Sheets and bed linen make an excellent backdrop for babies of all ages. The simpler the better when it comes to this particular background selection. Other great backgrounds include uncluttered floors, carpets or rugs with uncomplicated patterns or better yet no patterns, and a clear blue cloudless sky (though clouds aren’t really that distracting in most instances). Sandy beaches also make an excellent backdrop or setting for a really cute baby picture and we all need at least one beach picture of our baby’s. Be sure to keep the sun at your back and away from the baby’s eyes for best results.

In addition to creating a setting that isn’t overly complicated for your photo of baby you should also make sure that your baby is comfortable in the setting. It doesn’t matter how perfect a setting is if your baby isn’t going to leave your side long enough to take a photo. Beaches are a good choice for many reasons. First you have an uncomplicated backdrop. Second you have the added benefit of a novelty (something that is interesting to touch, feel, play in, and unfortunately taste). Third, it offers its very own entertainment to your child. He or she will be distracted by the seashells, the sea gulls, the sand itself and in the process will worry less about the camera which makes for even better baby pictures. These photographs will be great entries for any baby photo contests you are considering.

If you can’t exactly enjoy a day at the beach in order to fill your baby photo album, perhaps you could combine some of the settings I mentioned above with a little creativity in order to create an excellent setting for your baby photos. If you have an old washtub and a rubber duck or two lying around the house, these make excellent choices for baby photos. You could hang a blue sheet or blanket as a back drop and let your little one sit in the wash tub with a duck in each hand. To make things interesting you can take different photos within the same setting by adding an umbrella for baby to enjoy or watching him or her try to climb into a rubber boot.

The most important thing to consider when creating the perfect setting for your baby photos is to choose a setting that is comfortable and fun for both you and your baby. The fact that we as mom think it will be fun for baby doesn’t always make that the case so always be willing to be flexible. It is better to have a photo of a happy baby rolling a ball on the carpet than a miserable baby in the cutest of settings.

Question:
My baby is only three months old, and summer is just starting. I’d love to enjoy some beach time with her, but I’m wondering about her being out in the sun at such a young age. Is this okay? Is sunscreen safe for her?

Learn about it
Babies have very delicate skin, so they are especially vulnerable to the dangerous effects of the sun. Babies burn much more easily than adults, and sun damage done during childhood can affect skin health for a lifetime. You can take your baby outside, but you would be wise to take precautions to protect her from the sun.

Protecting your baby’s delicate skin
While protecting your baby from the sun is important, it’s unrealistic to think that you’ll never be outside with your baby on a sunny day! Here’s how to keep your baby safe while enjoying the outdoors:

Keep her out of direct sunlight, particularly when the sun’s rays are the strongest, between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Sit under a tree, an umbrella, or in the shade of a building, or put your baby in her stroller with the canopy over her head.

Put a wide-brimmed hat on your little one whenever you’re out in the sun. Your baby will get used to wearing a hat if you start when she is little. If your baby is older and resists keeping a hat on, you’ll need to use your powers of persuasion and distraction to keep the hat where it belongs.

Professionals often recommend dressing your baby in a long-sleeved shirt and long pants; these can be lightweight as long as the material is tightly woven. You can determine how much sun will come through clothes by holding them up to a bright light. The tighter the weave, the less light ¾ and sunlight ¾ that will come through the fabric. This can be tricky because she may get warmer dressed like this, so pay attention to how your baby feels and looks, and if you put her in shorts be extra vigilant about the time she spends in the sun.

Consider adding sunglasses with UV protection to your baby’s summer wardrobe.

What about sunscreen?
In general, avoid using sunscreen on a baby younger than six months old. There are exceptions, however, and you should defer to common sense. For example, if you want to let your baby explore the beach, but hot weather prevents you from keeping all of her skin covered, it is fine to use a small amount of sunscreen on the areas not covered. (Be careful not to put lotion around her eyes, and keep the lotion away from her hands, since they may end up in her mouth.) Slight exposure to sunscreen is better than damaging, painful exposure to the sun.

With babies older than six months, always use sunscreen when going out into the sun. First, test a patch of sunscreen at home and wait for a few hours, or even overnight, to be sure your baby doesn’t have an allergic reaction to the lotion. Read the label on your sunscreen to determine how often it needs to be reapplied ¾ its effectiveness does wear off.

Choose sunscreen formulated especially for children. Read the label to make sure the lotion protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Sunscreen should have an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 15 and should be waterproof if your baby is going to be getting wet. If your child is fair skinned, if you are going to be spending a long time outside, or if you just want more sun protection, opt for a much higher SPF. Alternatives to typical sunscreens include non-chemical varieties available in health food and body lotion stores, and zinc oxide (good for the face and shoulders).

More sun facts
Keep in mind that sand, water, concrete, and snow all reflect the sun’s rays, making them even more potent. And don’t forget that the sun’s ultraviolet rays are almost as strong on a cloudy day as on a sunny one.

You’ll also want to keep on eye on your baby to make sure she doesn’t develop heat exhaustion. You can protect her by keeping her in shady areas, and having her stay well hydrated.

What if my baby does get sunburn?
Even with the best planning, sometimes we get caught off-guard. If you notice that your baby has become bright pink or red from the sun, here’s what to do: