Sun Protection

Why is it important?

Sun protection is important for all ages, but especially for our children. Our skin is most at risk of sun damage when we are born, up to around six months of age, and our toddlers may spend most of their days in the bright sun. Not only can too much sun exposure cause sunburn, but it can affect their eyes and increase their chance of skin cancer when they grow up.

How do we protect them?

We can protect our infants and children by keeping them out of, or protected from, the sun and teaching them important life lessons on sun protection as they grow!

Cover them from tip to toe …

It is important to keep them out of direct sun exposure up until they are 12 months old.

Cover their heads with a hat.
Put on sunglasses that can block harmful sun rays to protect their eyes.
Use long sleeve shirts and pants to cover their arms and legs.
Keep them in the shade (for example use the stroller umbrella or walk along shaded areas).
Use sunscreen when there is still exposed skin.

When can we use sunscreen?

It is recommended to avoid using sunscreens until your baby is at least 6 months of age.

Please see our fact sheet on sunscreen for infants and children to learn more about applying and choosing the right sunscreen for your child.

How much sun exposure do we need?

When your children are old enough, some sun exposure is important for their body to make vitamin D, keeping their bones healthy and strong. For children who have light skin, just being outside as part of normal daily activities is enough. Children with darker skin may need more sun exposure but not enough to cause any sunburn. Take them outside during early mornings or late afternoons for some playtime.

What if our child is sunburnt?

It can take only 10 to 15 minutes for your child’s skin to burn and up to 12 hours for you to see it. If your child is sunburnt it may take up to a few weeks to heal. There are things you can do to help them in the meantime:

Keep them well-hydrated.
Let them take cool showers or baths.
Use soothing creams such as aloe-vera moisturisers.
Leave any blisters to heal on their own (do not pop them).

If your child is in a lot of pain, has a lot of large blisters or you are concerned please see your family doctor for further advice.

Some myths about sun protection:

It's cloudy weather today, we don’t need sun protection …

Sun protection is still important as damaging sun rays are still present.

Exposing your child to the sun will help develop tolerance and skin strength …

This is not true; your child’s skin is still very sensitive to the sun and must be protected where possible.

This article was prepared by Dr Kevin Lam and reviewed by Dr Tevi Wain