Health Tip: Protect Children From Sunburn

Use sunscreen and limit exposure

July 7, 2010 RSS Feed Print

(HealthDay News) -- A child's delicate skin needs protection from the sun to prevent a painful burn and skin damage.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions to protect children from sunburn:

Sunburn can happen even on a shady day. The sun doesn't have to be shining brightly to cause a burn.
Use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply 30 minutes before your child heads outdoors, and reapply throughout the day.
Cover skin with cool, light cotton clothing that covers arms and legs.
Keep your child shaded with a beach umbrella.
Put a wide-brimmed hat on your child.
Never put a young baby (younger than six months) in direct sunlight.
Try to keep your child out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest.