Even a short time in the sun can leave a baby pink and sore, because their skin is thinner and burns much faster than adult skin. If your baby has red, hot skin after being outside, it is natural to feel guilty, but what matters now is caring for it well. Here is how to treat sunburn on babies, when to get medical help and how to prevent it next time.
Quick answer: sunburn on babies
- Move out of the sun and cool the skin gently.
- Any sunburn in a baby under 12 months should be checked by a doctor.
- Seek urgent help for blisters, fever, chills, vomiting or unusual sleepiness.
- Prevent with shade, clothing, hats and, from 6 months, sunscreen.
Signs of sunburn
- red or pink skin that feels hot
- tenderness and crying when touched
- swelling or blisters in more severe burns
- peeling a few days later
Sunburn often looks worse 12 to 24 hours later.
How to care for mild sunburn
- Bring your baby indoors or into deep shade.
- Cool the skin with a cool, damp cloth or a lukewarm bath. Do not use ice.
- Offer extra feeds to prevent dehydration.
- Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser or aloe gel without alcohol or numbing ingredients.
- Dress your baby in loose, soft cotton.
- Give pain relief if your baby is uncomfortable, at the right dose for their age and weight.
- Do not pop blisters.
Preventing sunburn
- keep babies under 6 months out of direct sun
- use shade, sunhats and lightweight clothing that covers arms and legs
- avoid the strongest sun, roughly 11 am to 3 pm
- from 6 months, apply SPF 30 to 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours
- remember UV can burn on cloudy days and near water or snow
See sunscreen for babies and heat rash in babies.
When to talk to your doctor
- any sunburn in a baby under 12 months
- blistering or large areas of burn
- fever, chills, vomiting, headache or unusual sleepiness (possible sunstroke): seek urgent help
- fewer wet nappies or signs of dehydration. See dehydration in babies
Frequently asked questions
How long does baby sunburn last?
Mild sunburn usually improves in 3 to 5 days, with some peeling afterwards.
Can I use after-sun on my baby?
Choose a fragrance-free, alcohol-free product, or a plain moisturiser. Ask your pharmacist.
Can babies get sunburn through a window?
Ordinary glass blocks most UVB, which causes burning, but not all UVA. Keep babies out of strong direct sun indoors too.
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Sources
- NHS: Sunburn; Sunscreen and sun safety
- American Academy of Pediatrics, HealthyChildren.org: Sunburn and Sun Safety
- American Academy of Dermatology: Sunburn in children
This guide is general information, not medical advice. If your baby has sunburn, contact your doctor.