Sun safety for babies: UV, sunscreen and prams

Australia has some of the highest ultraviolet radiation levels in the world, and childhood sun exposure is a major contributor to lifetime skin cancer risk. The damage does not always show up as a red burn on the day. It accumulates quietly.

That does not mean children should stay inside. It means the everyday routine needs a few non-negotiables: check the UV, use shade, cover skin, wear a hat and use sunscreen properly. For babies, the balance is slightly different again.

Start with the UV index, not the temperature#

The UV index measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation. Cancer Council Australia recommends sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or above, which is the level shown during the daily sun protection times.

A cool day can still have high UV. So can a cloudy one. Heat and UV are related but not the same thing, which is why "it doesn't feel hot" is not a reason to skip a hat.

Check the UV index in your weather app, the SunSmart app or the Bureau of Meteorology. In summer, protection is often needed for much of the day. In southern states in winter, UV levels are usually lower, but the daily sun protection times are still the best guide.

Babies under 12 months#

Cancer Council Australia recommends keeping babies under 12 months away from direct sunlight when the UV index is 3 or above. Their skin is thin and burns easily, and they cannot move themselves out of the sun or tell you they are overheating.

For babies under six months, sunscreen is not generally recommended for widespread use. Use the other layers instead:

• choose a spot in deep shade, and check that the shade actually covers your baby as the sun moves
• dress them in loose, cool clothing that covers arms and legs
• use a broad-brimmed, bucket or legionnaire hat
• use sunscreen only on small exposed areas, such as the back of the hands or feet, unless a doctor advises otherwise

For babies over six months, sunscreen becomes part of the routine, but it is still the last line of defence rather than the first.

Sunscreen that actually works#

Choose an SPF50+ broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen. "Broad-spectrum" means it protects against both UVA and UVB. Water-resistant is useful for swimming and sweaty play, but no sunscreen is truly waterproof.

Apply it 20 minutes before going outside, and use enough. The Royal Children's Hospital suggests roughly:

Reapply every two hours, or earlier if your child has been in water, sweating heavily or towel drying. Don't forget the ears, neck, hands, feet and the part in their hair.

Lotions and creams are easier to apply evenly than aerosol sprays. If your child has sensitive skin or eczema, test a new sunscreen on a small patch of skin before using it widely, and stop if it causes stinging, redness or a rash. Our baby eczema guide has more on caring for sensitive skin.

Clothing, hats and sunglasses#

Clothing is one of the most reliable forms of sun protection, especially for babies. Look for densely woven fabrics and, where possible, clothing labelled UPF50+. Loose, cool styles are better than tight, dark fabrics in the heat.

Hats should cover the face, neck and ears. A broad-brimmed hat, a bucket hat or a legionnaire-style hat all work. Avoid hats with long straps or toggles that could become a choking or strangulation hazard, and make sure the hat does not block your child's vision.

Sunglasses are worth using when your child will keep them on. Look for a close-fitting, wrap-around style labelled AS/NZS 1067. Toy or fashion sunglasses are not made to the same standard and should not be treated as eye protection.

Prams, car windows and shade#

Never cover a pram with a cloth, blanket or muslin to block the sun. It restricts airflow and can trap heat, raising the temperature inside the pram to a dangerous level. Use the pram's canopy, a clip-on shade or a parasol instead, and check on your baby regularly.

Shade is not a force field. UV can scatter and reflect off surfaces, so use clothing and sunscreen even under a tree or umbrella. For car trips, use fitted window shades and dress your child for the weather. Never leave a child in a parked car, even for a minute, and never let them sleep in the car unsupervised.

Heat, hydration and heatstroke#

Babies and young children heat up faster than adults and rely on you to keep them cool. On hot days:

• offer breastmilk or formula more often
• offer water with meals once your baby is eating solids
• dress them in light, loose clothing
• plan outdoor play for the morning or late afternoon
• avoid crowded, unshaded places during the hottest part of the day
• never leave a child in a car, tent, pram or other enclosed space

Heatstroke is a medical emergency. Warning signs can include a high temperature, hot and dry skin, confusion or drowsiness, vomiting, a rapid heartbeat and collapse. Call 000, move your child to a cool place and start cooling them with lukewarm water while you wait for help.

Sunburn and when to get help#

If your child is sunburnt, get them out of the sun and cool the skin with lukewarm water or a cool, damp cloth. Offer plenty of fluids. Do not put ice directly on the skin, and do not use butter, oil or a heavy ointment.

See a doctor if:

• the burn covers a large area or forms blisters
• your child is under one year old
• there is swelling, oozing or severe pain
• your child has a fever, is drowsy, dizzy or dehydrated
• the burn does not improve or looks infected

Vitamin D and the sun#

Some sun exposure helps the body make vitamin D, but you do not need to sunbathe to get it. For most children, brief everyday exposure outside the peak UV periods is enough. Deliberate sun exposure without protection is not recommended, even for children with darker skin.

If you are worried about vitamin D, particularly if your child has darker skin, covers their skin for cultural or religious reasons, or has a medical condition, talk to your GP. Do not use sunburn as a way to boost vitamin D.

A simple summer routine#

Before you leave the house:

1. Check the UV index.
2. Put on a hat and covering clothing.
3. Apply SPF50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside.
4. Pack water and a shade option.
5. Reapply sunscreen every two hours.

Use our summer safety checklist to build this into your bag and your routine. If you are heading to the pool or beach, read the water safety guide as well.

The bottom line#

Sun protection is a habit, not a special-occasion job. Check the UV, keep babies in the shade, cover skin with clothing and hats, use sunscreen properly and never cover the pram. If your child is overheating or badly sunburnt, act quickly and get medical help. The effort now protects their skin for decades.