If your little one has caught too much sun, the first thing to know is that in most cases you can soothe their skin and ease the discomfort at home. Here are calm, practical steps, plus the signs that mean it is time to call your doctor.
First steps
The moment you notice your child is sunburnt, move them out of the sun and into a cool, shaded area. This is the most important first step. Don't wait until the end of the day.
Keep them hydrated. Sunburn draws moisture from the body, and babies and toddlers are particularly vulnerable to dehydration. Offer breast milk, formula, or water as appropriate for their age, and more often than usual.
Gently cool the affected skin with a cool, damp cloth or a cool (not cold) bath. Don't use ice or ice packs directly on the skin, as this can cause additional damage to skin that is already compromised.
Dress them in loose, soft clothing that covers the sunburnt area without rubbing against it.
How to soothe their skin
Once the skin has been gently cooled, a gentle moisturiser can help ease the tight, dry feeling that sunburn causes. Look for something fragrance-free and without essential oils.
A gentle, fragrance-free product designed to soothe can help maintain comfort on intact skin while the skin recovers. Apply softly without rubbing.
Do not apply anything to blistered or broken skin without guidance from a healthcare professional.
What to avoid
A few common mistakes that are worth skipping:
- Don't use butter, oil, or toothpaste — these can trap heat in the skin and worsen the burn.
- Don't use very cold water or ice — the temperature shock can be painful and can cause additional skin damage.
- Don't break blisters — blisters are a protective layer. Breaking them increases the risk of infection.
- Don't give aspirin to children — use age-appropriate pain relief only. If you're unsure what is safe for your child's age and weight, call your GP or a pharmacist.
- Don't put them back in the sun until the burn has fully healed.
When to see a doctor
Most mild sunburn in older children can be managed at home. But please contact your GP, call 13 HEALTH (Queensland), or seek emergency care if you notice any of the following:
- Your baby is under 12 months and has any sunburn
- Blisters covering a large area, or blisters on the face
- Signs of dehydration: no wet nappies, sunken fontanelle in infants, dry mouth, crying without tears
- Fever above 38 degrees Celsius
- Your child is unusually drowsy, confused, or difficult to wake
- Vomiting or shivering
- Skin that looks infected (increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge in the days after the burn)
If you are at all unsure, it is always better to call than to wait.
And once your little one has recovered, it's a good moment to revisit daily sun care habits. Consistent sunscreen application, protective clothing, hats, and shade are the most reliable tools we have. Our guide on sun safety at daycare and school covers the practical habits that help, and our SPF50+ Sensitive Skin Sunscreen is a gentle option for daily use from the first sunny day of the season.
Frequently asked questions
How do I soothe my baby's sunburn?
Move them out of the sun, keep them hydrated, and cool the skin gently with a cool damp cloth or cool bath. Once the skin is cooled, a fragrance-free gentle moisturiser applied softly to intact skin can help ease tightness and discomfort. Do not apply anything to blistered or broken skin without medical advice.
When should I see a doctor for sunburn?
Always see a doctor if your baby is under 12 months and has any sunburn. Also seek medical advice if you see blistering over a large area, signs of dehydration or fever above 38 degrees, if your child is unusually drowsy or difficult to rouse, or if the skin shows any signs of infection in the days following the burn. When in doubt, call your GP.
This post is for general information only and does not substitute for medical advice. If you are concerned about your child's health, please seek advice from your GP or healthcare provider.
