Babies should generally not wear sunscreen until they are 6 months old or older. This recommendation comes from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and other health authorities. For babies younger than 6 months, the best sun protection strategies are to keep them out of direct sunlight, use shade such as umbrellas or canopies, and dress them in protective clothing including hats. Sunscreen is not usually recommended for infants under 6 months because their skin is more sensitive and can absorb sunscreen ingredients that they may not metabolize well. Once babies reach 6 months of age, you can start applying sunscreen on exposed skin areas like the hands and face. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that contains physical blockers such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide, which are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Continue using other protective measures like clothing, hats, and shade even after applying sunscreen. Be sure to test the sunscreen on a small patch of skin first to check for irritation. For infants under 6 months, if there's no way to avoid the sun exposure, applying sunscreen on small areas like the cheeks and back of the hands may be acceptable, but shade and protective clothing remain the first line of defense. In summary:
- Under 6 months: Avoid sunscreen, use shade and protective clothing.
- 6 months and older: Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen along with other sun protection strategies.
This approach balances protection from harmful UV rays while considering the baby's delicate skin and safety.
