Summer is a great time to play outside, but it can also be dangerous for babies and young children. The sun’s UV rays can harm their delicate skin and cause painful sunburns.

As a parent, it’s your responsibility to protect your little ones from the sun’s harmful rays. Here are 30 ways to keep your baby safe from the sun this summer.

1. Avoid the sun during peak hours

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so try to keep your baby indoors during those hours. If you must go outside, seek shade under a tree or umbrella.

2. Dress your baby in protective clothing

When you’re outside, dress your baby in lightweight, long-sleeve clothing that covers most of their skin. Look for clothes made from tightly woven fabrics, like cotton, that provide better sun protection than loose, lightweight fabrics.

3. Use a hat to shield your baby’s face and head

A hat with a brim that shades your baby’s face, ears, and neck can help protect them from the sun’s harmful rays. Choose a hat that’s lightweight and breathable, so your baby doesn’t get too hot.

4. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen

Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher all over your baby’s body, including their face, hands, and feet. Reapply every two hours or more often if your baby gets wet or sweats.

5. Keep your baby hydrated

Offer plenty of fluids to keep your baby hydrated, especially on hot, sunny days. Breast milk or formula is ideal for babies under six months, while water can be given to babies over six months.

6. Avoid sunburns

Avoid letting your baby get a sunburn, as it can increase their risk of skin cancer later in life. Keep your baby out of the sun when UV rays are strongest and provide adequate sun protection when going outside.

7. Use a stroller canopy

A stroller canopy can provide shade and protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays. Look for a stroller with a large canopy that can be adjusted to block the sun from different angles.

8. Keep your baby in the shade

If you’re outside, keep your baby in the shade as much as possible. Use an umbrella, tree, or other shade structure to keep your baby cool and protected from the sun.

9. Use sunglasses to protect your baby’s eyes

Choose sunglasses with UV protection that fit your baby’s face well. Look for sunglasses with shatterproof lenses and a strap to keep them in place.

10. Avoid tanning beds

Avoid exposing your baby’s delicate skin to tanning beds, which can increase their risk of skin cancer later in life.

11. Use awnings and canopies to cover outdoor play areas

If you have an outdoor play area, use an awning or canopy to cover it and protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays.

12. Seek the shade while in a car

When driving, park your car in a shady area or use a sunshade to protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays.

13. Check the UV index

Check the UV index before going outside. The higher the index, the more damaging the sun’s rays are. Keep your baby indoors when the index is high.

14. Apply sunscreen before going outside

Apply sunscreen to your baby’s skin before going outside, even if it’s cloudy. UV rays can penetrate clouds and cause skin damage.

15. Use a beach tent

If you’re going to the beach, use a beach tent to provide shade and protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays.

16. Use a baby carrier with a sun shade

A baby carrier with a sun shade can provide shade and protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays while you’re out and about.

17. Keep your baby cool

Keep your baby cool on hot days by dressing them in breathable clothing, providing plenty of fluids, and avoiding direct sunlight.

18. Know the signs of heat exhaustion

Know the signs of heat exhaustion, which include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat. If your baby shows any of these symptoms, move them to a cool, shady area and give them plenty of fluids.

19. Use a portable sun shelter

A portable sun shelter can provide shade and protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays while you’re at the park or on a picnic.

20. Choose a safe sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen that’s free of harmful chemicals, like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and retinyl palmitate. Look for sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead.

21. Avoid sun reflectors

Avoid using sun reflectors, like water, sand, or concrete, which can reflect the sun’s harmful rays and increase your baby’s risk of sunburn.

22. Use a sun shirt

A sun shirt can provide a layer of protection against the sun’s harmful rays. Look for a shirt made from a tightly woven fabric with a UPF of 50+.

23. Keep your baby’s skin moisturized

Keeping your baby’s skin moisturized can help protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. Use a gentle, fragrance-free lotion or cream after spending time in the sun.

24. Use a sunscreen stick

A sunscreen stick can be easier to apply to your baby’s face and other hard-to-reach areas than a lotion or spray sunscreen.

25. Apply sunscreen before insect repellent

Apply sunscreen before insect repellent to ensure it fully absorbs into your baby’s skin. Avoid using sunscreen with insect repellent, as it can be harmful if ingested.

26. Keep sunscreen out of your baby’s eyes

Avoid applying sunscreen directly to your baby’s face, as it can easily get into their eyes and cause irritation. Instead, apply it to your hands and then gently pat it onto your baby’s face.

27. Use a UV-blocking fabric cover

A UV-blocking fabric cover can provide an extra layer of protection against the sun’s harmful rays. These covers can be used on strollers, car seats, and baby carriers.

28. Keep your baby’s scalp covered

Keep your baby’s scalp covered with a hat or sunbonnet. If your baby doesn’t have much hair, apply sunscreen to their scalp.

29. Use a pool float with a sun shade

A pool float with a sun shade can provide shade and protect your baby from the sun’s harmful rays while they’re in the water.

30. Stay informed

Stay informed about the latest sun safety recommendations and products. Check with your pediatrician before applying sunscreen or other sun protection products to your baby’s skin.