Protect your child from the sun

In the first few years of life, babies and young children can be exposed to the sun only at the recommended time (in the morning, until 11 AM, and late in the afternoon, after 5 PM), provided that protection measures are followed.

Since children's skin is thinner, and its protective mechanism is weaker than in adults, children turn red much faster. Unprotected skin exposed to strong sunlight can burn within 15 minutes. Follow the information on the UV index published in the media and follow the given recommendations.

Babies up to 6 months old

  • Do not apply sunscreen.
  • Dress him/her in loose-fitting, airy clothes in light colors and put a hat with a rim (at least 3 cm wide) on his/her head to protect his/her face, ears and neck.
  • Put UV protection sunglasses on his/her eyes, put an umbrella on the stroller.

Infants older than 6 months

  • Apply a sunscreen with the highest sun protection factor. Apply the sunscreen 20 minutes before going for a walk and reapply every two hours. Don't forget to cover the child's lips, ears and the back of the neck with sunscreen.
  • When choosing protection products, you should always choose those that are intended for children.
  • The sunscreen should not be used if more than one year has passed since opening.
  • When buying a sunscreen, make sure it does not contain PABA, as many babies are sensitive to this ingredient .
  • When using a new sunscreen, you must test it first: apply it on a small area of the child's skin in the forearm area and check if there is a rash, redness or itching in the next 24 hours. If there are no changes on the skin, the child may use the sunscreen.

If your child is taking a medicine, read the usage instructions or ask the pediatrician if the child can go out in the sun, because some medicines can cause skin reactions such as rashes.

Follow the protection measures even when the baby is in the car, as UV rays pass through the car glass; the best solution is to put sun visors on car windows.

Don't forget to breastfeed your baby more often, or - if the baby is not naturally fed - to give him/her more water during hot days to keep him/her well hydrated.