Long summer days are filled with plenty of outdoor fun for kids--and plenty of exposure to the sun. "Sunburns during childhood can lead to sun damage in adulthood, and can increase the chance of skin cancer in the future," says Wilfredo Alejo, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at St. Jude Heritage Medical Group. "That's why it's so important to make sure your child is properly shielded from the sun's ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B (UVA and UVB) rays."
Here are some tips for head-to-toe protection for children older than 6 months. For infants younger than 6 months old, limit sun exposure as much as possible; if they do have to be outside, dress them in hats, long-sleeved shirts and lightweight clothing that covers their delicate skin, and stay in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your health care professional's instructions.
