Outdoor time benefits little ones in big ways. Fresh air can boost energy and promote healthy lungs. When it comes to play, being outside offers unique opportunities for children to use their bodies and thinking skills. There’s even evidence that daily fresh air can help babies sleep better at night.

Time outside also means time in the sun, even when it’s cloudy, and unfortunately, too much sun can be dangerous for babies’ and toddlers’ sensitive skin. But wait…isn’t Vitamin D from the sun a good thing? Absolutely. But according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the Skin Cancer Foundation, even Vitamin D benefits don’t trump the adverse effects of the sun for babies and toddlers.

Highlights: Even spending time outdoors is very important for little ones (all of us, really!), it’s equally important to protect their skin from the sun. Baby and toddler skin is still maturing, so it is especially vulnerable to sun exposure. Unprotected or prolonged sun exposure can increase a child’s risk of: Skin cancer Burns Eye Damage Overheating Protect your little one’s skin by avoiding the sun as much as possible, covering it with lightweight clothing, and using hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

How Can the Sun Harm Babies and Toddlers?

Babies’ and toddlers’ skin hasn’t matured yet, so it’s more vulnerable to the negative effects of sun exposure. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, for babies younger than six months old, melanin (a pigment that offers basic protection from the sun) is still a work in progress — even for those with darker skin.

Unprotected or prolonged sun exposure can increase children’s risk of:

Skin Cancer

We’ll get the scary one out of the way first. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can increase a child’s chance of developing skin cancer later in life, especially if they experience sunburn.

Burns

Because baby and toddler skin is still maturing, it is more susceptible to burning, even from brief exposure to the sun. Burns can be itchy and painful and, as we mentioned above, can lead to skin cancer. Some may even be severe enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. The AAP recommends calling the doctor immediately if your baby is younger than age 1 has any sunburn.

Eye Damage

Babies’ eyes, like their skin, also lack melanin. Being in the sun without adequate eye protection can cause short-term irritation, and potentially long-term harm, in both babies and toddlers.

Overheating

Little bodies can overheat easily, especially in the heat of the sun. Signs to keep an eye out for are extreme thirst, weakness, exhaustion, and irritability. Overheating can also lead to heatstroke, which can be life-threatening.

When to Avoid the Sun

The AAP recommends that infants under six months old be kept out of the sun entirely, if possible. Older babies and toddlers can handle some sun, but only if adequately protected.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. are the sun’s peak hours, so it’s best to avoid being outdoors with your little one during that time. You can try to plan activities early in the day or later in the afternoon to get some outdoor time without being exposed to the most dangerous rays and heat.

You can’t always avoid the sun, of course, but you can take steps to minimize the risk of it harming your little one. For tips, head over to our article on sun protection for babies and toddlers.