Baby Safety

Sun Safety

How can you protect your baby from the sun and heat?

Your baby has sensitive skin that is easily damaged by the sun, even on cloudy or overcast days. Protect your baby from sunburns and reduce the chance of skin cancer by:

1. Keeping your baby out of the sun and heat

• Keep babies less than 12 months of age out of direct sunlight. Seek or create shade for your baby.
• Try to keep your baby out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
• Never leave your baby alone in a car.
• Do not let your baby get overheated.
• Make sure your baby has plenty of breast milk to drink in hot weather. Offer a drink every hour or so.

2. Dressing for protection

• Dress your baby in loose clothes that have a tight weave.
• Use a large‑brimmed hat with a neck cover and no ties.

3. Using sunscreen

• Because sunscreen can be irritating if it gets in your baby’s eyes, use sunscreen only on small areas of skin, while protecting most of the skin with clothing, hats and shade. You can use water‑resistant sunscreens rated SPF 30 or higher and approved by the Canadian Dermatology Association. (Look for their logo or name on the label.)
• Do not wait for signs of sunburn to get your baby out of the sun. Sunburns do not usually show up for six to 24 hours.

4. Putting sunglasses on your baby