Sun Safety Tips

For children younger than 6 months:

  • Keep baby protected during peak UV times when the sun is at its highest and strongest: between 10am–4pm.
  • Using stroller sunshades such as the shades that Protect-a-Bub offers will allow you and your baby to enjoy the great outdoors while being shielded from UV rays.
  • Dress baby in lightweight clothing that covers the arms and legs
  • Choose a wide-brimmed hat or bonnet that protects the baby’s face, neck and ears. A baby who gets used to wearing a hat at an early age won’t resist wearing it later on.
  • According to Dr. Alan Greene, Md FAAP, excessive exposure to sunlight during early childhood is harmful to the eyes and the risk for retinal damage from the sun's rays is greatest in children less than 10 years old. Children should be taught to wear sunglasses, especially between 10 AM and 2 PM, when ultraviolet exposure is the most dangerous. Alan Greene MD FAAP
    • When choosing sunglasses, make sure the label clearly states the glasses provide 100% protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
    • Get babies used to wearing sunglasses early and they won’t fight you as much later on. For older children, allow them to pick the color and/or style and get them excited about wearing them. My kids always get excited when I tell them to put on their “secret agent” glasses.

  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before exposure to the sun if children are on any medication. Some products can increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV rays and additional skin protection may be required.

For children older than 6 months:

  • After six months, apply a broad spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) to areas left uncovered such as baby’s hands and feet. Sun block is only an effective way to protect the skin from UV rays if it is used properly. Always use with care and as directed. Sun block needs to be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure and re-applied at 2 hour intervals (or immediately after swimming or excessive seating) to continue protection.
  • Use sun block along with other sun safety measures like wide-brimmed hats, sun glasses, t-shirts, umbrellas, sunshades and natural occurring shade.
  • Start teaching your children sun safe habits from an early age and lead by example.