By: Deepti Gupta, MD, FAAD, FAAP & Matthew Mahoney, DO
Sunny days invite outdoor family fun. When heading out with your little ones, keep in mind that babies need extra protection from sunburn. With a few simple precautions, you can help keep their skin healthy now and in the future.
Why are babies at special risk from sunburn?
Infant skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin. It can burn more quickly, sometimes after just a short period outside. Even babies with darker skin tones can develop sunburn. Babies are not able tell you when they are too hot or starting to burn, so they rely on adults to move them out of the sun and provide protection.
Why do we care so much about preventing sunburns?
Sunburns are uncomfortable for anyone, but especially for babies since their skin is thinner. A severe sunburn in a baby is a medical emergency and needs care right away.
The cells in babies' skin are especially sensitive to damage from sunlight. We know that avoiding sunburns early in life can help prevent skin cancer, including melanoma and signs of aging like wrinkles later in life.
What is the best way to prevent sunburns in babies?
It is best to keep babies out of direct sunlight and in the shade as much as possible. Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct and indirect sunlight entirely because of the risk of heat stroke.
More sun safety tips for infants:
- Use shade covered strollers and sunshades with UV protection. Seek shade under trees or a beach umbrella.
- Dress babies in lightweight long sleeve clothing, long pants and wide brimmed hats to protect the skin.
- Avoid having a baby outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest.
- For babies 6 months and older regularly apply sunscreen to uncovered areas like the hands and face.
What type of sunscreen is recommended?
Choose a sunscreen that says "broad spectrum" on the label. That means it will block the two main types of the sun's rays, UVA and UVB. Look for sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15.
For babies, mineral-based sunscreens are best. These work by using minerals that sit on top of the skin and block the harmful UV rays. Mineral-based sunscreens are perfect for sensitive baby skin, since they are unlikely to causes rashes or irritation.
Look for natural mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Any type of sunscreen is better than none! For babies, mineral-based creams/lotions and stick sunscreens are preferred. Spray on sunscreens can contain propellant chemicals that are not recommended for babies.
When, and how often, often should I put sunscreen on my baby?
- Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
- Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes to 2 hours, particularly if a baby goes into the water. Follow the instructions on the bottle.
Watch this video for more tips:
Remember
Talk with your pediatician about more ways to protect your baby's delicate skin.
More information
About Dr. Deepti Gupta
 Deepti Gupta, MD, FAAD, FAAP is pediatric dermatologist practicing at Seattle Children's Hospital. She is triple board-certified in Pediatrics, Dermatology, and Pediatric Dermatology. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Dermatology Executive Board and Education Committee.
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About Dr. Mahoney Matthew Mahoney, DO, is a pediatrician and dermatology resident. He recently completed his training in pediatrics and is currently in dermatology residency at the University of Minnesota. He plans to practice pediatric dermatology with a focus on improving how doctors communicate with patients and expanding access to pediatric dermatology care in rural communities. He is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Dermatology Education Committee.
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