A 4-month-old child should be kept out of the sun if at all possible, but in some cases it just can't be prevented. Fortunately, there are plenty of options for protecting your baby from UVA and UVB rays, including the use of sunscreen in appropriate amounts. As your baby gets older, his skin will be able to handle the sun better, but you'll still need to continue taking proper precautions to prevent skin damage even as he grows into a toddler and school-aged child.
Dangers of Sun Exposure
Even short-term exposure to direct sunlight can cause harm to a 4-month-old in the form of sunburns and heat stroke. Both conditions can lead to dehydration, which can be especially dangerous in a baby. A sunburned baby also might develop a fever in addition to the pain and discomfort of the burn. In addition, if your baby gets sunburned as an infant, it can raise her risk of the skin cancer melanoma and wrinkles later in life. Because a baby's skin is thinner and paler than an adult's, it is more vulnerable to the effects of UV rays.
Sunscreen for Babies
While the recommendation used to be to avoid sunscreen on any babies under 6 months of age, the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that parents put sunscreen on small exposed areas of young babies, such as the hands and face, if shade and protective clothing are unavailable. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. The SPF indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. Also look for a sunscreen with four UVA stars, which provides the most protection from this particular type of UV light. Sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium oxide also are good, since they form a physical barrier against the sun. Apply the sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours for as long as your baby is outside or whenever he comes out of the water if you are at a pool or beach.
Other Sun Protection Techniques
Avoid taking your young baby outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are strongest. When you do take your infant outside, use a sunshade for his stroller or carriage. Stick to shaded areas, such as underneath a tree or awning, when spending time outdoors. An outdoor sun tent can help keep your baby protected if you plan on spending a long period outdoors. Dress your baby in protective clothing, including a loose long-sleeved shirt, a hat with a brim that protects both the front and ears and baby-size sunglasses. Some baby clothing comes with built-in UV protection.
Considerations
Before slathering sunscreen on your baby, test it on your baby's skin 48 hours beforehand. Apply a small amount of the sunscreen to a small patch of your baby's skin on the back of her hand and watch for any reaction over the next 12 to 24 hours. If your baby develops a rash or redness, you might need to try a different sunscreen. Look for formulas designed for sensitive skin, but test these as well, just in case your baby has a reaction to a particular ingredient.
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