(HealthDay News) -- A child's delicate skin needs protection from the sun to prevent a painful burn and skin damage.

The American Academy of Pediatrics offers these suggestions to protect children from sunburn:

• Sunburn can happen even on a shady day. The sun doesn't have to be shining brightly to cause a burn.
• Use sunscreen with sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Apply 30 minutes before your child heads outdoors, and reapply throughout the day.
• Cover skin with cool, light cotton clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Keep your child shaded with a beach umbrella.
• Put a wide-brimmed hat on your child.
• Never put a young baby (younger than six months) in direct sunlight.
• Try to keep your child out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest.