A ONE-MONTH-OLD baby needed hospital treatment for severe sunburn as temperatures soared during the heatwave this month.

The youngster was one of 13 children referred to Queen Victoria Hospital in East Grinstead in recent weeks for similar problems.

A further 18 needed help for burns they got from barbecues.

Hospital bosses are warning parents to take extra care and precautions as the summer continues.

Consultant plastic surgeon Nora Nugent said: “No parent intends for their child to get sunburnt and accidents do happen.

“On hot, sunny days, sunburn can happen very quickly even when you’re not outside very long.

“We encourage those looking after children to spend a few minutes applying sunscreen before they go out in the sun and to remember to reapply the sunscreen regularly. Our team has also seen an unexpectedly high number of children referred because of barbecue-related burns.

“While everyone loves eating outside when the sun is shining, please do take extra precautions and keep children away from barbecues.

“This applies even after you have finished cooking as they remain hot.

“Most of these injuries occurred while children were playing in the area beside the barbecue which was either in use or had not cooled down after use.

“If a child, or an adult, does sustain a burn, we advise that you start the treatment process immediately by running the affected area under cool water for at least 20 minutes.

“Then if additional medical help is needed call 111, your GP, or 999.”

In summer 2010 a five month old baby suffered horrific burns after an afternoon in the sun on Brighton beach.

The little boy from London suffered 20 per cent burns to his body when he was taken on a visit to the city on one of the hottest days of the year.

The hospital is advising people to follow advice and keep adults and children safe in the sun.

This includes using a sunscreen that is at least factor 30 and has a four or five star UVB rating.

Sunscreen should be applied to areas not protected by clothes, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands.

It should also be reapplied regularly, especially if people have been in the water.

Experts also suggest spending time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, the hottest part of the day.

Babies under six months should also be kept out of direct sunlight.

Small children should also be kept well away from where food is being cooked at a barbecue and also afterwards while the equipment cools down.