Sun Safety for babies (1081)

Babies need fresh air and light, but too much sun can be harmful. Baby skin is delicate and burns easily. Researchers have recently found that severe sunburn in childhood can lead to a greater risk of the most deadly form of skin cancer later in life.

Here are some simple steps that can help you and baby enjoy the sun without sunburn:

* Stay out of the sun from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. when the sun's rays are strongest.

* Keep baby in the shade.

* Put a hat on baby, and dress baby in lightweight clothes that cover the body.

* Protect baby from sunburn whenever you go outside for any length of time, since baby can also get a sunburn on overcast days.

* When baby is older than 6 months, always put sunscreen lotions on baby and yourself when you'll be in the sun. The lotion should have a 15 or higher SPF- (sun protection factor). Test a small area on your baby's skin for a possible reaction before applying all over. Put the lotion on 30 minutes before you go out. Reapply lotion every 2 hours.

* If you use a stroller, keep the sun shade on. If you or baby do get sunburned, put cool, wet towels on the burns. Call the doctor for burns that produce a fever or blisters.

For more information on this subject, Please visit the College of Agricultural Sciences Publications Web site.

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