Sun protection tips for families with babies and children
Outdoor time is great for babies and young children. To make it a positive experience, cover up and protect their delicate skin from harmful UV radiation.
Create a barrier between the skin and UV using loose-fitting clothing and hats. Stay in shady spaces and out of direct sun when the UV is 3 or above.
For those small parts of skin you can’t cover with clothing, use SPF50 or 50+ sunscreen on babies over six months.
If you can see skin, UV can reach it. Clothing can be a great barrier between the sun’s UV and your child’s skin.
Try to cover as much skin as possible with cool, loose-fitting clothing made from densely-woven fabric like cotton.
If trying a new sunscreen, it is recommended to do a patch test first on a small area of skin.
Regular sunscreen use on babies under six months is not recommended.
If babies are kept out of the sun and protected from UV, sunscreen only needs to be used on very small areas.
For older children, set up a station at home so children can apply their sunscreen in front of a mirror and put a clip-on sunscreen on their backpack so they can reapply when at school.
Choose a hat that shades the head, face, eyes, ears and neck.
Bucket, wide brim or legionnaire hats are best. Caps and visors do not provide good UV protection.
For babies, choose a hat fabric that will crumple easily when they put their head down.
Babies under 12 months have very sensitive skin and should always be kept in shade and out of direct sun when UV is 3 or above.
Take portable shade with you like a beach umbrella or a shade tent.
Add extra shade to a pram using a UV protective mesh cover.
Some young children may be reluctant to wear sunglasses. You can protect their eyes by putting on a wide brim hat and staying in the shade.
Sunglasses designed for babies and toddlers may have soft elastic to keep them in place.
When you’re out and about:
- Check your children often to ensure they are well protected. Adjust covers on prams and strollers to make sure babies remain shaded.
- Encourage your children to play in the shade. Remember even in shade, scattered or reflected UV radiation can cause skin damage.
- Keep children’s hats on.
- Reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if wiped or washed off.
- Be a role model for your child and practice good sun protection behaviors yourself.
Sun protection isn’t just for summer
In NSW, UV levels remain 3 and above for most or all of the year round – even on cool or cloudy days. Check the the SunSmart app or a newspaper daily for your local UV levels and recommended sun protection times.
For more information please visit- https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/sun-protection/preventing-skin-cancer/sun-protection-for-babies-and-children/