Can A One-Year-Old Get Sunburnt? What Every Parent Needs To Know

Can A One-Year-Old Get Sunburnt? What Every Parent Needs To Know

9 Feb 2023 | 3 min Read

Manisha Pradhan

Author | 369 Articles

If you’ve often wondered can a one-year-old get sunburnt? Then the answer is yes, a one-year-old can get sunburnt. That’s why it is important to protect their delicate skin from the harmful effects of the sun.

One-year-olds are more susceptible to sunburn and skin damage due to their delicate skin and lack of melanin (the pigment that provides protection against the sun). Here’s why it’s important to protect your one-year-old from sunburn, the signs and symptoms of sunburn, and what you can do to prevent it.

Why Is It Important To Protect A One-Year-Old From Sunburn?

Sunburn is caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, which can damage the skin and increase the risk of skin cancer. A one-year-old’s skin is particularly delicate and vulnerable to sunburn because they have less melanin, which provides protection against the sun. 

Sunburn in a one-year-old can also lead to skin peeling, blistering, and long-term skin damage, making it important to protect their skin from the sun’s harmful effects.

Can A One-Year-Old Get Sunburnt
Sunburn in a one-year-old can also lead to skin peeling, blistering, and long-term skin damage/ Image source: freepik

Signs And Symptoms Of Sunburn In A One-Year-Old

The signs and symptoms of sunburn in a one-year-old can include:

  • Red, warm, and tender skin
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Swelling
  • Blisters
  • Peeling skin

If your one-year-old is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention to prevent further skin damage.

Preventing Sunburn In A One-Year-Old

The best way to prevent sunburn in a one-year-old is to limit their exposure to the sun and protect their skin from its harmful effects. Here are some tips to help you protect your one-year-old from sunburn:

  • Avoid sun exposure during peak hours: 

The UV rays of the sun are the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so it is best to limit your one-year-old’s sun exposure during these hours.

  • Dress your one-year-old in protective clothing:

Dress your one-year-old in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats to protect their skin from the sun. Make sure that the clothing is made from a breathable fabric to keep your one-year-old cool and comfortable.

  • Use a natural high-SPF sunscreen: 

Apply a natural, broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 to your one-year-old’s skin before going outside. Reapply the sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.

  • Keep your one-year-old in the shade: 

Whenever possible, keep your one-year-old in the shade, such as under an umbrella or tree, to reduce their exposure to the sun.

  • Wear sunglasses: 

Encourage your one-year-old to wear sunglasses to protect their eyes from the sun’s harmful UV rays.

Sunburn is a serious concern for one-year-olds, and to prevent sunburn, it is important to limit your one-year-old’s sun exposure, dress them in protective clothing, apply sunscreen, keep them in the shade, and encourage them to wear sunglasses. By taking these steps, you can help protect your one-year-old from the harmful effects of the sun and reduce their risk of skin damage.

Cover image source: freepik

A

gallery
send-btn