Even one blistering sunburn can nearly double a child's chances of getting melanoma, the deadliest of skin cancer, as an adult. You can greatly lower risk of getting skin cancers by getting serious about sun safety.

New moms and dads, your baby is too young to wear sunscreen just yet, so start by keeping your infant in the shade when you go outside. Dress him in tightly-woven long-sleeved shirts and pants, and don't forget a hat with a brim. 

Once your baby reaches 6 months and older, it's time to make sunscreen a habit, but with so many on the market to choose from, it can be tough to decide the best. Children need to wear sunscreen, but they don't necessarily have to wear kid sunscreen. Sunscreens marketed as "kid" formulas are not safer or regulated any differently than other sunscreens. When shopping for sunscreen, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends looking for these words on the front label:

Mineral or chemical?

Sunscreen formulas fall into two categories: mineral or chemical.

Mineral sunscreens are those containing zinc oxide or titanium oxide as active ingredients. These sunscreens sit on top of skin and deflect sun's rays. Mineral sunscreens may appear as white film on skin even after you rub in. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing sun's rays and usually do not leave any visible film after applying.

Both formulas work equally well; however, mineral sunscreen may be less irritating to a child's sensitive skin, especially on areas like nose, cheeks, tops of ears and shoulders.  Beware of "natural'' sunscreens, which Consumer Reports found consistently performed less effectively than chemical and mineral formulas.

Lotion or spray?

While it may be more convenient when dealing with squirmy little ones, it's best to avoid spray sunscreens. It's hard to judge just how much is actually getting on skin, and it's easy to miss a spot. Plus, sprays are easier to breathe in and can irritate little lungs. If you do choose a spray, don't spray it around face or mouth. Instead, spray it into your hands, and then apply it to facial areas. Sprays are also flammable, so watch out around open flames, like a grill.

A few more tips:

If your baby is younger than 6 months, don't use sunscreen on his sensitive skin. Instead, keep your baby in the shade as much as possible and dress him in long sleeves, pants and a sunhat.

For older kids, sunscreen must be applied correctly to do its job. This means you should:

Don't forget sunscreen on cloudy days:

Some of the worst sunburns occur when children spend a cloudy day outside without sunscreen. Eighty percent of sun's UV rays can get through clouds, leaving kids' unprotected skin vulnerable to burns. Remember to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, especially if your child is swimming. Water-resistant sunscreens can still come off if your child spends an extended period of time in water. Remember, too, sunscreen can't do the entire job. The sun's UV rays are strongest in the middle of the day, so make sure your child takes a break and spends some time indoors to prevent burns. While outside, make sure your child covers up, wears a sunhat, and spends time in shade. Finally, don't forget to tell your child's grandparents, babysitters and other caretakers about the importance of sun protection when they are enjoying a day outdoors with your kids.