Can Babies Wear Sunscreen? A Guide to Sun Safety for Kids
Key Takeaways
- Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible.
- Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen should be applied 15–30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours.
- Children can get sunburn on cloudy days because UV rays pass through clouds.
- Hats, protective clothing, and shade are important parts of sun protection.
- Sun damage accumulates over time, making childhood sun safety especially important.
While many people strive for a summer tan, it’s actually quite bad for your skin. Because children's skin is more sensitive to the sun, protecting them from sunburn early in life can help reduce their risk of skin cancer later on.
Before heading outside this summer, check out this advice from Primary Care Physician Michael Gavin, MD, for protecting kids from too much sun.
Children’s skin and the sun: Know the facts
Sun Safety Checklist for Kids
- Pack SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes before going outside
- Reapply every two hours and after swimming
- Wear a hat and UV-protective clothing
- Pack an umbrella or a tent for shade
- Seek shade during peak UV hours (11 a.m. to 3 p.m)
- Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight
Sun damage adds up over time. Just a few severe sunburns during childhood may increase the risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma.
“Sun exposure—especially burns—in the first 10 years of life can, in part, determine one’s risk for skin cancer,” says Dr. Gavin.
“Suffering one or more blistering sunburns in childhood or adolescence more than doubles a person’s chances of developing potentially deadly melanoma later in life.”
It’s important to wear sunscreen and take measures to protect your skin from the sun.
Can Babies Wear Sunscreen?
Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible. If shade and protective clothing are not available, small amounts of sunscreen may be applied to limited areas of exposed skin. Be sure to consult your pediatrician with any questions first.
If you do notice your baby is becoming sunburned, get out of the sun right away and apply cold compresses to the affected areas.
What is the Best Sunscreen for Kids?
SPF: Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to protect against both UVB and UVA rays.
Ingredients: Stick to zinc oxide-based or mineral-based sunscreens.
What to avoid: If possible, avoid products containing oxybenzone. "Oxybenzone can seep into the skin and cause estrogen-like effects, similar to BPA, and there are also concerns that it may cause cancer and other issues." Avoid retinyl palmitate products, which can speed the development of skin cancer.
Remember: Using any sunscreen is better than not using sunscreen at all.
Can You Get Sunburn on a Cloudy Day?
Yes. Up to 80 percent of the sun's UV rays can pass through clouds, meaning children and adults can get sunscreen on cloudy, overcast, and even cold, winter days. Kids still need protection with sunscreen.
What Should I Do if My Child Gets Sunburned?
There are many ways to provide sunburn relief for kids. If your child has sunburn, here's what to do:- Move them indoors or into the shade.
- Apply cool compresses or take a cool bath.
- Encourage extra fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Use a fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe the skin.
Seek immediate medical attention if they develop severe blistering, fever, dehydration, or signs of heat illness.
Summer Health Guide
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