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Use Sunscreen to Prevent Infant Sunburns

Last Updated: September 26, 2008

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Parenting Tips for Your 7 Month Old Baby

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 her 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 sun protection factor (SPF) 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.


Learn more about Your 7 Month Old Baby from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.
Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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