How to keep your babies, toddlers and children safe in the sun.

Babies can quickly suffer the damage of sunburn, so keeping them safe in the sun is crucial. Consider these guidelines from the American Academy of Paediatrics, the Food and Drug Administration and the American Cancer Society.

• Seek shade.

It’s important to limit sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. Keep babies under 12 months well protected in the shade during this sun protection times

If this is not possible, seek shade under a tree, an umbrella, or a pop-up tent.

• Cover up.

If you plan on being outside on a sunny day, cover as much of your body as possible. 

Sun-protective clothing is the best protection. For the youngest ones, doctors recommend the maximal sun protection UPF 50+.

Also, consider using an umbrella for shade.

• Be Serious about Sunscreen

When choosing baby sunscreen, pick a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. Apply sunscreen generously, and reapply every two hours — or more often if your baby is spending time in the water or perspiring

• Get a hat.

Select Hats that shade the face, scalp, ears, and neck. Wide-brimmed sun hats are the best sun protective hats for the younger ones.

Baseball caps are popular among kids, but they don’t protect their ears and neck. If your child chooses a cap, be sure to protect exposed areas with sunscreen.

• Wear sunglasses.

Sunlight reflecting off snow, sand, or water further increases exposure to UV radiation and increases your risk of developing eye problems.

Tips for eye-related sun safety include:

• Make sure the lenses bear the CE mark and the UV-400 label / label that specifically offers 99 to 100 percent UV protection.
• Wraparound sunglasses offer the most protection.
• Children should wear real sunglasses (not toy sunglasses!) that indicate the UV protection level.
• For safety reasons, only shatter-proof plastic lenses should be used in children's sunglasses. The frames should not have sharp edges, or be easily breakable.

Sun Safety at School

The brochure Sun Safety at Schools: What You Can Do[PDF-245KB] explains how school administrators and staff, parents, and community health care service providers can promote sun safety.

Shade Planning for America’s Schools[PDF-1.2MB] is a manual to help school communities create and maintain a physical environment that supports sun safety by ensuring that school grounds have adequate shade.