Sun Safety
Babies and young children can’t cool themselves as well as adults so they’re more at risk of overheating and developing a heat-related illness. The tips below will help keep your child happy and healthy in the heat:
TIPS FOR LITTLE BABIES
DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Babies less than six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Their skin contains too little melanin, the pigment that provides some protection from the sun.
SUNSCREEN
Sunscreen is not recommended for babies less than six months of age — shade, covered clothing and hats are best.
TIPS FOR OLDER BABIES
SUNLIGHT
Older babies too should be kept out of the sun as much as possible, particularly in the summer when the sun is at its strongest. If you go out when it’s hot, attach a sunshade to your pram or stroller to keep them out of direct sunlight.
SUNSCREEN
For babies older than six months, apply a high factor sunscreen to your baby’s skin. Many brands produce sunscreen specifically for young children with a sun protection factor (SPF) as high as 30+. Apply sunscreen regularly, particularly if your baby is in and out of a pool or paddling pool.
Caution:
Always test the sunscreen on a small area of your baby’s skin to check for any skin reactions.
