Your baby changes and grows so much in this first year. Track your baby’s development month by month, encourage your baby’s learning with our suggested activities . Find practical information on health and safety. We can help you with tips on crying, sleeping or even what to look for when choosing a baby sitter. Have questions about basic care? We have the answers !
Sun safety and your baby
Spending time outdoors is wonderful for young children and babies.
By Nicole-Rawson Huff
Keep your baby's delicate skin safe by following these simple tips.
- AAP recommends that you do not use sunscreen on babies under 6 months old. If you are unable to keep your baby out of the sun then choose a sunscreen that is made just for babies or young children's skin. Sunscreen should have a minimum of at least 15 (SPF) factor and have 'broad-spectrum' on the label to protect from both UVB and UVA rays. For the best protection, remember to put sunscreen on 30 minutes before going outside. Check out our article on Sunscreen ingredients explained for more information
- Dress your baby in sun-protective clothing with UPF (ultraviolet protection factor). This is especially important for babies under 6 months, as they are not old enough to have sunscreen applied.Choose clothing with good sun protective qualities such as bright or dark colors (since they reflect more UV radiation than light-colored clothing) and tightly woven, loose-fitting clothes that provide a good barrier between a child’s skin and the sun. A good way to test if a fabric has a good UPF is to hold it up to the light - if you can see through it then light can pass through and onto your baby's skin.
- If you are carrying your baby in your arms, sling or carrier and they are exposed to the sun, make sure that they wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- For babies under 6 months the safest approach is to keep them out of direct sunlight. Put your baby in a stroller with a canopy, use an umbrella, or stay in the shade of a tree. Be careful that you remember that the sun can easily reflect off sand, snow and concrete surfaces.
- Before using a new sunscreen on babies over 6 months old, do a little skin test to test for an allergic reaction. Rub a little dime-sized amount of sunscreen onto the skin of your child's back. Wait at least 30 minutes. If a rash appears, you should consult with your pediatrician.
- Avoid the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. because this is when the rays are at their strongest and can do the most damage.
By Nicole-Rawson Huff
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