When Can Babies Wear Sunscreen? | A Sun Safety Guide

You know the sun's rays can be harmful, but you aren't sure your little one is ready for sunscreen. When can babies wear sunscreen? And if they're not old enough, how can you keep their skin safe when you're outside?

The Mustela team is here to help you answer these questions and more. We'll look at sunscreen age recommendations and safe sun practices for newborns and older babies. Then, we'll teach you how to use sunscreen like a pro.

• When Can Babies Wear Sunscreen?
• Safe Sun Practices For Babies
• How To Apply Sunscreen On Babies
• How Much Sunscreen Should Babies Wear?
• What To Look For In Sunscreen For Babies
• General Sun Safety Tips For Babies

Key Takeaways

• The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies under six months out of direct sunlight as much as possible. When sun exposure is unavoidable, apply a small amount of mineral sunscreen only to exposed areas.
• Once your baby turns six months old, their skin is better developed and ready for regular sunscreen use. Apply SPF 30 or higher to all exposed areas before heading outside.
• Mineral sunscreen is the safer choice for babies because it sits on the surface of the skin rather than absorbing into it, making it gentler for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.
• Sunscreen is one part of sun protection, not the whole plan. Protective clothing, shade, and avoiding peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) all work alongside sunscreen to keep babies safe.
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying, regardless of the water-resistance claim on the label.

When Can Babies Wear Sunscreen?

Newborns have delicate skin. Because of this, most experts recommend waiting until your baby is six months old before regularly applying sunscreen. Newborn skin is thinner and more permeable than adult skin, which means it absorbs substances more readily and reacts to irritants more easily.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping young babies out of direct sunlight as much as possible. They also encourage using protective clothing and sticking to shady areas outside.

However, the group acknowledges that sometimes, sun exposure is unavoidable. When this happens, it suggests using sunscreen only on exposed areas. For example, if your new baby is in long sleeves, pants, and a hat, consider putting sunscreen on their face and hands.

Then, when they're six months old, you can use sunscreen more liberally. For a full breakdown of how to choose the right formula, see our guide to choosing the best baby sunscreen.

Why Shouldn't Newborns Wear Sunscreen?

The ingredients found in some sunscreen products (such as perfume) can irritate sensitive baby skin and cause a rash or another type of reaction.

In addition, newborns don't have all their melanin, the skin's natural pigment that offers some protection from the sun's rays. Until this develops, babies are especially sensitive to ultraviolet rays. They can get sunburned much quicker than an older baby or an adult.

That's why the best practice is to keep them out of the sun as much as possible. Sunscreen may give you a false sense of safety and cause them to get too much exposure or irritate their skin. Thus, most experts agree newborns shouldn't wear sunscreen unless sun exposure is unavoidable.

Safe Sun Practices For Babies

Now that you know the standard recommendations for when babies can wear sunscreen, let's look at some practical, safe sun practices you can adopt for little ones of all ages.

0-6 Months

As already established, sun safety for newborns is all about avoidance. This means keeping your baby out of direct sunlight. These tips can help.

Choose Sun-Protective Clothing

When you go outside, dress your baby in lightweight clothing and add a wide-brimmed hat to help keep their face out of the sun. Select long-sleeved shirts and pants instead of a sundress or shorts and a t-shirt. Fabrics with a tight weave block more UV rays than loose weaves — a simple test is to hold the fabric up to light; if you can see through it easily, it likely offers less protection.

Sunglasses are also a good idea if your baby tolerates them. Some babies hate having things on their faces and will immediately try to yank the glasses off. However, if you start this practice when your baby is a newborn, they'll be more used to the feel of the sunglasses.

If you're selecting swimwear for your baby, skip the cute, tiny two-piece and get the longer board shorts and a rash guard instead. Rash guards are shirts made from swimsuit material, so they're comfortable to wear in the water. Many brands have built-in SPF protection.

Stay In The Shade

Shade is your friend when you're outside with a newborn. Look for shady areas and stay in them as much as possible. This is especially important between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when UV rays are the strongest.

Here are some practical steps you can take:

• Consider using a stroller or car seat with a canopy to provide additional shade.
• Use a large umbrella at the beach to create shade.
• Bring a pop-up tent or sun shelter to provide shade at the park or during other outdoor activities.
• Create shade by clipping a muslin-swaddling blanket to a nearby table or bench.
• Sit under a tree, building overhang, or covered porch if available.
• Use a window shield on your car next to your baby's seat.

Minimize Sunscreen Use

While sunscreen isn't usually recommended for young babies, it's safer than the alternative of a sunburn. So, if direct sunlight is unavoidable, apply a small amount of baby-friendly sunscreen to exposed areas of the skin.

If your baby wears pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and socks, very little skin will stick out. The only things showing will be their face, the top of their head, their neck, and their hands. Apply sunscreen only to these areas.

Keep an eye on the time; if you're out longer than two hours, you must reapply sunscreen. And when you go back inside, gently wash it off to remove any residue.

6 Months And Up

Once your baby turns six months old, their skin has had a chance to adjust to the world outside the womb. Before heading outside, take time to apply baby-friendly sunscreen. Look for a formula that says "broad spectrum" on the label, which means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

When putting sunscreen on your little one, pay special attention to often-forgotten areas, like the nose, back of the neck, and top of the head. Go slowly so you don't get sunscreen into your baby's eyes or mouth.

After applying, keep an eye on the clock. Sunscreen eventually wears off, and you must reapply it every two hours to keep your child safe. A timer on your phone is a simple way to stay on schedule. Also remember that even though your child is wearing sunscreen, it's still best to keep them out of direct sunlight as much as possible.

How To Apply Sunscreen On Babies

Sunscreen is an important part of sun safety for older babies and everyone else. But applying sunscreen on a squirming baby isn't for the faint of heart. Here are some tips to help make the process easier.

Read The Label

Sunscreen only works when it's applied correctly. And since every brand of sunscreen is slightly different, it's essential to read the label before use. While looking at the label, check the expiration date as well. Sunscreen, like other skincare products, does expire. If it's too old, it may not work as well.

Do A Spot Test

All babies have delicate skin, but some have extremely sensitive skin. If you've never used a particular sunscreen on your little one, do a spot test the day before you plan to be in the sun. Simply apply a tiny amount of sunscreen on the inside of their wrist and watch for reactions. Redness or a rash means your baby is sensitive to something in the formula, and you'll want to choose a gentler sunscreen, like the SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion or SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick from Mustela.

Always Apply On Dry Skin

If you try to put sunscreen on damp skin, it won't absorb properly. So if your little one is wet or sweaty, dry them off before rubbing on more.

Decide Which Application Method Is Best

You can get sunscreen in a few different forms. It comes as a spray, stick, and lotion. Each type has pros and cons, so consider getting an SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Set from Mustela. The set includes one of each format, so you can try them all. Use the spray to quickly apply sunscreen over most of your baby's body — since you can't spray sunscreen directly on their face, switch to the lotion for that area. The stick is ideal for precise coverage on small spots.

Remember The Forgotten Bits

When applying sunscreen, it's easy to forget a few spots. Remember to put it on your baby's:

• Ears
• Nose
• Back of the neck
• Back of the legs
• Tops of the feet (if not wearing socks or closed shoes)
• Scalp (or part-line if they have a lot of hair)

Paying attention to all of these places will help prevent sunburn from head to toe.

Apply On Their Hands Last

In the time it takes you to blink, your baby can shove their hand in their mouth. To avoid transferring sunscreen to their eyes or mouth, put sunscreen on their hands last. Then, gently hold onto them until the sunscreen has absorbed for a few minutes.

How Much Sunscreen Should Babies Wear?

Newborns should wear the least amount of sunscreen possible. When you need to apply it, use a small amount on the exposed areas of their body. As they get older, it's safer to apply sunscreen all over. At this point, plan on using about half an ounce to cover their entire body, plus a bit more for their face.

What To Look For In Sunscreen For Babies

Babies need a sunscreen that's formulated for their sensitive skin. You'll want to look for four key things when deciding which brand to buy.

Broad Spectrum Protection

The sun emits two types of harmful rays, UVA and UVB. UVB is the one that most often causes sunburn, but UVA rays also have damaging effects on the skin and can contribute to signs of aging. Look for a sunscreen that offers protection from both. You should see "Broad Spectrum" or "UVA/UVB" on the label. If you don't, it's likely that your baby won't be fully protected.

Mineral Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen uses ingredients like zinc oxide to form a protective barrier on your skin. When UV rays hit this barrier, they're reflected away rather than absorbing into the skin, which makes mineral formulas gentler on sensitive baby skin. Mineral sunscreens accepted by the National Eczema Association meet specific criteria for eczema-prone and sensitive skin, making them a reliable choice for babies who react easily.

The Right SPF

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks approximately 98% — but keep in mind that no sunscreen protects against 100% of the sun's rays. For babies, use a minimum of SPF 30. If you'll be out for long periods, opt for SPF 50 for even more protection.

Stand-Alone Product

Some sunscreens also include bug repellent. While this might seem practical, avoiding this combination product is best for babies. You need to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, but most bug repellents last much longer than that. Instead, choose stand-alone products and follow the reapplication instructions for each one individually.

General Sun Safety Tips For Babies

Sunscreen is one aspect of sun safety, but it's not the only part of the equation. Here are some other safety tips to consider.

Offer Fluids

Babies can quickly become dehydrated in hot weather. When your baby is out, offer them plenty of age-appropriate fluids: breast milk or formula for newborns, and water as an additional option once your little one is eating solids.

Watch For Signs Of Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a major concern for anyone on a hot day, but babies are especially susceptible. Keep your eyes peeled for any of the following signs in your little one:

• Being extremely fussy
• Crying excessively
• Developing a rapid heart rate
• Having paler skin than normal (check their palms, nails, and tongue)
• Throwing up

If your baby is overheating, immediately take them to a cooler location and give them age-appropriate liquids. You should also contact your doctor for guidance. Heat exhaustion can quickly lead to heat stroke, which is very dangerous.

Use Sunscreen All Year

While you may only think about sun protection in the summer, UV rays reach us all year round. UV rays can also reflect off snow, sand, and water, which means sun exposure can be significant even in winter or on overcast days.

Make sun safety part of your skincare routine to protect your little one. If they're over six months old, sunscreen should be used any time you go outside.

Refresh Your Sunburn First Aid Skills

The goal is to use the tips above to prevent sunburn. But sometimes, despite our best efforts, sunburns happen. If your baby gets one, it's important to know what to do.

• Recognize the signs of a sunburn: while redness can alert you that your baby has a sunburn, their skin may also feel warm to the touch and be painful or itchy. These are all signs of a mild sunburn you should be able to care for at home.
• Understand home care for mild sunburns: get out of the sun as soon as you see signs of a sunburn. Bathe your baby in lukewarm water to remove the sunscreen and start cooling their skin. Use a moisturizing product with aloe vera. Ensure they drink plenty of liquids for the next couple of days and talk to your doctor about appropriate pain-relieving medication.
• Know when to call the doctor: if you notice blisters, swelling, a sunburn that covers a large portion of their body, chills or a fever, decreased urine output, lethargy, or muscle weakness, the sunburn is severe and you should consult your doctor. If your baby is younger than one year old and gets any sunburn, call your doctor right away.

Set A Good Example

Your baby is watching you and wants to be just like you. Let them see you put on sunscreen - Mustela's sun care products work for the whole family - and practice other sun-safe habits.

Talking out loud about what you're doing as you apply helps build the habit early, even if your baby doesn't understand the words yet.

Gradually Increase Exposure

Being out in the sun is a brand-new experience for babies. Start with short periods of time outdoors, avoiding peak hours. As your baby grows and their skin becomes more resilient, gradually increase your time spent outside.

No matter how used to the sun your baby gets, sunscreen and protective measures stay important every time you head out.

Keeping Your Baby Safe In The Sun

The answer to "when can babies wear sunscreen" comes down to age and circumstance. Keep babies under six months out of direct sunlight as much as possible, and use sunscreen only on exposed areas when sun exposure is unavoidable.

At six months, sunscreen becomes a regular part of heading outside.

SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion from Mustela is a mineral formula built for sensitive baby skin, and the full Mustela sun protection range covers the whole family.

Slather up and enjoy the sunshine together.