How to protect your baby from the sun

As summer approaches, many parents wonder how to protect their baby from the sun. Here are a few tips to reduce the impact of the sun's rays on your infant's skin.

Everyone spending time in the sun, including young children, is strongly advised to protect their skin with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning one that works against both UVA and UVB rays. The sun protection factor (SPF) should be at least 30, depending on skin type, age and how much exposure is involved.

A baby's skin is thinner and more fragile, which greatly limits their protection in the first months of life. As a result, sun exposure can trigger various skin reactions such as sunburn, hives, allergies, fever or dehydration. Frequent, prolonged sun exposure without protection at a young age can make their skin more prone, in the medium and long term, to significant skin and health problems. ‍

For fair-skinned children, or those with freckles or moles: be extra careful, they are at higher risk.

It's worth noting that babies with dark or Black skin need to be protected from the sun just as much as babies with fairer skin.‍

How do you protect a young baby from the sun?

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Choosing the product:

• Before 6 months: a mineral sunscreen is preferable to a chemical one. Mineral sunscreen, usually zinc oxide based, reflects the sun's rays. (Careful, avoid applying it near the eyes.)
• After 6 months: you can use the same sunscreen as an adult, choosing a sun protection factor of at least SPF 30.
• Go for a sunscreen above SPF 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB, and for photosensitive children, between SPF 40 and 60.
• Choose a cream sunscreen rather than a spray, since it goes on more evenly.
• A lip balm with UV protection of at least SPF 30 is also recommended.
  

Application tips:

• Apply sunscreen every time you go out, even on cloudier days, because the rays get through the clouds.
• Sunscreen should be applied about 20 to 30 minutes before heading outside, then reapplied at least every 2 hours.
• After swimming or water play, pat the body dry and reapply sunscreen.
  

Other tips:

• Light, long clothing is recommended, along with a wide-brimmed hat. If possible, choose clothing that offers UV protection.
• For comfort, go for light-coloured fabrics made of materials such as cotton, linen, hemp or bamboo*.
• Sunglasses are recommended. They should be labelled UV400 or 100% UV protection.
• The sun is generally strongest in the middle of the day. Favour outings before 11 a.m. and after 3 p.m.
• Choose shaded spots or use a sunshade (stroller), a UV-protection tent, an umbrella... Careful! It is not recommended to cover a stroller or car seat with a blanket, since the temperature inside climbs quickly.

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For the general population, repeated, unprotected exposure to the sun's UVA and UVB rays can lead to an increased risk of skin cancer. According to the latest data from the Canadian Dermatology Association, the statistics keep rising. The situation is concerning and calls for awareness and prevention, starting at a young age.

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References:

• INSPQ 2025: Protecting your baby from the sun https://www.inspq.qc.ca/mieux-vivre/sante/bebe-en-securite/proteger-votre-bebe-du-soleil
• Naître et grandir 2021: Sun: how to protect your baby https://naitreetgrandir.com/fr/sante/naitre-grandir-sante-soleil-creme-solaire/
• Canadian Dermatology Association: Everyday sun safety. https://dermatologue.ca/patients-et-grand-public/protection-solaire/prudence-soleil-quotidien/
• Government of Canada 2018: Sun safety tips for parents https://www.canada.ca/fr/sante-canada/services/securite-soleil/conseils-securite-soleil-pour-parents.html

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