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FAQ #26338

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I have heard the sun is bad for you. How can I keep my baby's skin safe while playing outside in the sun?

Related resource areas: Parenting


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Sun safety is important for babies. Baby's skin is delicate and can burn easily. Babies need fresh air and light, but too much sun can be harmful. Researchers have found that severe sunburns in childhood can lead to greater risk of the most deadly form of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, later in life. Here are some simple steps to help you and your baby enjoy the sun safely: Stay out of the sun from 10 am to 3 pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest. Keep your baby in the shade. If you use a stroller, keep the sun shade on. Put a hat on your baby, and dress him in lightweight clothes that cover his body. Dress like that yourself. Before 6 months keep your baby out of the sun. After 6 months, always put a sunscreen lotion with a 30 or higher SPF, sun protection factor, on your baby and yourself when you’ll be in the sun. Test a small area of your baby’s skin to test for a reaction, before applying all over. Re-apply every two hours.
If you or your baby gets sunburned, put cool, wet towels on the burns. If a fever or blisters develop, call the doctor.

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