When to Start Using Sunscreen for Babies

Parents want their children to enjoy outdoor activities, but kids have sensitive skin. That makes them more susceptible to skin damage from sunburn or sun poisoning. Infant skin, in particular, is prone to sun damage because it’s thin.

Sunscreen can protect your skin from sun damage. But when can babies wear sunscreen? The answer might surprise you. In this article, we look into when and how to use baby sunscreen. 

When can babies wear sunscreen?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommend sunscreen for babies starting at 6 months of age. Experts don’t know the effects of sunscreen chemicals on infants younger than 6 months. More research is needed to determine if sunscreen chemicals are safe for younger babies.

Why can’t you put sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months?

There are several reasons that experts recommend avoiding sunscreen in infants younger than 6 months:

• Thin skin: Young babies have very thin skin. So babies may absorb more chemicals from sunscreens than adults. This increases the risk of side effects from sunscreens.

• Larger surface area: Young babies also have more body surface area (BSA) relative to their weight. That means they’re being exposed to a higher concentration of chemicals in sunscreen. This makes them more vulnerable to the effects of any chemicals absorbed into their bodies. 

Most experts agree that the benefits of sunscreen outweigh risks for most people. But that may not be the case for infants younger than 6 months. That’s why experts recommend using other methods to protect infants from the sun. 

How can you protect babies who are too young for sunscreen from the sun?

If your baby is too young for sunscreen, you can provide sun protection using these sun safety tips:

• Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. That’s when the sun’s rays are strongest.

• Stay in the shade when you can to avoid direct sunlight. Use natural shade from trees or create it with umbrellas or a stroller canopy.

• Put on a wide-brimmed baby sun hat. That protects the neck and face. It also prevents scalp burns.

• Try sunglasses — if your little one will keep them on. Get sunglasses that protect the eyes against UVA and UVB rays.

• Cover as much of the skin as you can with lightweight, sun-protective clothing.  

• Avoid water, sand, and snow. These surfaces reflect more of the sun’s rays.  

These tips don’t only work for babies. They can also protect older infants, toddlers, children, and adults as well.

EXPERT PICKS: WHAT TO READ NEXT

• Pick the sunscreen that’s right for your child: Learn about the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens.

• Too much sun? Here’s what to do if your kid has a sunburn. 

• Cover all your bases: Here are ways to protect your child’s skin in addition to wearing sunscreen.

If you can’t use any of these measures, you can apply mineral sunscreen to only exposed areas of your baby’s skin. 

What sunscreen is best for babies?

There are lots of options when it comes to sunscreen, including lotions, sprays, and sticks. The best sunscreen is the one that you can apply quickly and easily. Infants and toddlers aren’t always eager to sit still for sunscreen application, especially in exciting locations like the beach or the park. 

There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral and chemical.

Mineral sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens create a skin barrier and absorb or reflect UV rays. They often contain either zinc or titanium oxide and leave a slight white residue on the skin. Experts recommend mineral sunscreen for babies, toddlers, and young children. Look for sunscreens that contain 20% zinc oxide.

Chemical sunscreens

Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and sponge up UV rays. Some of the chemicals in these sunscreens can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Researchers aren’t sure yet what effect these chemicals will have on the body. You can use chemical sunscreens in infants over 6 months old. If you choose a chemical sunscreen, the AAD advises families to look for sunscreen that:

• Protects against both UVA and UVB rays

• Has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher

• Is water resistant

Experts recommend avoiding chemical sunscreens containing oxybenzone until there’s more research on how this chemical affects hormone levels. 

How do you apply sunscreen on a baby’s skin?

Getting sunscreen onto your wiggly child can be tough. When applying sunscreen, the goal is to get an even layer on all areas of exposed skin. Don’t forget the ears, nose, hands, and tops of the feet. 

Lotions, sticks, and spray sunscreens all offer good sun protection — as long as they’re used correctly. 

Regardless of which product type you use, here are some expert tips to get sunscreen onto your child:

• Start early: Use sunscreen as soon as it’s safe, so your child is used to it.

• Make sure you also use sunscreen: Your child will be more willing to use sunscreen if they see you doing it, too. 

• Keep it fun: Sing a song or have your child read a book while applying sunscreen.

• Let them help: If your child is old enough, let them help you apply sunscreen to areas of the body other than their face. 

Here are some extra tips for applying different forms of sunscreen.

Stick sunscreen

Mineral stick sunscreen is often easiest to use for infants and toddlers. When using a stick, make four passes back and forth over the exposed area, then rub it on the skin evenly.

Lotions sunscreen

Toddlers and preschoolers may be able to sit still for lotions, but you need to rub them in, which can get messy. If you’re struggling to apply a lotion sunscreen, consider using a damp makeup sponge to quickly and evenly apply sunscreen. 

Spray sunscreens

If you’re using a spray, apply the spray until the skin glistens. Then rub the spray evenly over the skin. Don’t spray sunscreen directly on the face. Instead, spray the sunscreen into your hands, then rub it onto your child’s face.

The FDA is currently working to examine the effects of inhaling sunscreen sprays. But you can minimize chances of inhaling the spray by avoiding sprays on windy days. 

How much sunscreen should a baby wear?

You should use enough sunscreen to cover any exposed areas of skin. Dermatologists recommend using an ounce of sunscreen to the whole body. For a baby, 1 tsp or 2 tsp of sunscreen is probably more appropriate. But more is always better. 

Apply sunscreen about 15 to 30 minutes before heading outdoors when using mineral sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens provide protection right away so you can apply right before heading outside.

Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating a lot. Remember, no sunscreen is actually water or sweat proof.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

Reviewed by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

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