Tips for Parents

Babies and young children have sensitive skin that can be damaged easily by ultraviolet radiation from the sun. This page offers information and tips to help parents keep their children safe.

Remember: Practice sun protection year-round - children learn best from your example.

Why are babies at risk?

• Babies are not born with a developed skin protection system, so they burn more easily. Even children born to parents with deeply pigmented (dark) skin require maximum protection.
• Babies have more sensitive skin because the outermost layer of their skin is thinner.
• A young child has more skin, relative to his body mass, than an adult, so sunburns can be very serious.
• A baby can't tell you she's too hot or the sun's too bright. Your baby may begin to cry and you won't know whether she's tired, hungry or hot.
• Babies can't physically move themselves out of the sunlight. A six-month old on a blanket is less mobile than a one-year old who can toddle into the shade.

Ways to protect baby's skin

• Keep babies under one year out of direct sunlight to prevent skin damage and dehydration. Keep babies in the shade, under a tree, an umbrella or a canopy.
• Dress your child in comfortable long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and broad-brimmed hat. Closely woven, dry materials are best.
• Do not apply sunscreen to a baby less than 6 months old.

Ways to protect toddlers, pre-schoolers and up

• Use the UV index each day to plan outdoor activities.
• The sun's UVB rays are strongest between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Unless the child is protected, keep them out of the sun during these hours.
• Use protective clothing and sunscreen anytime children are in direct sunlight. UV intensity is also increased from reflections off sand, snow, water and concrete.
• In strong sunlight, have children wear sunglasses.
• Advise teenagers to avoid using tanning equipment.

How to choose and use sunscreen for children

• Use a broad-spectrum product that screens out most of the UVB and UVA rays as indicated on the label. The sun protection factor (SPF) should be a minimum of 15. Consult your dermatologist.
• If your child has particularly sensitive skin, test for an allergic reaction first before using the sunscreen all over the child. Apply it to a small patch of skin on the inner forearm for several days in a row. If the skin turns red or otherwise reacts, change products.
• Whenever possible, apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside. Cover exposed areas generously, including ears, nose, the tops of feet and backs of knees.
• Reapply frequently and liberally, particularly after swimming or sweating.
• Provide teenagers with sunscreen lotion if they are going to be outdoors for extended periods during the summer. Make sure they understand the importance of using it.

For more information about protecting your family from the sun, consult the following publications:

• Babies, Children and Sun Safety
• Preventing Skin Cancer
• Sun Safety (factsheet)