Sunscreen, Sun and Heat Safety for Babies and Toddlers

Sun protection by age

Under 6 months: - Keep babies out of direct sun as much as possible. Shade, a stroller canopy and a wide-brim hat come first. - Dress in light, loose clothing that covers arms and legs. - If shade isn't possible, a small amount of sunscreen on small areas like the face and backs of hands is OK.

6 months and older: - Use broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, 15 minutes before going out. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are less likely to irritate. - Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. - Add a hat, sunglasses with UV protection, and sun-protective clothing. - Plan outdoor time outside 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when you can. Clouds don't block UV.

All skin tones burn and need protection. See the toddler water and outdoor safety guide for pools and the beach.

Strollers and car seats in heat

• Don't drape a blanket or cloth over the stroller. It traps heat and blocks airflow. Use the canopy or a clip-on shade with open sides.
• Check car seat buckles and straps before buckling. Metal can burn skin in a hot car.
• Never leave a child alone in a car, even for a minute with the windows down. Put a bag or phone in the back seat as a reminder, and lock the car so children can't climb in.

Keeping cool

• In hot weather, dress babies about as you'd dress yourself: one light, loose layer.
• Babies under 6 months don't need water, even in hot weather. Offer extra breast milk or formula.
• Over 6 months, offer small sips of water with meals and outdoors.
• Use fans, air conditioning, shade and cool baths. If home is hot, spend time in a cooled library or community center.
• At night, keep the room comfortable for a lightly dressed adult. No hats indoors for sleep, and no extra blankets.

Heat rash and sunburn

• Heat rash: tiny red bumps on the neck, chest or skin folds. Cool the skin and dress lightly; it fades in a day or two.
• Mild sunburn in a child over 1: cool compresses, fluids and pain medicine dosed by weight.
• A sunburn in a baby under 1 year, or with blisters, needs a call to the pediatrician.

Heat illness signs

• Heat exhaustion: thirst, fussiness, sweating, flushed or pale skin, fewer wet diapers, tiredness. Move indoors, cool down, and offer fluids.
• Heatstroke: very hot skin, a high temperature, vomiting, confusion, limpness or seizure. This is an emergency.

When to check in

• Ask the pediatrician about rashes that don't fade, sunburn in a young baby, or signs of dehydration after a hot day.
• Children with eczema or on certain medicines may burn or overheat more easily; ask what to do.
• If your child shows signs of heatstroke or was left in a hot car, call 911 and start cooling them right away.