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Parenting

How to Protect Newborn Babies From UV Rays

Linda Fehrman
· · Updated Jan 16, 2026 · 2 min read
Sunlight increases vitamin D in the body, but exposing your newborn's delicate skin to ultraviolet rays can cause damage, such as sunburns. Severe sunburns in childhood increase the risks of developing melanoma, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. A newborn's low level of melanin, which naturally helps protect the skin, increases the chances of damage from UV-ray exposure.

Limiting exposure and taking precautions when you do venture outdoors keeps your baby's skin protected.

 

Things You'll Need

  • Lightweight clothing
  • Brimmed hat
  • Sunscreen
  • Umbrella
  • UV window film
  • Removable sun shade
 

5 Steps To Protect Newborn Babies From Uv Rays

Babies From UV Rays

1. Keep Your Newborn İndoors When The Sun's Rays Are The Strongest -- Usually From Mid-morning To Late Afternoon

Avoiding the sun completely during this time protects your baby's delicate skin from the UV rays.

 

2. Dress Your Newborn İn Long, Lightweight Clothing So His Skin İs Covered Without His Body Overheating

Put a hat with a brim on his head to protect his scalp and face.

 

3. Apply A Very Small Amount Of Sunscreen To Skin That İs Exposed İf Necessary

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only using sunscreen on babies under six months if you can't otherwise avoid the sun. Wait at least 15 minutes after applying the sunscreen to expose your baby to UV rays.

 

4. Choose A Spot İn The Shade When Your Baby İs Outdoors

If you can't find shade from a tree or other structure, pack an umbrella to block the sun's rays.

 

5. Block Uv Rays While Your Newborn Travels İn The Car By Applying Uv Window Film Or A Removable Screen That Attaches To The Window

 

Tips & Warnings Protection from the sun is always a concern, even on cloudy or cold days, since the UV rays are still present.
 

You Might Also Like : How to Read a Newborn’s Signals

 

Check out the video version of this article on YouTube

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLurEwHSX1c

 

How to Protect Newborn Babies From UV Rays

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Written by

Linda Fehrman

Linda began writing professionally in 2014. The majority of her work has been published on fitness, health-eating and relationships. Linda is well-versed and passionate about relationships, fitness and health issues.

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