Sun Protection for Babies and Toddlers
Your baby looks adorable with cheeks pink from the sun. But that glow is a sign of sun damage, no matter how healthy you think it makes your child look. And the damage accumulates, day after day, throughout childhood.
Sunlight triggers many changes in the skin. Some show up quickly — suntan, sunburn, freckles; others take years to appear — wrinkles, splotches, looseness. The most serious change is skin cancer, which can be lethal. Experts know that at least 90 percent of all skin cancers result from excessive exposure to sunlight. In fact, one blistering sunburn in childhood can double a person's lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer.
Of course, children, like all people, need light and air to grow and thrive. How to balance? Practice good sun protection habits, including wearing sunscreen, whenever your child is outside.
Outdoor Precautions
- Make sure that your baby's stroller or carriage provides adequate shade, with a hood or other shade-providing structure.
- Your baby should have fresh air and light — but ideally, not at the peak times of the day. Schedule your baby's stroll around the neighborhood in the early morning or late afternoon, when the sun's rays are less powerful.
- Your baby should wear a sun hat or bonnet with a wide brim whenever he or she is outside
- When outside, find a shady place.
- Make sure your baby's arms and legs are covered by tighly-woven (but loose-fitting) clothing.
Choosing a Sunscreen
- When selecting from the vast array of available sunscreens, look for SPF 15 or greater.
- Do a "patch" test by putting a small amount of sunscreen on the inside of your child's wrist the day before you plan to use it to test for irritation or allergies.
- If an irritation or rash develops at any time, try another product. Ask your child's doctor to suggest one that will not irritate.
- A cream or lotion may be less drying to young skin than a gel- or alcohol-based product.
- If a scented product attracts insects, try an unscented one.
Applying Sunscreen
- Sunscreen should not be used on babies under six months old. Babies under six months should be exposed to the sun as little as possible.
- Coat your child's skin liberally and evenly. Rub in well. If your baby or toddler is squirmy, apply the sunscreen to your hands first.
- Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours. If your child is playing in the water or sweating a lot, reapply more often.
- Don't forget your baby's hands, ears, nose, lips, and the area around the eyes. Zinc oxide on the nose and ears can provide extra protection. An SPF 15 lip balm should be applied to the lips, and toddlers may enjoy applying it themselves. UV-blocking sunglasses will protect the vulnerable eye area.
- Never put baby oil on your child before going outdoors. It makes the skin translucent, letting solar rays pass through more easily.
Browse a list of Skin Cancer Foundation Recommended sunscreens formulated for children here.
