But even in the winter, children need sun protection to play outside. There are steps that families can take to keep children safe while enjoying the outdoors.
Why do we need to protect our skin in the winter?
We need to protect our skin even if it’s cool and cloudy out – clouds don’t block all of the sun’s rays! Strong sun rays can also reflect off water and sand. Over time, too much sun exposure without protection can increase risk of skin damage, sunburns, and skin cancer for kids and adults.
When is it safe to take my baby outside in the sun?
A baby’s skin is very fragile. Pediatricians recommend avoiding direct sunlight before 6 months of age, and especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. when the sun’s rays are strongest. All of your baby’s skin should be covered in clothing if they are outside. Use a carrier or a stroller with a shade or have an umbrella out at all times.
When a baby turns 6 months old, they are generally safe to be exposed to sunlight if they wear sunscreen and protective clothing. Ask your pediatrician if your baby’s skin is sensitive, peeling, or prone to rashes.
What kind of sunscreen is best?
Pick sunscreens with a Sun Protective Factor (SPF) of 30 or above. Mineral based sunscreens with at least 20% zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the best choice because they are “broad-spectrum” and block both types of ultraviolet light, UV-A and UV-B. These UV rays can cause sunburns and harm the skin. Ideally, your sunscreen will be labeled “reef-safe” which contains safer chemicals for fish and coral reefs.
Here are the types to look for depending on your child’s age:
- Babies under 6 months: no direct sunlight for babies this young! However, a small amount of sunscreen may be used on areas of the body not covered by clothing if you take them outside.
- Babies over 6 months: dry stick sunscreens are a great choice. Swipe the stick on every exposed area, such as the face, ears, neck, and hands. Dry sticks reduce run-off into the baby’s eyes or mouth.
- Toddlers and children: mineral based sunscreen lotions are a good option. Look for products that are labelled “hypoallergenic” or “fragrance free” to avoid skin irritation.
- Adolescents: if your teen is prone to acne, look for mineral sunscreens that are “oil-free” or dry matte without an oily finish.
Sprays often contain alcohol or other propellant chemicals that irritate the skin or the nose if inhaled. When in doubt, a mineral based stick or lotion sunscreen is preferred.
How often do you need to reapply sunscreen?
It is generally best to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before outdoor activity, and then reapply every 2 hours and also after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. If your family is spending a lot of time in water, you should reapply more frequently. Setting a timer is a good way to remember this!
How else can we keep our kids safe from the sun?
Certain clothing can also protect against the sun. Long-sleeve clothing, rash guards, cover-ups and wide-brimmed hats that shade the ears and neck offer the best protection (see Enjoy a Safe Summer: Prevent Heat-Related Illness – Injury Free Miami for more on staying safe in the heat). UV sunglasses can also block harmful rays to your child’s eyes. Also, look for shady areas or make them with umbrellas or beach tents.
How do I treat a sunburn?
Sunburn symptoms may appear 6 to 12 hours after exposure, with the greatest pain felt the first day. If your baby is younger than 1 years old and gets a sunburn, call their doctor. Babies can lose a lot of water through damaged skin, and bacteria can enter the burn and cause infection. For older children, visit the emergency room if the sunburn is very painful, blistering, covers a large area of the body, or causes other symptoms such as fever or fatigue.
For minor sunburns, these steps can help:
- Keep out of the sun until the skin has healed.
- Apply cool compresses which can soothe the burn.
- Drink cool water and eat nutritious foods.
- Consider ibuprofen or acetaminophen to help with pain.
For more information on this topic, check out the websites below for additional tips and guides:
For more information on staying safe in the sun, you can also call the Injury Free Coalition for Kids, a program of Jackson Hospital and University of Miami funded by the Children’s Trust at 305-243-9080 or visit www.injuryfree.org.
- Citations
- Sunburn: Treatment & Prevention. Healthychildren.org. August 9th, 2024.
- What’s the best way to protect kids’ skin from sunburn? Healthychildren.org. August 9th, 2024.
- Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburn & Sunscreen. Healthychildren.org. August 9th, 2024.
