Babies and Sun Safety: Guidelines & Sunscreen Picks

We all know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun, no matter what your age. For babies and kids, sun safety – including limiting sun exposure and taking smart steps to protect their delicate and sensitive skin – is critical (and one of the best ways to keep their skin healthy for years to come). With summer here, now’s the perfect time to brush up on best sun protection practices for little ones. Use this guide to prepare for sunny days at the beach, park or your own backyard.

Sunscreen guidelines for babies

Babies have both sensitive skin and a higher skin to bodyweight ratio than adults, which means that any potentially harmful effects of sunscreen will be amplified, making it very important to choose a product carefully.

According to the FDA, sunscreen should not be used on infants under 6 months old. Babies this young should be kept out of the sun if possible, particularly during the brightest hours of the day. If you must take your baby outside, then make sure to cover him or her with long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat for the best protection.

For babies over 6 months of age, the FDA advises using any sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher; however, an SPF of 30-50 is highly encouraged for greater protection.

More sunscreen tips

When choosing a sunscreen for babies, look for fragrance-free product to minimize risk of any skin reactions. Phrases like “fragrance free” or “scent free” on the packaging will get you what you need.

Mineral-based sunscreens are also ideal, as they combine the powers of sun-blocking ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Mineral sunscreens work by physically blocking the sun without penetrating the skin, and therefore are less risky than chemical sunscreens which are absorbed. If the sunscreen leaves a residue after application, that’s a good indicator you’ve got a mineral-based sunscreen that’s safe to use on your baby.

Once you’ve found a sunscreen that meets these guidelines, be sure to apply it often and fully. This means on baby’s ears, feet, hands, back of the neck and anywhere the sun may reach.

To make your decision a little simpler, we’ve rounded up six of our favorite tried and true baby sunscreens. High in SPF and low in ingredients, they’ll help protect your baby and keep your worries at bay.

As always, check with your healthcare provider if you have any questions or before using any new products on your baby.