Since Sydney has been born, our social life (mine and her’s) has been pretty non-existent. Basically, we have been eating, sleeping, pooping and crying. (yes – both of us!) So, when some friends of our’s invited our entire family to their house for a birthday party and an afternoon of swimming and eating, I decided it would be a good first outing for us. If it didn’t work out and I was spending more time inside than outside, I’d just take her home and the big kids and Brian could come home later.
To my surprise, Sydney had a great day! She was scooped up by our friend and was immediately asleep. So, we spent the day poolside, under an umbrella in complete shade. It was the most relaxed I had been since Sydney made her arrival. A blessing, for sure! As the day went on, I started to get warm and figured Sydney was too, so we headed inside. While I nursed her, I noticed her cheek was red and seemed to be getting redder as I sat with her. I started to panic a little, wondering what was going on. Then it was getting more apparent that she may be sunburned. But, HOW?! She was under the huge shade umbrella all day! People take their babies to parks, beaches and stroll around in strollers – HOW could she be sunburned?!
Yep, that’s what it was – she was sunburned for sure. You could see the line on her cheek where the sun did not get to and it was clear. I was sick. I felt horrible AND I had no idea how it happened. She didn’t seem to be uncomfortable, but my baby’s face was getting redder by the minute. We had, however, sat outside for 3 HOURS! It wasn’t until a friend mentioned that maybe the sun had reflected off of the pool water and onto Sydney’s face, that we realized that had to be how it happened! It never once crossed my mind or any of the several other adult’s minds at the party that would happen! I just couldn’t believe it…but that had to be it. After a call to the pediatrician, they said the same thing. Must have been the pool. I was told to keep her comfortable and keep an eye on her and to watch for signs of fever, dehydration, blisters and pain. OH how horrible I felt! Here, I was this 5 week old’s mamma, and I was supposed to keep her safe and secure and she was burnt by the sun! Even though I knew that it wasn’t anything I purposely did or even had a clue about, I felt bad.
Luckily, Sydney never seemed uncomfortable or developed any other symptoms except redness and some peeling. Both of which were gone in a few days. Now, I am extremely conscious of watching where the sun is and how it’s rays may be on my baby. I don’t think this will ever happen again to us and want to spread this caution to other parents. As crazy as it sounds – it can happen and did!
Wow how scary, but glad she recovered quickly. She is such a cutie-pie.
It’s so hard sometimes, you think you are doing everything right….
It is hard when you think you are doing everything right! This was such a freakish thing!
Oh great post to let others know! How scary but you know you ddi everything right. So scary. Like Kim says she’s a cutie!
Thank you, Nichol! She is a doll baby and I’m so thankful the results of the burn weren’t worse!
Oh my goodness! I would have never thought of that. Glad to hear she’s better.
Me either, Jennifer! Crazy!
Aw poor baby!! Glad she’s doing okay – I would have never thought about that, either!!
Good on you for getting the word out about this. I’m glad she bounced back so quickly.
Glad she’s okay and didn’t seem to really suffer. Sounds like you more than suffered enough for the two of you! Crazy that the pool can do that. Guess you need a full-on tent around your table, not just an umbrella!
I am so glad she didn’t feel any pain or anything, I would have reacted exactly the same. I would have never thought about the reflection of the pool! Thank you for sharing!!
Omg how scary!bthank you for spreading the word that just because your in the hade doesn’t mean you can’t get burnt.
She’s adorable!
Those sweet little red heads tend to be more susceptible. {{{hugs}}} Thanks for spreading awareness! I keep my little blondie in UV protective clothing for outdoor activities. I’m THAT mom. Haha.
Oh no! What a shocker for you….I”m so glad you’ve shared this for other Moms, frankly I would have had NO idea….
Great warning about the dangers of sun even when your in the shade.
Don’t feel bad about what happened. I would have never thought about the baby getting sun burnt either if I was in the shade the entire time.
Glad to hear that your baby recovered without any issues whatsoever.
Aww, poor sweetie pie and poor mommie, I know parents feel dreadful when these things happen even though it’ s not your fault. Sun is awful like that, man it sneaks up on you! I have such fair skin that I swear I could get burnt inside a house! LOL. Glad baby’s sunburn is all gone now.
This is such important information. Thank you for sharing. I’m so sorry it happened to your little one and you, but it wasn’t your fault.