Baby Sun & Heat Safety: What to Pack, What to Avoid, and How to Protect Your Little One

«Growing up in the South of France, I remember long summer days by the pool or at the beach, and late evenings when the sun didn’t set until nearly 10pm. I’m not sure we knew much about sun and heat safety guidelines back then (did those even exist in the '80s?), but we instinctively stayed indoors during the hottest hours.  We’d close the shades to keep the house cool (no A/C back then!) and rest to avoid overheating (one of the many reasons afternoon naps are common in southern Europe!). Most activities and errands happened in the early morning, beach and pool time were reserved for the late afternoon with homemade lemonade in hand, and dinners stretched into the cool night air. 

Sunlight is essential for our health and well-being. It boosts mood and brain activity, regulates circadian rhythms, and supports vitamin D production. 

But both sun exposure and heat carry risks, especially for babies and young children. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the dangers, how to keep your child protected, and our favorite sun-safe product recommendations».

I. The Risks of Sun Exposure and Heat for Babies and Toddlers 

1. From Sunburns to Skin Cancer Risk 

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), up to 80% of lifetime sun exposure occurs before age 18. A concerning fact given that exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially when it leads to blistering sunburns can significantly increase the risk of developing malignant melanoma later in life.  

The data gathered by the Skin Cancer Foundation is alarming: 

• Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S. and worldwide. 

• 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. 

• Having 5+ sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma. 

Babies are especially at risk. The Skin Cancer Foundation explains that “in their first few months, babies are much more sensitive to sun exposure than adults and older children. Their skin contains little melanin, the pigment that gives color to skin, hair and eyes and provides some sun protection.”  

Infants under 6 months should always be kept out of direct sunlight. 

2. Overheating, Dehydration and Heat Stroke

Heat created by the UV rays is just as dangerous. For babies and toddlers, the risk of overheating, dehydration and even heat stroke is real. 

According to the National Weather Channel, an average of 38 children a year died from heatstroke between 1998 and 2022, most commonly due to being left in vehicles. 

But heat-related illness and dehydration can also occur at the beach, by the pool, or while playing outside, even in the shade. 

Why are young children more vulnerable to heat illnesses? 

• Higher surface-area-to-body-weight ratio = more water loss. 

• Babies can’t regulate their body temperature well. 

• They can’t tell us when they’re too hot or thirsty. 

Watch for signs of overheating or dehydration (call your pediatrician if you are worried your child may be dehydrated): 

• Skin that feels warmer to the touch than usual 

• Skin that looks flush red 

• Fatigue or lethargy - your baby appears unusually sleepy or naps more than usual 

• Babies that are unusually fussy or cry inconsolably 

• Crying without tears 

• Heat rash - appears as tiny red bumps, often on the neck, chest, and back where sweat gets trapped. 

• Rapid breathing or heart rate 

• Decreased urination or dark urine 

• Dry mouth or sunken soft spot (fontanelle) 

Warning Signs of Heatstroke (Call 911 Immediately): 

• High Fever (above 100.4) 

• Nausea and Vomiting 

• Disorientation or unresponsiveness 

• Seizures 

II. How to Protect Your Baby or Toddler from Sun and Heat:  

The U.S FDA and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend keeping newborns and babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight.  

1. General Outdoor Safety Tips 

• Avoid the sun between 10am and 4 pm, when UV rays are strongest. 

• Stay in the shade as much as possible. 

• Purchase a stroller with a UPF-rated canopy. 

• Dress your child in light, breathable clothing, with tightly woven fabrics (check by holding the fabric up to the light—no light should pass through). 

• Choose wide-brimmed hats or ones with flaps to protect the face, neck, and ears. 

• Use baby-safe sunglasses with 99% UV protection to shield the eyes and protect both the eyelids and the lenses inside the eyes. 

• Offer water or milk often. Don’t wait until your child seems thirsty. 

• Use a stroller fan, but not in the car (more on that below). 

• Use a facial mist or spray to cool your baby’s skin. 

• Apply sunscreen for children above 6 months (more on sunscreens below). 

• Check on your baby often. 

• Share these precautions with all caregivers 

• Discuss with your pediatrician the use and dosage of pediatric electrolyte solution for your child ahead of your trip and make sure to pack in your emergency box. 

⚠️ Never drape a blanket or cover over a stroller or car seat.

This traps heat and can cause temperatures to rise quickly, putting your baby at serious risk of heatstroke. 

2. At the Beach or Pool 

• Go early (before 10 AM) or late (after 4 PM) 

• Use a UV-protective tent or umbrella 

• Dress in long-sleeved UV-protective swimwear 

• Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming (for children 6+ months) 

Mom tip: I never leave the baby’s car seat in the car during the summer. Taking it out helps keep it from getting too hot when it’s time to strap my baby in. For toddler car seats, I use a sunshade cover when the car is parked and place a cooling pad on the seat before we drive. (Product links below.) 

3. In the Car 

• Never leave a child in a car unattended, even if they’re sleeping so peacefully and you just need a minute to unload groceries. I know the temptation is real, but the temperature inside can climb dangerously fast.  

• Some damaging rays penetrate glass, so use window shades. 

• Pre-cool the car before putting your baby in. 

• Dress your baby in light and breathable clothes. Avoid tight clothing and synthetic fabrics. 

• Direct air vents towards car seat. 

• Plan trips at cooler times of the day. 

• Take regular breaks in air-conditioned places. 

 ⚠️ Portable fans should never be used in a moving vehicle

—they can become dangerous projectiles in a crash. 

For more tips on travelling with babies and young children, check our blog post: A stress-free guide to traveling for new parents.  

4. Sunscreen Guidelines for Babies and Toddlers 

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends waiting until the baby is 6 months old before introducing sunscreen. “The best ways to keep infants sun safe are with shade and clothing.”  

The American Academy of Pediatrics approves of the use of sunscreen on infants younger than 6 months old if adequate clothing and shade are not available. “Parents should still try to avoid sun exposure and dress the infant in lightweight clothing that covers most surface areas of skin. However, they may apply a minimal amount of sunscreen to the infant's face and back of the hands.” 

Broad-spectrum sunscreen (meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays)  

• SPF of 30 or higher.  

• Mineral-based sunscreens (zinc oxide or titanium oxide).  

• Sticks and lotions. Avoid sprays as they may be contaminated by the cancer-causing chemical benzene (Remember when Johnson & Johnson inc. voluntarily recalled 5 Neutrogena and Aveeno Aerosol sunscreens?) 

• Apply to all exposed skin: ears, feet, hands, back of neck.  

• Reapply every 2 hours. 

• Check expiration dates and use opened products within the recommended “Period After Opening” (PAO), or within a year

III. Product Recommendations for Sun and Heat Protection 

Here are our favorite baby-tested, parent-approved sun-safe essentials: 

• Stroller clip-on fans – For air circulation on hot walks 

• Facial water mist spray – Gentle skin cooling for baby 

• Mineral sunscreen sticks and lotions – Fragrance-free and baby-safe

• Wide-brim baby sun hats – Lightweight with face, ears and neck coverage. Swimzip is Skin Cancer Foundation certified!  

• Full-body UV swimsuits – With UPF 50+ protection. Swimzip is Skin Cancer Foundation certified!  

• Mesh car window shades – Reduce interior car heat and protect from UV 

• Car Seat Sun Shade Cover – Prevent car sear from getting too hot while the car is parked 

  This section contains affiliate links. We only recommend products we use and love. 

«Thinking back to those gentle summer days by the pool and beach, I realize how naturally we protected ourselves without really knowing the science. Now, as parents, we have the knowledge and tools to keep our little ones safe from the sun and heat—so they can enjoy those magical long days just like we did, but with extra care and peace of mind».

— Valérie  

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FAQ

Baby Sun and Heat Safety 

Q: Can I use sunscreen on a baby under 6 months? 
A: Ideally, no. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. If shade and protective clothing aren’t available and you must be outside during peak sun hours, you can apply a small amount of mineral-based sunscreen to limited areas such as the face and hands, as a last resort. 

Q: How do I know if my baby is overheating? 
A: Look for flushed skin, rapid breathing, unusual fussiness, or lethargy. If your baby feels very hot, remove layers and offer fluids. Seek medical help if symptoms escalate. 

Q: What’s the best time of day for outdoor activities? 
A: Before 10am and after 4pm are safest. UV rays are strongest midday, increasing the risk of sunburn and overheating. 

Q: What should my baby wear in hot weather? 
A: Light, breathable fabrics with tight woven fabrics or UPF protection. Opt for full-coverage UV swimwear, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses when outside. 

Q: Are stroller fans safe? 
A: Yes, but only when the stroller is stationary or walking—not inside moving cars. In vehicles, secure airflow using car A/C or a product like The Noggle. 

Q: What should I pack for a summer outing with baby? 
A: Essentials include: UPF hat, sunscreen (6+ months), water spray, stroller fan, UV tent, extra fluids, cooling cloth, and a change of clothes.