Tips for Keeping Children Safe in the Sun

The Comprehensive Children’s Injury Center (CCIC) provides the following sun safety tips to help parents become better informed on injury prevention tips.

• It is very important to protect babies and children's skin from sunburns.
• Babies under 6 months have skin that is thinner than other skin and therefore needs even more protection!
• Most of our sun exposure (between 60-80%) happens before we turn 18 years old.
• Sun exposure in early childhood and the adolescent years contributes to the risk of developing skin cancer later on in life.  

• Here are some great tips for children younger than 1:
• Babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight.
• Dress your baby in comfortable lightweight clothing that covers their entire body.
• If your baby gets sunburn, contact your pediatrician immediately.
• If you cannot keep them covered or in the shade, sunscreen can be applied.
• Before using sunscreen, apply a small amount to limited area and watch for any reaction
• For kids older than 1 year old , here are some more safety tips:
• Choose sunscreen specifically made for children, preferably waterproof.
• If a rash develops, contact your child's pediatrician.
• Dress your child in clothing made of tightly woven fabrics.
• Sunglasses with UV protection are also a great idea to protect your child's eyes from the sun.

• More sun safety tips:
• Avoid going out in the sun when the sun is the strongest: between 10 am and 4pm.
• Use sunscreen even on a cloudy day. The sun's rays can still get through clouds.
• Look for sunscreen that will protect against both UV-B and UV-A rays for the bet protection
• Sunscreen should be reapplied often for the best protection.
• Use a SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15.
• Put on sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outdoors-it needs time to work on the skin.
• If you child develops a sunburn, keep them out of the sun until the burn completely heals.