How to Protect a Baby From Sunburn

Sunburn can be a very serious incident in an infant. If a baby becomes sunburned, they may need to receive immediate medical treatment. Sunburn is more likely to occur in an infant because their skin is very sensitive and thin. Read on to learn how to protect a baby from sunburn.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Stay out of the sun during the peak hours. Limit the baby's sun exposure during the hours of 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. This is the time period when the sun's rays are the strongest.

2. Use a sunscreen with a high SPF. Buy an infant formulated sunscreen with a SPF of at least 50. Coppertone makes an easy to use aerosol spray sunscreen for infants.

3. Put light colored clothing on the infant. A loose white T-shirt is ideal for an infant to wear in the sun. Darker colored clothing will attract the sun.

4. Place a wide brimmed hat on the baby. This will help protect the infant's face from the sun's rays.

5. Sit under an umbrella. If you are on a beach or in the backyard, place the baby under the protected shade of a large umbrella.

6. Purchase a stroller canopy. These canopies offer adequate coverage in order to prevent sun exposure.

Tips & Warnings

• If sunburn does occur, contact your doctor immediately to seek advice.
• You should test a small area of skin with the sunscreen before you apply it all over the baby's body. This way you can make sure there is no allergic reaction to the sunscreen.
• Do not forget to reapply sunscreen to the baby often. This is especially important if the baby has been in the water.