Buying sun protection for your baby

It’s very important to protect your child from the harmful UVA and UVB rays in sunlight that can cause skin cancer.

It’s thought that one child in five in the US today will grow up to have some form of skin cancer – so if your child is going to be out in the sun, take steps to reduce the risk of sun damage.

It’s important that you buy a good sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. Don’t forget that sunscreen from last year has likely expired and may not offer as much protection as you think it will going by its SPF – if it’s old, it isn’t as effective. Brand names aren’t essential: own-brand versions have to meet the same standards and will cost less.

Be sure to use plenty of sunscreen, apply it at least 30 minutes before you go out, and reapply it frequently especially if your child has been in water. Remember the bits that often get missed: the ears, tops of the feet and toes, hairline and parting (if you baby has very little hair make sure he wears a sun hat). Your child needs sunscreen even if you’re sitting in the shade, as the sun’s rays can reflect of surfaces such as sand, concrete, water and snow; and if it’s cloudy (up to 80 percent of harmful rays can penetrate through clouds).

Another option is to buy a 'sun suit' which looks like a wet suit and offers a high level of protection for your child. Keep in mind that you’ll still have to apply sunscreen to any exposed skin on to him, but he can run about in the sun and go in and out of the water and the suit will offer another level of protection. Keep in mind that laundering reduces the SPF in this type of clothing.

The information in this feature is intended for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your health, the health of your child or the health of someone you know, please consult with a doctor or other healthcare professional.

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Last Modified: 03/07/2007

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