Appropriate age group:
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School
High School & Beyond

Description of tip or technique:
The sun is believed to be the cause of 90% of all skin cancers, most of which could have been prevented. Because babies' skin is so thin, they are much more prone to sunburn so it? vital that you are diligent about protecting them from the sun. Most pediatricians will tell you to avoid using sunscreen for babies under 6 months of age. The reason for this is to prevent allergic reactions to the sun lotion. However, this doesn? mean that babies under 6 months can? enjoy the outdoors in warm weather. For young infants, dress your child in long cotton pants, a long-sleeved T-shirt, and a wide-brimmed hat. This outfit will keep her cool, comfortable, and protected from the sun.

If your baby is over 6 months of age, sunscreen can be used as long as you don't get it anywhere near your child's hands or eyes. When choosing products, avoid lotions that contain paba which can cause an allergic reaction among many babies. Many doctors also recommend using sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide, a substance that prevents your child from absorbing any other chemical in the sun lotion. Older children will benefit from using waterproof sunscreen so that you won? have to keep reapplying lotion after each dunk in the water.

It? always a good idea to have your child? head protected from the sun. A hat is best, but if your child protests persistently, sunscreen can be rubbed into the scalp to protect your baby? head from burning. It? also a good idea for older children to wear sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays. To avoid younger children pulling them off and poking themselves in the eyes, a wide-brimmed hat that protects their neck and ears is the best way to keep the sun out of their eyes.

Other comments or suggestions:
If your child is taking medication, make sure it doesn? cause increased sensitivity to the sunlight before exposing him or her to the sun.