As part of our commitment to education, MD SolarSciences offers worthwhile methods to protect your child’s already sensitive skin from the sun—because starting early is the first step in skin cancer prevention.

Having delicate skin, infants and toddlers are far more sensitive to ultraviolet rays than adults. Pediatricians strongly recommend that babies under 6 months of age should be kept out of direct sunlight. That’s very sound advice considering the threat that overexposure to UVA/UVB has on our health. In reality, however, this is a virtually impossible task: guarding 100% of your baby’s skin from the sun, 100% of the time.

Our Scientific Advisory Committee has devised the following tips to keep your baby safe in the sun:

1. Avoid the sun between the hours of 10am to 4pm

It’s best for babies to minimize sun exposure when the sun is highest overhead. Ultraviolet rays are most potent between the hours of 10 am to 4 pm. In most places During this time, try to minimize your time outside. Since it’s impossible to avoid the sun completely during these 6 hours, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen on your baby and yourself.

2. Keep your baby hydrated

To keep your baby safe, always have plenty of liquids (breast milk or formula are choice for hydration). In extreme heat conditions, doctors warn not to give water to babies less than 6 months old.

3. Seek Shade

Strollers with sun-shielding units (namely umbrella strollers) are preferable modes of transporting your baby. Using baby slings, standard or carriage strollers allow for vulnerability since more of your baby’s skin is left uncovered and open to UV radiation. Trees and beach umbrellas often filter a percentage of UVA and UVB rays as well.

4. Baby Clothing

Dress your baby in sun-protective baby clothing with a high UPF rating. The more skin coverage offered by a particular garment, the tighter the weave of fabric, the darker the shade of clothing: the higher the UPF rating. Since your baby’s face is the most susceptible to sun exposure, protect it with a children’s brimmed hat. You can also shield your young one’s with a pair of sunglasses that offer UV-protection.

5. Sunscreen

Use broad spectrum mineral sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 on all areas of exposure; especially your baby’s face and hands. Be cautious to avoid contact with your child’s eyes—make sure the sunscreen you choose won’t run in to eyes. Since babies are sensitive to scent and chemical irritants, choose a sunscreen that’s odorless, oxybenzone-free and won’t complicate their gentle skin. Remember to reapply your baby’s sunscreen at least every two hours or as needed. If your baby begins to sweat or is spending time in the water, you should reapply their sunscreen more frequently.