Key Summary
Introducing sun safety early can develop important habits in your children that will help protect them through life.
- Newborn and baby skin is more delicate and fragile than adult skin, and more prone to sunburn.
- Sun safety is about protective clothing coverage, timing, shade and sunscreen.
We’re lucky to live in this warm sunny country, where there are endless beautiful parks and beaches and bush walks to take your baby and spend time outdoors. You know the rules on slip, slop, slap, seek, slide for you – but what about baby sun protection? Your baby’s skin is delicate, and you know you need to protect it from the sun’s harsh rays.
Introducing sun safety early can develop important habits in your children that will help protect them through life. Here’s everything you need to know.
Can newborns use sunscreen?
Newborns have very sensitive skin, so sunscreen is not usually recommended during their first 6 months, says Associate Professor Li-Chuen Wong, head of the Dermatology Department at The Children’s Hospital, Westmead.
“Until about six months of age, it's more important for them to wear broad brimmed or floppy hats and protective clothing with tightly woven fabric. And a hood over the pram, for instance, when you walk in the park, or a little sheet over their legs if they're sticking out.”
Sun safety for newborns: 0-6 months
"Baby skin is much more delicate than adult skin, making them extremely vulnerable to sunburn and UV damage," says Assoc Prof Wong. "We need to protect babies from sun exposure from birth - not just at the beach, but during everyday activities like walks to the shops or playground time."
Early UV exposure significantly increases skin cancer risk later in life. The Cancer Council recommends keeping babies under 12 months out of direct sunlight when the UV index reaches three or above.
You can check the UV index on your phone’s weather app or the free SunSmart app.
To help protect your baby under 6 months:
- Place sun shades on your car windows.
- Cover your baby’s skin with long sleeved and long-legged lightweight clothing. Tightly woven fabrics offer the best protection.
- Time outdoor adventures for when UV ratings are lower.
- Dress your baby with a broad-brimmed sun hat. Choose a hat with straps and an adjustable toggle so it stays on your baby’s head.
- Choose a pram with an extendable shade cover or buy your own breathable pram sunshade. Ensure you use an appropriate pram cover accessory and not a cloth or blanket as these can be dangerous, causing an overheated environmentr.
- Keep your baby in the shade when you can, especially for longer outings.
- Try sunglasses on your baby – though some babies will immediately take them off, it’s worth a go
Sun safety for babies and toddlers: 6 months+
Once your baby is around 6 months old, you can keep using all your previous strategies, but you can also add sunscreen to your sun safety toolbox.
It’s important to patch test sunscreens before you slip, slop, slap to ensure bub doesn’t have a reaction to your sunscreen of choice. Test it by applying a small amount of sunscreen to a small area of your baby’s skin, such as on the back of their shoulder or inside of their forearm. Watch the area for around 48 hours, and if there is no reaction in that time (think rashes, irritation, redness, or general unsettledness from bub) then you can try it over a larger patch of skin for sun protection.
Choosing the right baby sunscreen
Choose SPF30 or higher and reapply sunscreen every two hours or more often if wiped or washed off, says the Cancer Council NSW.
Difference between chemical and mineral sunscreens
There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical sunscreens that absorb UV rays, and mineral (or barrier) sunscreens that physically block them. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and are generally gentler for sensitive baby skin.
What is the safest baby sunscreen?
If your little one has eczema or another skin condition, Assoc Prof Wong suggests choosing a low-irritant sunscreen. "Barrier sunscreens are also very good because they often don't cause any sort of reaction," she says. "And you can get them just from the supermarket. It doesn't have to be expensive." Look for "mineral sunscreen" or "zinc oxide" on the label.
Sun-protective clothing for babies
Clothing is your first line of defence against UV rays. Look for long-sleeved shirts, pants, and wide-brimmed hats made from light fabrics.
Treating Sunburns on your child
If you think your child might have severe sunburn or heatstroke, see a doctor. If you’re confident the sunburn is mild, you can:
- Avoid further sun exposure.
- Apply a cool compress over burnt areas.
- Give your child plenty to drink so they are hydrated.
Paracetamol or ibuprofen can be used to manage pain, but like any medication, use it as directed by your healthcare professional.
The best ways to provide shade and coverage for babies
Swimwear:
When your baby is ready to splash out, this long-sleeved onesie provides UPF 50+ protection. It features bottom-opening press studs for quick nappy changes and a back zip so it’s easy to get on and off.
Sun Hats:
Made from breathable cotton, these hats are rated UPF50+. Available in various styles, they feature
An elasticated cord and toggle around the head for the perfect fit
A chin cord and toggle to keep the hat in place
- A safety release snap on the chin cord.
This nifty shade attaches easily to most prams and strollers and blocks 99 per cent of UV rays. It’s made of soft, breathable fabric with a zip so you can check on your baby, and it also provides protection from wind and light rain
UV radiation can penetrate windows so it’s important to remember sun safety in your car. Available in a curved or rectangular shape to suit different types of cars, these shades are super-easy to install and screen up to 90 per cent of UV rays. They stay in place when you lower the window, too.