Please or to access all these features
Talk
Parenting
For free parenting resources please check out the Early Years Alliance's Family Corner.
Flip
67 replies
newmum234 · 18/08/2020 20:31
I've been trying really hard to keep my DS (4 months) in total shade at all times. I know the advice to not expose babies to direct sunlight until they're six months and I'm really nervous about him getting burnt and damaging his skin.
Anyway, the other day we were walking along a (shaded) pavement when I turned a corner and the sun momentarily shone direct into his eyes. It was literally a split second as he closed his eyes pretty much immediately and kind of frowned. I then put a muslin over the pram to cover him for a few mins while we were in the direct sun.
It's now four days later and he seems completely fine, but should I be concerned about this? I'm kicking myself for not being more aware of the position of the sun...
OP posts:
Advertisem*nt
newmum234 · 18/08/2020 20:34
When I say shone direct - I'm not sure whether he looked direct at the sun or whether he just closed his eyes in response to the sudden change in light from shade to bright!
OP posts:
ashamedanddepressed · 18/08/2020 20:35
Calm down. Please. Your baby will be fine. By all means avoid direct sunlight when you can but a few seconds of sun in his eyes will have done to damage. If it was bothering him he would shut his eyes.
SRK16 · 18/08/2020 20:35
I really wouldn’t worry about this.
Interested in this thread?
Then you might like threads about these subjects:
00100001 · 18/08/2020 20:35
He'll be fine.
Brakebackcyclebot · 18/08/2020 20:36
In the nicest possible way, you are massively over reacting!
Serenschintte · 18/08/2020 20:37
He will be totally totally fine. You also (and I say this with kindness) May wish to think about whether you a experiencing quite high anxiety levels towards your baby.
Advertisem*nt
merryhouse · 18/08/2020 20:37
He'll be fine. Think of all the times you've suddenly found yourself in bright sunlight. You automatically squint to shut your eyes. We've done it for millions of years, because it helps.
Obviously you're not going to leave him out in direct sun, but it's not like a kettleful of boiling water - momentary contact isn't a problem.
Onesipmore · 18/08/2020 20:37
There is absolutely no need to worry about this in any shape or form. You have done no damage whatsoever. Eyes need to get used to adjustments in the light.
Wecumasathree · 18/08/2020 20:38
This isn't meant to be rude, its meant to put things into perspective.
Do you think people worried about this 20 yeas ago? 50 yeas? 500 years?
Do people worry about this in the rest of the world - eg Cuba?
Do peoples eyes still work?
Galaboutbal · 18/08/2020 20:38
I had a friend that used to rock her baby to sleep in the pram in their conservatory because it was so bright he shut his eyes and went to sleep more quickly. Your baby will be fine don’t worry.
Wingingthis · 18/08/2020 20:38
I have a 4 month old and this has happened numerous times whilst I’m chasing her 2 yo sister around the park 🙈 she’s fine and your baby will be fine too.
Changedmynamelots · 18/08/2020 20:38
As everyone else said
Princesspickle777 · 18/08/2020 20:38
He’ll be fine, you’re majorly overreacting. On a side note please invest in a parasol for your pram, it’s dangerous to cover the pram with clothes/towels etc.
Mumsnet Weekly Hot Threads
Weekly
Sign up to our weekly round up and get all the best threads sent straight to your inbox!
Log in to update your newsletter preferences.
You've subscribed!
newmum234 · 18/08/2020 20:39
Thank you so much for the replies - feeling better already!
OP posts:
Jamhandprints · 18/08/2020 20:39
No need to worry.
A bit of sunlight is good for baby to get vitamin D. If it shone in his eyes he would close them or look away its an instinct.
He doesn't need to be in total shade at all times.
newmum234 · 18/08/2020 20:40
I had a friend that used to rock her baby to sleep in the pram in their conservatory because it was so bright he shut his eyes and went to sleep more quickly. Your baby will be fine don’t worry.
OP posts:
BadDucks · 18/08/2020 20:40
In the gentlest way possible you may want to consider talking to someone. I would say this isn’t a healthy level of concern over a baby being exposed to a very brief moment of sunlight.
howlathebees · 18/08/2020 20:41
Your baby will be fine don’t worry!
Galaboutbal · 18/08/2020 20:42
Where did you hear this? You aren’t supposed to leave them out in the sun and let them burn but a bit of bright sun is fine. Your baby has more chance of getting ricketts than eye damage.
Tlollj · 18/08/2020 20:43
Did you post this the other day? I’m sure I’ve read it before. Any way he’ll be fine.
newmum234 · 18/08/2020 20:43
@Galaboutbal It's the NHS advice...
Babies less than 6 months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Their skin contains too little melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour, and provides some protection from the sun.
www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/childrens-health/how-can-i-keep-my-baby-safe-during-hot-weather/
OP posts:
newmum234 · 18/08/2020 20:44
@Tlollj This is the first time I've posted about it!
OP posts:
ShagMeRiggins · 18/08/2020 20:45
Is the PFB thread in Classics still? Worth a look, OP.
Your baby will be fine, and most of us have been in your shoes so don’t worry.
IHateCoronavirus · 18/08/2020 20:45
Your baby will be fine. Our optician is quite insistent on DC having time in the sun to aid the development of the eyes. Not quite sure of the science behind it but according to her natural daylight/sunshine is v important.
Tlollj · 18/08/2020 20:46
Oh ok just sounded familiar. Just try to relax a bit a few seconds won’t harm him. Bit of vitamin d
Flip
Please create an account
To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.
