Babies and sunshine don’t go well together. Babies have a hard time adjusting their body temperature, so you really have to be careful with heat. For example, never leave your baby sleeping in their pram in the hot sun. Sunlight can also cause sunburn, which can seriously damage your baby’s skin.


Be careful with sunscreen
Since your baby’s skin is immature you shouldn’t use sunscreen until your baby is at least one year old. Instead, protect their skin with airy cotton clothes and keep them in the shade. It's a good idea to have a sunshade available.

Never expose your baby to direct sunlight. It's best to avoid sunny places, and be careful about indirect sunlight that reflects off water and sand – even off a white sun umbrella.

If you're unsure about sunscreen, clothes and outdoor activities, talk to your Plunket nurse.