Published on July 30, 2026
Summer can be a wonderful time for family gatherings, outdoor activities and fresh air. Observed each July, UV Safety Month is a timely reminder for families to be mindful of sun and heat exposure, especially during pregnancy and throughout a baby's first months of life.
Pregnancy changes how the body responds to heat. Pregnant patients may overheat more easily, become dehydrated faster and notice more skin changes from the sun. Newborns need extra protection as well because their skin is delicate and they cannot tell us when they are too warm.
This does not mean families need to avoid the outdoors all summer. It means planning ahead, paying attention to symptoms and using simple precautions consistently.
Prenatal and postpartum visits at MemorialCare Medical Group are good opportunities to ask what sun and heat precautions make sense for your pregnancy, your baby and your family’s routine.
Why Pregnancy Changes Your Response to Heat and Sun
During pregnancy, the body is already working harder to support both the expectant mother and the growing baby. Blood volume increases, the heart works more, and hormonal changes can affect how the body regulates temperature and responds to the sun.
As a result, an afternoon outside that once felt comfortable may now feel tiring or difficult to tolerate, especially during hot weather or when there is limited shade. Some expectant mothers may notice they become warm more quickly, need more breaks or feel less able to recover from heat once they are uncomfortable.
That is why hydration is especially important. Dehydration can make a pregnant patient feel lightheaded, weak or unwell and may contribute to pregnancy-related concerns. It is best not to wait until you feel thirsty to drink water.
These same pregnancy-related changes can also make the skin more reactive to sunlight. Some patients develop melasma, sometimes called the “mask of pregnancy,” which causes dark patches on the face. Sun exposure can make those patches darker and more difficult to fade after pregnancy.
Even if you have not had sensitive skin in the past, you may notice that you burn more easily or develop more discoloration during pregnancy. In that way, heat and sun exposure are connected concerns: one can affect how you feel in the moment, while the other can leave lasting changes on the skin.
Understanding UV Exposure During Pregnancy
UV Safety Month serves as an annual reminder that sun protection is important for everyone, but especially for those whose skin may be more sensitive during pregnancy. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation affects everyone, but during pregnancy, its effects may be more noticeable because the skin can be more sensitive. Too much UV exposure can cause sunburn, premature skin aging and skin cancer.
For that reason, patients sometimes ask whether tanning is safe during pregnancy. It is not recommended. Tanning does not provide a health benefit and increases UV-related skin damage.
The goal is to make sun protection part of the same routine as drinking water, taking breaks and listening to your body. It works best when it is used before you feel uncomfortable.
It is also important to pay attention to changes in your skin, not only how your skin feels after time outside. A helpful way to check moles or spots is to remember the ABCDEs:
- A is for asymmetry: One half of the spot does not match the other.
- B is for border: The edges are uneven, ragged or blurred.
- C is for color: The color is not the same throughout or includes different shades.
- D is for diameter: The spot is larger than a pencil eraser or is growing.
- E is for evolving: The spot changes in size, shape, color or symptoms.
If you notice a new mole, a spot that changes, or a blemish that does not heal, tell your primary care provider, if you don’t have one there are plenty of MemorialCare Medical Group health care providers to choose from.
Choosing Safe Sun Protection During Pregnancy
Because UV exposure can affect the skin in several ways during pregnancy, the next step is choosing protection that is safe, practical and easy to use consistently. Sunscreen is one of the simplest ways to reduce UV exposure, but it should not be the only step.
During pregnancy, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally recommended. These ingredients sit on top of the skin and create a physical barrier against UV rays.
Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. If you will be sweating or spending time in the water, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply it as directed.
Apply sunscreen generously to exposed skin and reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling off. Sunscreen helps, but it works best when paired with the other choices you make before going outside, including what you wear, when you go out and where you find shade.
Choose Clothing That Helps Protect Your Skin
Clothing is another important part of sun protection, especially during pregnancy when staying cool is also part of staying safe. Loose, breathable clothing can make a meaningful difference. Cotton, linen and moisture-wicking fabrics can help you stay cooler while giving your skin more coverage.
Lightweight long-sleeved shirts, pants or dresses can reduce how much skin is exposed to direct sunlight.
A wide-brimmed hat can help protect the face, ears and neck, which are areas people often miss. UV-blocking sunglasses can also protect the eyes and make bright days more comfortable. These steps can make time outside easier to manage, especially when they are combined with thoughtful planning around the hottest parts of the day.
Plan Outdoor Time Carefully
The timing of outdoor activities matters, too. When possible, plan for the early morning or evening, when temperatures are lower and the sun is less intense. Heat and UV exposure are usually stronger from late morning through mid-afternoon.
If you need to be outside during peak heat, look for shade, take breaks in air conditioning when possible and keep water and sunscreen with you. Planning ahead can help reduce risk, but it is still important to recognize when your body is telling you it needs to cool down.
Recognizing Signs of Overheating During Pregnancy
Even with precautions, overheating can happen. Pregnant patients should pay close attention to how they feel outdoors and respond early if something feels off.
Warning signs may include:
- Excessive sweating
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rapid heartbeat
- Weakness
- Feeling faint
If you notice these symptoms, move to a cooler place right away. Drink fluids, rest and seek medical attention if symptoms do not improve or become severe.
Drink water throughout the day, especially in warm weather. Your body may need fluids more often than usual during pregnancy.
Taking symptoms seriously early can help you avoid unnecessary risk. That same careful approach is important for babies, who depend on adults to notice signs of heat or sun exposure before they become more serious.
Keeping Your Baby Protected from UV Rays Too
The same UV Safety Month recommendations that apply to adults also reinforce the importance of protecting infants, whose sensitive skin requires extra care. Babies need the same thoughtful protection, but for a different reason: they cannot tell us when they are too hot or when the sun is bothering their skin.
Prevention is important. For babies younger than 6 months, the priority is keeping them out of direct sunlight rather than relying on sunscreen.
Use several layers of protection. Keep babies in the shade whenever possible, such as under a stroller canopy or umbrella.
Shade should be the first line of protection. Avoid covering a stroller completely with a heavy blanket, which can trap heat and reduce airflow.
Lightweight, breathable clothing can help protect a baby’s sensitive skin. Loose long-sleeved outfits and a wide-brimmed sun hat can provide coverage without adding too much heat. Some infant clothing also has ultraviolet protection factor, or UPF, built into the fabric.
Timing matters for babies, too.
Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day when you can. Morning walks and evening outings are often more comfortable and safer for infants.
On very hot days, staying indoors may be the safest choice. When babies are outside, even with shade and protective clothing, caregivers should keep watching for signs that they may be getting too warm.
Recognizing Overheating in Infants
Because babies cannot explain what they are feeling, parents and caregivers should watch closely for signs that an infant may be too warm. These signs may be subtle at first, so it helps to know what to look for before heading outside.
Symptoms can include:
- Flushed or red skin
- Warm skin to the touch
- Fussiness or unusual irritability
- Increased sleepiness or lethargy
- Rapid breathing
- Reduced feeding interest
If you think your baby is overheating, move the baby to a cooler place right away. Remove extra layers if needed and contact your pediatrician if symptoms continue or if you are concerned.
Trust your instincts. If something does not seem right, seek medical guidance. Questions about sun exposure often come up early for parents, especially when deciding whether sunscreen is appropriate for a young baby.
What About Sunscreen for Young Babies?
One of the most common questions new parents ask is whether sunscreen can be used on newborns. The answer depends largely on the baby’s age.
For babies younger than 6 months, the main recommendation is to avoid direct sun exposure. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, and there is limited research on how sunscreen ingredients are absorbed at this age. For this reason, shade, protective clothing and careful timing should be the first line of protection.
Once a baby is older than 6 months, sunscreen can become an important part of routine sun protection. A mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide may be recommended by their pediatrician because it sits on the surface of the skin and creates a protective barrier against UV rays.
Even when sunscreen is appropriate, it works best as one part of a broader routine, not as the only defense against the sun. Shade, lightweight clothing, hats and avoiding the hottest parts of the day still matter.
If you have questions about sunscreen for your baby, talk with your pediatrician, especially if you plan to be outside often.
If you are unsure which products are appropriate for you or your child, your MemorialCare Medical Group provider can help you think through your pregnancy, your baby’s age and your family’s summer plans. Over time, these small choices can become part of a family’s regular summer routine.
Creating Healthy Summer Habits for the Whole Family
Sun safety is not about one product or one decision. It is about building simple, consistent habits that help lower risk over time.
UV Safety Month is a helpful reminder that small, consistent habits such as seeking shade, staying hydrated and using appropriate sun protection can make a meaningful difference for the whole family.
For pregnant patients, that means staying hydrated, watching body temperature and using UV protection. For newborns, it means choosing shade, limiting direct sun and watching for signs of overheating.
If you have questions about sun safety during pregnancy or for your baby, talk with your OB-GYN, pediatrician or primary care provider. MemorialCare Medical Group providers can help you understand what precautions are right for your family and guide you to specialty care if needed.
About the Author
Bianca Rivas M.D., OBGYN, MemorialCare Medical Group - Long Beach (East Spring St.), earned her undergraduate degree at the California State University, Northridge, where she graduated Magna Cum Laude. She received her Medical Degree and a Master of Business Administration at the University of California, Irvine. She completed her residency training at the prestigious University of California, Irvine. During her residency training, she served as the Chief of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
She is passionate about providing evidence-based full spectrum Obstetrics and Gynecology services for all stages of a woman’s life, including pregnancy options counseling, family planning services, high-risk obstetrics, minimally invasive gynecological surgery, infertility support and menopause support.
