Sunscreen Safety: Vital parenting information from Eyewitness News

We need sunlight. It doesn't only help things grow, it gives us vitamin D. Long term inadequate amounts of vitamin D can lead to an increased risk for infants to develop Rickets. But few dermatologists believe using sunscreens cause a vitamin D deficiency. So the National Skin Cancer foundation and American Cancer Society say slather on that sunscreen! Use Sun Protection Factors [SPF] of 15 and above. There are many choices. For kids, just make sure the label says it's safe for them.

Dr. Joe Matusic/Pediatrician
In the past we've always told people to wait until six months, because we were afraid of all the chemicals in the sunscreen, you can actually absorb them directly through the skin.

The NSCF specifically recommends babies under six months, not be exposed to direct sunlight. One blistering burn (a second degree burn) increases the risk of developing a form of skin cancer. Dr. Matusic has seen sunburns on babies as young as three and four months.

Dr. Matusic
A pair went to the beach and they decided to take the child in a stroller at dusk to avoid the sun, they were going at sundown. Well, the sun was coming through the side of the stroller and the child had second degree burns on the side of the face.

Several other things to look for in your child's sunscreen include broad spectrum protection protection from UVA AND UVB rays.

Dr. Matusic
One of the biggest things is if it says waterproof. It may or may not be waterproof. Follow directions and apply it at least 30 minutes before you go out.

Then reapply generously throughout the day. No sunscreen is 100% effective. So consider swim wear with SPF protection.

Dr. Matusic
Hats with the little things that cover the neck on babies, we always like those, look for those.

Swim tops and shorts are popular choices for kids to expand their sun protection. Check on their tags, many offer an SPF of 50.

If you have old bottles of sunscreen at home, check their expiration dates. They're not as effective as they get older. And Dr. Matusic says if your child does get a sunburn, treat it with aloe based products labeled safe for kids. Use Motrin if they need more relief, and if there's a lot of pain and discomfort associated with the burn, call your doctor.