We all look forward to getting our babies outside in the summertime, but it’s up to you to protect your child’s skin. Babies six months and under cannot use sunscreen, so it’s important that you keep them out of direct sunlight. You can do this by keeping them shaded under a tree or umbrella as well as dressing them in lightweight, comfortable clothing, including a hat with a brim that will shade their face and ears.
Babies six months and older may use sunscreen, but you want to make sure you pick one that is marketed for children, is waterproof, and has an SPF of at least 15. You should reapply sunscreen every two hours and make sure you put it on 30 minutes before you go outside. The sun’s rays are harshest between 10 and 4, so we want you to avoid the sun during those times.
Offer your child frequent fluids and try to keep sun exposure to 30 minutes or less at a time. If your baby is less than a year old and gets a sunburn, give us a call as this is considered an emergency.
Even on overcast days, you can get a sunburn. Be sure to use sunscreen even when it is cloudy.