Treating Sunburn in Babies and Toddlers

Sun Exposure and Sunburn in Babies Under 6 Months

Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight because their skin is extremely thin and sensitive, making them highly susceptible to sunburn. Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months. Instead, protect your baby with shade, lightweight clothing that covers arms and legs, and a wide-brimmed hat. If your baby under 6 months gets any degree of sunburn, contact your pediatrician, as it is considered a medical concern at this age.

Baby Swimming and Pool Safety by Age

Babies can be introduced to water as early as 1-2 months in a warm, clean pool under close supervision, though the AAP recommends formal swim lessons starting at age 1. The water should be at least 84F (29C) for young babies. Drowning is the leading cause of death in children ages 1-4, making water safety critical. No child should ever be in or near water without direct, arms-reach adult supervision. Infant "survival swim" programs are not a substitute for active supervision.

Baby Rash from New Laundry Detergent

Rashes from laundry detergent are a form of contact dermatitis and appear as red, itchy patches where clothing touches the skin. Baby skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, making it more prone to irritation from fragrances, dyes, and chemicals in detergents. Switching to a fragrance-free, dye-free detergent and rewashing affected clothing usually resolves the rash within a few days.

My Baby Has an Extra Nipple (Accessory Nipple)

Accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies.

My Baby Was Born with a Raw Spot on Their Scalp (Aplasia Cutis)

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a condition where a baby is born with a small area of missing skin, most commonly on the scalp. It occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births. The affected area may look like a raw wound, an ulcer, or may have already healed into a thin, shiny scar by the time of birth. Most cases are small, isolated, and heal well with basic wound care — the area eventually forms a hairless scar. Larger defects or those associated with other findings may need more investigation, but isolated small ACC has an excellent prognosis.

New Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Children

Treatment for atopic dermatitis in children has advanced significantly in recent years. While moisturizers and topical steroids remain first-line treatments, newer options include non-steroidal topical medications (like crisaborole), biologic therapies (like dupilumab, approved for children 6 months and older), and JAK inhibitors. Most children's eczema is well-managed with basic skin care and mild topical treatments, but these newer options provide hope for moderate-to-severe cases.