Can I put sunscreen on a baby under 6 months?

Usually no. The AAP and FDA advise keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sun and using shade and clothing instead. If shade and clothing are not available, you may apply a small amount of sunscreen to small areas like the face and the backs of the hands as a last resort.

What SPF should I use for a baby over 6 months?

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, up to SPF 50. Apply it 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better for babies?

Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is the recommended choice for babies and young children. These are the only two ingredients the FDA classifies as generally recognized as safe and effective, and they suit sensitive skin and the face.

How do I protect a newborn from the sun without sunscreen?

Keep the baby in the shade using a stroller canopy, umbrella, or tent. Dress them in lightweight, tight-weave or UPF-labeled clothing that covers the arms and legs, add a wide-brim hat, and avoid direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

What does UPF mean on baby clothing?

UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and measures how much UV radiation a fabric blocks. Tight-weave clothing protects better than loose weave, and a UPF label tells you the garment is designed to shield skin from the sun, which is especially useful for babies under 6 months.

How often should I reapply sunscreen on my child?

Reapply every 2 hours while outdoors, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel. Apply the first coat 15 to 30 minutes before going outside so it has time to bind to the skin.

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Why no sunscreen under 6 months

The AAP and FDA both advise keeping babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. The FDA notes infants are at greater risk than adults of sunscreen side effects such as rash, so the best protection at this age is shade.

If shade and protective clothing are not available, the AAP says you can use a small amount of sunscreen on small areas such as the face and the backs of the hands. Use that only as a last resort, not as the routine plan.

Shade and clothing come first

Use a stroller canopy, umbrella, tree shade, or pop-up tent. Dress your baby in lightweight, tight-weave clothing that covers arms and legs; look for a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) label.

Add a hat with an all-around brim of about 3 inches to shade the face and neck, and avoid the strongest sun. The AAP recommends staying out of direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Stroller canopy, umbrella, or pop-up tent for shade
Tight-weave or UPF-labeled clothing covering arms and legs
Wide-brim hat (about 3-inch brim)
Sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection
Avoid direct sun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How and when to start sunscreen

After 6 months, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, up to SPF 50. Apply it 15 to 30 minutes before going outside.

Reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel.

Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen

For babies and young children, choose a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are the only two sunscreen ingredients the FDA classifies as generally recognized as safe and effective.

Mineral formulas sit on top of the skin and are a good fit for sensitive baby skin and for areas like the face.

Common questions

Can I put sunscreen on a baby under 6 months?: Usually no. The AAP and FDA advise keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sun and using shade and clothing instead. If shade and clothing are not available, you may apply a small amount of sunscreen to small areas like the face and the backs of the hands as a last resort.
What SPF should I use for a baby over 6 months?: Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, up to SPF 50. Apply it 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better for babies?: Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is the recommended choice for babies and young children. These are the only two ingredients the FDA classifies as generally recognized as safe and effective, and they suit sensitive skin and the face.
How do I protect a newborn from the sun without sunscreen?: Keep the baby in the shade using a stroller canopy, umbrella, or tent. Dress them in lightweight, tight-weave or UPF-labeled clothing that covers the arms and legs, add a wide-brim hat, and avoid direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
What does UPF mean on baby clothing?: UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and measures how much UV radiation a fabric blocks. Tight-weave clothing protects better than loose weave, and a UPF label tells you the garment is designed to shield skin from the sun, which is especially useful for babies under 6 months.
How often should I reapply sunscreen on my child?: Reapply every 2 hours while outdoors, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel. Apply the first coat 15 to 30 minutes before going outside so it has time to bind to the skin.

Sources & further reading

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This guide reflects current AAP, CDC, and other public-health guidance and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. ParentFlow is a wellness companion — not a substitute for your pediatrician. For any medical concern, contact your healthcare provider.