Parenting introduces a myriad of responsibilities and often sees personal time and self-care taking a backseat. If you’re an enthusiast of sun-kissed glows but feel deterred by the thought of bringing your baby to a tanning salon, rest assured. With patience, planning, and the right precautions, you can balance both worlds. This guide offers invaluable advice on how to safely incorporate tanning into your life as a new parent.
Finding Child-Friendly Tanning Salons
Tanning salons and babies may not seem like an ideal match, given the potential risks involved in the tanning process. However, there are child-friendly salons designed with parent’s needs in mind. These salons implement child-safe measures, like separate areas for children away from the tanning beds, and use child-friendly products. While it’s crucial to remember that tanning procedures are not for children, these facilities make the idea of bringing a baby to a tanning salon feasible.
Recognizing and Heeding Warnings
Bringing a baby to a tanning salon requires an understanding of potential hazards. Tanning processes can be harmful, hence it’s necessary to keep your baby in a separate, safe area during your appointment. If the salon offers childcare services, ensure their staff is qualified and competent in childcare. Otherwise, consider inviting a trusted partner, friend, or family member to accompany you and look after your baby during your session.
Opting for Organic Tanning Salons
If you’re a tanning enthusiast but concerned about potential risks when bringing a baby to a tanning salon, organic salons could be your answer. They use 100% organic spray tans instead of harmful UV rays, providing a safer environment for both parents and children. These salons utilize sunless tanning procedures with all-natural ingredients, offering a safer alternative when bringing a baby to a tanning salon.
Preparatory Calls and Queries
Before you choose to bring your baby to a tanning salon, it’s crucial to ask the right questions. Whether it’s an organic salon or a traditional one, make sure to inquire about their safety measures, equipment, and child-friendliness. Some of the questions to ask may include:
- Is the salon stroller-friendly?
- Does the salon provide child-safe areas?
- What safety precautions are implemented for children?
- What information should parents be aware of prior to the visit?
These queries will help you make an informed decision when planning to bring your baby to a tanning salon.
Tanning With a Baby
Can I Bring My Baby With Me to Get a Spray Tan?
It’s not recommended to bring your baby with you to get a spray tan. Spray tanning salons often use products that create fumes which may not be suitable for your baby to inhale.
Can a Baby Be in the Same Room as a Tanning Bed?
No, a baby should not be in the same room as a tanning bed. Tanning beds emit UV radiation which is harmful, especially to a baby’s sensitive skin and eyes.
How Can I Protect My Baby From Tanning?
Protecting your baby from tanning essentially means protecting them from the sun’s harmful rays. Dress your baby in protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses, apply sunscreen suitable for infants if they’re older than six months, and try to keep them in the shade as much as possible.
Why Tanning in Front of Your Baby Isn’t OK
Tanning in front of your baby isn’t considered safe due to the harmful UV rays that can damage their sensitive skin and eyes. In addition, setting a good example of sun safety is essential as your child grows up.
Scheduling Appointments Around Naptime
Once you find a suitable tanning salon that provides childcare services, try to schedule your appointments around your baby’s naptime. This will likely make your salon visit smoother as your baby might sleep through most of your appointment.
Packing Baby’s Essentials
When planning to bring your baby to a tanning salon, ensure to pack all necessary items such as clothes, toys, food, etc. Having these essentials will make the visit more comfortable for both you and your baby, allowing for a quick exit if needed.
Consider Bringing a Friend
Inviting a trusted, child-friendly friend along for your tanning appointment can turn your visit into a play-date. This way, you’ll have a trusted companion to look after and entertain your baby while you enjoy your tanning session. This strategy can offer a win-win solution for both you and your baby.
The Safety Factor: Key Considerations at Tanning Salons
When considering tanning salons, safety should always be paramount. Be it the quality of the tanning beds, the maintenance of these beds, the types of tanning lotions used, or the duration of the tanning session, these are all important factors to consider. Ensuring the salon’s standards meet your expectations will be key in providing a safe environment when bringing your baby to a tanning salon.
Tanning After Having a Baby
Can You Tan After You Have a Baby?
Yes, you can tan after having a baby. However, it’s important to remember that your skin might be more sensitive, especially after a pregnancy. Always remember to take precautions like using sunscreen, avoiding peak sun hours, and limiting your exposure time to reduce the risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Is It Safe to Go Tanning While Breastfeeding?
Tanning per se does not affect breastfeeding, but precautions should be taken. If you’re using a tanning bed or getting a spray tan, ensure to protect your nipples to avoid potential irritation or sensitivity. You may also want to cleanse your skin thoroughly after a spray tan before breastfeeding to ensure no residue could be ingested by the baby.
How Long After Spray Tan Can I Breastfeed?
It’s generally safe to breastfeed after a spray tan, but it’s recommended to clean the breast area thoroughly before nursing to make sure your baby doesn’t ingest any potential chemicals.
Tanning During Pregnancy
Tanning While Pregnant: What to Know
While there’s no definitive research that tanning beds harm unborn babies, the American Pregnancy Association advises against their use due to the potential risks associated with them. These include the increased body temperature that can occur while in a tanning bed, which could potentially affect the fetus during the first trimester. Always consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
Are Sunbeds Safe to Use During Pregnancy?
As previously mentioned, it’s generally recommended to avoid the use of sunbeds during pregnancy. Potential risks include overheating, an increased risk of skin cancer, and the possibility of developing chloasma – dark, blotchy skin patches that are common in pregnant women and can be exacerbated by UV light.
SleepBaby.org: A Resource for Parents
Navigating parenthood while trying to maintain aspects of your pre-baby life can feel challenging. At SleepBaby.org, we’re dedicated to supporting parents on this journey, even with seemingly unconventional scenarios like taking your baby to a tanning salon. We believe that balanced parenting includes personal care and that every parent deserves to look and feel their best.
Furthermore, SleepBaby.org offers invaluable resources about baby sleep patterns. We understand that timing your tanning appointments around your baby’s nap time can significantly ease your salon visits. Our expert advice and tips on baby sleep schedules can help you plan these outings better. Discover a wealth of knowledge and guidance at SleepBaby.org, where parenting meets personal care.
Conclusion
Incorporating tanning into your life as a new parent may seem challenging, but with the right strategies and precautions, it’s achievable. By employing these tips and considerations, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable tanning experience, even with your baby in tow. Remember, self-care is an essential part of parenthood, and yes, it can include your beloved tanning sessions.