Basic sun protection rules to keep you  safe

Rule No. 1: Stay in the shade or inside between 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Midday, when the sun's rays are strongest, babies and children should stay indoors, or out of the sun at least. Even on cloudy, hazy days, protect against the sun. Remember- there's more risk of sunburn at the beach, because of water reflection and wind.

Rule No. 2: All people are at risk. While pale people are most likely to burn, darker-skinned people can also burn if they stay in the sun too long.

Rule No. 3: Dress in protective clothing. This, even more than sunscreen, is the best weapon against too much sun.  Babies younger than one year, before they are mobile, need to get as much sun protection as possible from their clothing -- long cotton pants, long sleeves.
    You want to decrease the surface area that is exposed to the sun. Sunscreens will work to prevent sunburn -- but you have to reapply them every 30 minutes.

More clothing tips:

    Sun-protective swimwear is an excellent option. The colorful two-piece swimsuits and one-piece "wet suits" cover up to elbows and knees, providing the equivalent of UVF 50+ protection. The swimwear is made from lightweight, tightly woven synthetic that is still "breathable." These are available online, in sports stores, and stores like Target.
    Cotton T-shirts also prevent sunburn, but not if the T-shirt is white. White allows the most sun penetration. Bright or dark-colored clothing, such as blues, reds, greens, and yellows (including socks) offer more protection than pale colors. Also, when white T-shirts get wet, they offer virtually no protection.
    Sun-protective clothing Dye: Sunguard is a chemical dye that can be applied to clothes (like summer whites) in the washing machine. The "dye" drenches clothes in a UPF (ultraviolet protective factor) of 50+ that remains on the fabric for up to 20 washes. Both Sunguard and RIT clothing dyes are made by the same company. Find them in grocery stores like Publix and retail stores like Wal-Mart, Target, and Eckerd.

Rule No. 4: Use sun block (such as zinc oxide) and
children's sunscreens. These products are the next line of defense to prevent sunburn. Some tips:

• Some parents worry whether sunscreen is safe for babies. An infant's skin is not more permeable. It can't absorb any more chemicals from sunscreen than an adult. Their skin-to-body ratio puts infants at risk. Using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide eliminates that concern. Two products that contain just those two main ingredients are Blue Lizard Baby and Total Block Cotz-SPF58. Another brand, Bullfrog, contains both chemical protection and sun blockers -- and comes in a mist form.
• Don't be afraid to use children's sunscreen on babies -- in small doses. NOTE: If you're going for a walk, and the baby's feet are exposed, it's appropriate to put sunscreen on them so they don't get burned. It's better than not protecting them at all.
• Don't forget to prevent sunburn on lips. "Sunsticks" and many lip balms offer sunscreen protection.
• Read sunscreen labels closely for reapplication advice. Even waterproof sunscreens must be reapplied frequently. Also, once wet skin gets toweled dry, sunscreen must be reapplied.
• Look for sun-protection products your kids will enjoy. In general, dermatologists advise an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent sunburn in children.

Most of all, use the sunscreens you buy -- don't just keep them on the shelf.

Artificial Tan lotions: Even sun tanners can be part of overall sun protection for your kids as well as yourself. The key is that an artificial tan does not innately provide protection -- but it may have protection added in. Read labels closely.

Rule No. 5: Shade is essential to prevent sunburn. The rule of thumb is to try to always keep yourself and your children covered. The "shady" shopping list:

• A big beach umbrella.
• A stroller with a canopy.
• Wide-brimmed hats and caps (with the bill pointing forward).
• Solar tents. The little ones are perfect for a napping infant, but not big enough for anyone else to get inside. Bigger tents are available for family use.
• UV protection sunglasses. Glasses that are close-fitting, and protect against UVA and UVB rays are best. Wraparound lenses are best, because they block 5% more rays. Protective styles are available for all ages, even infants.

By Jeanie Lerche Davis,  WebMD Feature  Originally published May 2005, Updated May 2006