Updated January 31, 2012

Childhood sun exposure makes an important contribution to the lifetime risk of skin cancer. That’s because sun damage builds up over time. This means that infants from birth to 12 months must be protected from too much sun and, especially, from sunburns.

Sunscreen can irritate an infant’s eyes, so use sunscreen only on small areas of skin away from the eyes. Use clothing, hats, and shade to protect most of your child’s skin.

The sun is a major source of Vitamin D, which is needed for good health and helps build healthy bones and teeth. Health Canada recommends that all breastfed infants should receive a vitamin D supplement of 400 IU every day from birth until 12 months.

Minimize outdoor activity between 11 am and 3 pm in summer.

Dress your infant in loose-fitting clothes that cover the skin.

Cover your infant’s head in a hat that conceals the neck and ears.

Seek or create shade. You can get a sunburn even on a cloudy day.

If you must use sunscreen, choose one with a high SPF (30 to 60 SPF).

Give breastfed infants a Vitamin D supplement every day.