Sunburns and Kids: What Parents Need to Know to Keep Summer Safe 

There’s nothing like a sunny summer day to bring out smiles, giggles, and sunscreen bottles. But while sunshine is great for outdoor fun and Vitamin D, it also brings a real risk of sunburn, especially for young children. In fact, sunburns are a common reason families visit our urgent care during the summer months. 

The good news? Most sunburns are completely preventable with just a little preparation and a few smart habits. Whether you’re caring for a newborn or chasing toddlers around the sprinkler, here’s what you need to know to keep your kids safe from the sun. 

Under 6 Months: Skip the Sunscreen, Embrace the Shade 

If you have a baby under 6 months old, it’s important to know that sunscreen is not recommended for infants this young. Both the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advise against using sunscreen on babies under six months due to their extra-sensitive skin. 

So how can you protect your baby from sunburn? Follow these sun-smart tips: 

• Keep babies out of direct sunlight: Especially between 10 AM and 4 PM when UV rays are strongest. 

• Dress them in UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) clothing: Long sleeves, pants, and wide-brimmed hats offer excellent protection. 

• Use a stroller with a sunshade or create your own shaded area: Portable umbrellas and pop-up tents are perfect for parks, beaches, and even backyard outings. 

• If the child is tucked into a stroller, be sure to check their temperature often to ensure they are not overheating. Portable stroller fans are also a great idea!  

• Be cautious of reflected sunlight: Surfaces like water, sand, and concrete can bounce UV rays back up, even if your baby is in the shade. 

If avoiding sun exposure entirely isn’t possible, say, during a family outing or hike, a baby-safe mineral sunscreen may be used on small, exposed areas like the back of the hands or cheeks. Just remember shade is always the safest option. 

6 Months and Older: Sunscreen Is In, But So Are Smart Habits 

Once your child hits the 6-month mark, sunscreen becomes a key tool in your summer safety kit. But it’s not the only one! Here’s how to layer up your child’s sun protection strategy: 

• Use a mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreen: Look for SPF 30 or higher. Mineral formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are a gentle and effective option. 

• Apply it correctly: Sunscreen needs about 15 minutes to absorb, so apply it before heading outside. Reapply every two hours, or more often if your child is sweating, swimming, or towel-drying. 

• Cover all exposed areas: Don’t forget commonly missed spots like the tops of feet, ears, the back of the neck, and even the scalp for kids with fine or thin hair. 

• Don’t rely on sunscreen alone: Hats with wide brims, UV-blocking sunglasses, and UPF-rated shirts or swimsuits provide consistent coverage that doesn’t wash off or fade. 

• Make it a habit: Set a good example by protecting your own skin too. Kids who see parents prioritizing sun safety are more likely to adopt the same habits. 

Recognizing and Treating Sunburn in Kids 

Despite the best efforts, sunburns can still happen. Redness, pain, warmth, and peeling skin are all signs of sunburn. In more serious cases, you may also see blisters, fever, chills, or signs of dehydration. If that happens, we’re here to help. 

Here are some general steps you can take at home: 

• Move your child out of the sun immediately. 

• Cool the skin with a lukewarm bath or damp cloth. 

• Apply aloe vera or a gentle moisturizer to soothe and hydrate the skin. 

• Give age-appropriate pain relievers, like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if your child is uncomfortable. 

• Encourage extra fluids to prevent dehydration. 

If your child has severe sunburn, blisters that cover a large area, signs of heat exhaustion, or symptoms that worsen instead of improve, don’t hesitate to bring them in to see us. Our providers are experienced in caring for sunburned skin and can help your little one feel better fast. 

Summer Fun Starts with Sun Smarts 

The sun doesn’t have to be scary, it just requires respect. With the right mix of shade, protective clothing, and sunscreen, your family can enjoy all the fun that summer has to offer while staying safe from harmful UV rays. 

Remember, sunburns in childhood don’t just cause short-term pain, they can increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. The steps you take now really do matter in the prevention of skin cancer later. 

And, if a burn does sneak past your best efforts, we’re here to help. From prevention to treatment, your child’s health and comfort are always our priority.