Newborn Sunburn: How to Protect Your Baby's Delicate Skin

Sunny weather gives you and your baby a wonderful time for going for a stroll. Although a little sunshine boosts your child’s vitamin D, it increases the risk of a baby sunburn. Experts say the thin and refined skin of a baby can easily get sunburned after even a little sun exposure.

What is Baby Sunburn?

When babies get too much sun, it can cause damage to their skin by UV rays. You can usually see it appear in uncovered or unshaded areas of the body, and it may appear red, irritated, or in the form of blisters.

Skin melanin is missing in newborns below 6 months, which is why they should avoid any time in direct sunlight. While it can be safe for older baby, babies are still at risk of getting burned, even during short outdoor outings on cloudy days or in the shade.

The Sign of Baby Sunburn

Sunburn in babies is not easy to notice at the beginning. Once your baby is home after being out in the sun during those hours, make sure to check their skin for any changes.

Some of these symptoms are:

• The skin can become red immediately or develop over several hours.
• Warm or hot skin can be a sign of an infection, even if there is no sign of a fever.
• Your little one may start crying regularly or be extra irritable because they are in pain or feeling uncomfortable.
• Mild or moderate swelling in the affected body part.
• Blisters are a sign of severe sunburn, and you should see a doctor.
• The presence of fever or chills might show that the sun has caused more serious problems, such as heatstroke or dehydration.
• Even a slight sunburn should be taken seriously since it indicates that the skin has been affected by UV rays.

How to Treat Baby Sunburn

If your baby's skin is sunburned, respond quickly and treat it gently. You need to do these important steps:

• Don’t expose your baby to the sun for long periods.

Place your baby in a cool and shaded part of the house or inside immediately to avoid more harm from sunlight.

• Avoid exposure to extreme heat, as it can harm your skin.

Get a clean washcloth, dampen it with cool (not freezing) water and use it. Hold the affected skin against the warmth for between 10 and 15 minutes at each session. Make sure there is enough moisture in your baby’s food.

If possible, try using extra breast milk or formula as a supplement. A sunburn makes your body lose fluid, so hydration is important for your skin to recover.

• Put your baby in soft and comfortable clothing.

Keep away from scraping or rubbing burned skin. Choose clothes made from materials that allow space to breathe, such as cotton.

• Put some safe moisturizer on their skin.

Try to apply an infant-safe, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic lotion or aloe vera gel to help soothe your baby’s skin. Do not use products with alcohol, menthol or lidocaine on your mouth.

• Observe if the child's symptoms worsen.

Should you see your baby with a fever, blisters, intense swelling or acting uncomfortable, call your doctor right away.

When to Go to the Hospital

Most of the time, mild sunburns can be treated at home; however, in a few cases, a doctor's help is necessary. If you experience symptoms, seek prompt medical care.

• Your baby is less than one year old and has sunburn, along with blisters, a fever, or is feeling very sleepy.
• There are signs your baby is dehydrated (not peeing as much, has a dry mouth, and the soft spot on the head is receding).
• Most of the body is exposed to the sun's rays.
• It has a deep red or purple look.
• One should look for signs of heatstroke, such as confusion, vomiting, or rapid breathing.

What to Avoid After Baby Gets Sunburned

If your baby is sunburned, focus on healing the skin and preventing further harm. You should avoid the actions listed below.

• Direct sunlight: Make sure your baby is completely out of the sunlight while the sunburn heals.
• Scratchy or fitting clothes might cause your skin to itch and get more swollen.
• Don’t choose sunburn lotions that contain lidocaine, benzocaine or strong essential oils. Infants can be affected by harmful substances in them.
• Applying ice packs may cause harm to a baby's delicate skin and lead to further injury.
• Blisters should be left untouched so that they heal on their own to prevent infection.

Risks of Baby Sunburn

Having a sunburn just once as an infant may cause major, lasting health issues. Because they can't tell us how they feel and their skin is much more sensitive, getting sunburn is a greater risk to a baby than to a grown-up. Some of the possible risks are:

1. Skin infection can occur from broken or blistered areas

Severe sunburn may result in blisters and peeling skin, which can leave behind injuries that may bleed and cause discomfort. Such areas are likely to become infected with bacteria, often referred to as impetigo or cellulitis, when they come into contact with sweat, saliva, or unhygienic surfaces. In infants, a little skin infection can quickly turn serious because their bodies are still creating immunity.

2. Negative scarring on the skin

If a baby gets a sunburn, it may affect the skin's structure and cause it to be more sensitive, have uneven coloring or change its texture during healing. The impact may persist into childhood and beyond, leaving the skin vulnerable to further damage from environmental factors.

3. Rise in the possibility of skin cancer

The danger exists, as growing research links early harm in the skin from too much sun to melanoma cancer later. Scientists have found that getting a severe sunburn as a child increases the risk of melanoma by up to twice in adulthood. Baby skin is not yet fully protected, so it is very sensitive to sunlight damage when they are young.

4. Heat exhaustion or heatstroke

Having a sunburn makes it difficult for the body to stay at a normal temperature. A burn injury adds extra pressure to the baby because it already struggles to maintain proper body temperature. If this happens, you may develop heat exhaustion with symptoms like tiredness, fast breathing and vomiting, or you might end up in a heatstroke emergency that calls for urgent medical care.

How to Prevent Baby Sunburn

Keep prevention as your priority for your baby's skin and the sun. The main strategies are described below.

1. Choose a stroller with a UV protection cover.

Having a stroller protected from UV rays is very important. The canopy on the Momcozy ChangeGo Baby Stroller extends to provide extra protection with UPF 50+ and blocks out 98% of harmful rays. It prevents sunburn on your little one's skin from direct sunlight as well as from the light reflected by walking areas and beaches.

2. Avoid exposing your baby to the sun, especially before they have turned six months old.

During the warmest part of the day (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.), always keep babies protected from sunlight by keeping them in the shade and indoors whenever possible.

3. Use items that block light or blind it.

People can use clothing, hats with a brim and lightweight blankets to protect their skin from the sun. Select natural materials that let air in and still keep you covered.

4. Build something that allows you to provide shade anywhere.

Using a clip-on umbrella or shade tent is useful when you spend a lot of time outdoors. Make sure there is an area in your yard that receives less sunlight.

5. You should not use sunscreen until your child is 6 months old.

Ask for your doctor’s recommendation before applying sunscreen to a newborn baby. When your baby is older, pick mineral sunscreens that include either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and do not contain added scents.

FAQ

Why is baby sunburn an emergency?

Babies' skin is thin and delicate, which makes them more prone to sunburn compared to adults. Besides pain, a burn may also cause dehydration, infection, or heatstroke. Additionally, early and severe sunburn increases the risk of developing skin cancer over time. It is crucial to act promptly to ensure your child's well-being.

How fast can a newborn get sunburned?

With just 10 to 15 minutes outdoors without sunscreen and during bright daylight, it is possible to become sunburned, especially on surfaces like water, sand or concrete. Most UV rays still manage to go through clouds on days when it’s cloudy, so being out in the sun is still risky.

Does breastmilk heal sunburn?

Parents sometimes apply breastmilk directly to the skin because it has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and soothing effects. Although it may help alleviate some discomfort from a mild sunburn, it should be supplemented with proper cooling, drinking plenty of water, and seeking medical treatment. For severe sunburns, it is best to inform your pediatrician.

Conclusion

It is essential to protect your baby's skin, particularly from the sun. Forgetting to protect yourself during a short sunny walk may result in sunburn. Noticing the warning signs, choosing the right way to treat them and making sure to avoid sunburn are necessary for keeping your baby at ease. Having the correct information and equipment means you can join your little one on nature walks without any problems.