Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and the fifth-most common worldwide. It only takes one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence to nearly double a person’s chance of developing melanoma later in life, according to the American Academy of Dermatology Association.
Since babies are much more prone to sunburn than older kids, it’s especially important to protect them from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. Megha Tollefson, M.D., a Mayo Clinic pediatric dermatologist, offers tips for keeping babies safe outdoors.
“Sunburns can be very painful,” Dr. Tollefson says. They can be a setup for infection if they’re fairly severe.”
While sunburns are thought to be short-term concerns, there are also long-term risks to sun exposure.
“The more UV exposure a child gets — especially the younger in life that it starts — and the more sunburns they have, the higher their risk for skin cancer later in life,” Dr. Tollefson says.
Sun protection in the first 20 years of life is the most crucial for protecting against long-term skin cancer risk.
For infants, it’s best to avoid peak sun hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If that’s not possible, cover the baby with shade or long-sleeved clothing and a hat.
Dr. Tollefson also recommends using sunscreen on areas of exposed skin.
“We would recommend that, at that age, parents use the sunscreens that have physical blockers rather than chemical blockers because they’re better for sensitive skin,” she says.
Look for titanium dioxide and zinc oxide when selecting a sunscreen for baby. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours or right after swimming or sweating.
Enjoying time outdoors is important for good health. Staying protected from the sun will allow you and your baby to do so safely.
