Infant skin is different than adult skin – it is thinner, lighter and more sensitive. A sunburn on a baby can become a medical emergency from blisters, fever and dehydration. The best way to prevent this is to protect your baby from becoming sunburned.
Ways to protect your baby from the sun include:
- Shade and shelter
- Keep your baby out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m - these midday hours have the strongest UV radiation from the sun.
- Shade can come from patio covers, a long hood, umbrella, trees, awnings or stroller covers.
- Sun safe clothing
- Lightweight, breathable long sleeve gowns or onesies offer some protection.
- Hats and sunglasses also help to protect the eyes and delicate skin of the scalp and face.
- Road safety
- Keep your baby protected from the sun by applying a UV-blocking shade or film to the window closest to your car seat.
- Keep your baby hydrated and cool on the road.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Skin Cancer Foundation and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend avoiding the use of sunscreen products in children under six months. After six months of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics suggests using only small amounts of sunscreen with at least 15 SPF, and only applied to small areas of exposed skin.
Because your baby’s skin is thinner and more sensitive, the chemicals in skin products can go deeper and create skin reactions. Sunscreen should not be ingested and babies may lick or suck sunscreen from fingers, toes or other reachable body parts.
The earlier we protect our children, the more likely they will continue sun safety actions throughout their lives. With more than two million people diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States every year, these good habits can keep them safe and happy throughout their life.
Always consult your baby’s pediatrician or Family Practice provider for the best information for your baby. If you need a health care provider for you or your baby, please call Lovelace Medical Group at 505-727-4500 to schedule an OB/GYN appointment, and call 505-727-6200 to schedule a primary care appointment.