collection to find the right format for your family.

Keep your baby hydrated and cool

Babies overheat faster than adults. Offer feeds more often than usual, whether breast milk or formula; babies under six months should not be given water unless your pediatrician advises it. Older babies can have small sips of water. Watch for signs of overheating: flushed skin, unusual fussiness or sleepiness, and fewer wet diapers than normal. If you notice them, move to the shade, remove a layer, and offer a feed.

A damp muslin cloth over the pram, a small battery fan and a cool (not cold) sponge on the neck and wrists all help on very hot days.

Sand, salt water and rinsing off

Sand gets everywhere, and trapped sand rubs the skin in the diaper area and skin folds. Rinse your baby with fresh water before putting on a clean diaper, or use a no-rinse cleansing water on a cotton pad if there is no shower nearby. Salt water and sun both dry the skin, so a fresh-water rinse at the end of the day matters.

Keep swims short, and always hold your baby in the water. Even calm, shallow water is not safe for a baby to be left in for a moment.

After-sun care and moisturising

Back home, give your baby a lukewarm bath to remove sunscreen, salt and sand, using a gentle cleanser. Pat dry and apply a moisturiser all over while the skin is still slightly damp. The Biolane Moisturizing Body Milk nourishes and soothes with 98% natural-origin ingredients and helps replace the moisture that sun and sea take away. If you notice any pink or warm patches, keep your baby out of the sun completely for the next few days and let the skin recover.

Your beach-bag checklist

• Umbrella or pop-up tent
• Wide-brimmed hat and rash guard
• Baby sunscreen SPF 50+ (stick, spray or cream)
• Extra feeds and, for older babies, water
• No-rinse cleansing water, cotton pads and spare diapers
• A muslin cloth and a light towel
• Moisturiser for after the beach

Frequently asked questions

Can a newborn wear sunscreen?

For babies under six months, the general advice is shade and protective clothing first, with sunscreen only on small areas such as the face and the backs of the hands when shade is not possible. Ask your pediatrician what is right for your baby, and choose a product designed for babies' delicate skin.

Stick, spray or cream: which is best for a baby?

Whichever you will actually reapply. A stick is neat for the face and for on-the-go top-ups, a spray is fastest on a child who will not stand still, and a cream makes coverage easy to see. Many families keep a stick in the bag and a spray or cream for the body.

How often should I reapply sunscreen at the beach?

Every two hours, and straight after swimming, sweating or towel-drying. Water-resistant does not mean all-day.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. If your baby's skin does not improve, or you notice fever, blistering, oozing or spreading rash, consult your pediatrician.