Sun Safety and Sunscreen for Babies and Kids: What Pediatricians Recommend
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This health information is reviewed by board-certified pediatricians and follows current American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidelines.
Protecting children's skin from the sun is one of the most important things families can do for their long-term health. The majority of lifetime sun exposure occurs during childhood and adolescence, and repeated sunburns — especially blistering ones — significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. As we head into spring and summer here in Robbinsville, Hamilton, and across Mercer County, our team at Hummingbird Pediatrics wants to share what really works when it comes to sun safety for babies and kids.
Babies Under 6 Months: Shade and Clothing First
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping infants under 6 months out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive, and they are more vulnerable to both sunburn and the chemicals in sunscreen.
- Keep them in the shade under umbrellas, strollers with canopies, or trees
- Dress them in lightweight long-sleeved clothing and wide-brimmed hats that shade the face, ears, and neck
- When sun avoidance is truly not possible, a small amount of sunscreen can be applied to exposed areas like the hands and face — talk to your pediatrician first
Sunscreen for Children 6 Months and Older
Once your child is 6 months old, sunscreen should be used on all exposed skin any time they'll be outside for more than a few minutes.
What SPF to Choose
Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Broad-spectrum means it protects against both UVA rays (which contribute to skin aging and cancer) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn). There is no significant benefit to using SPF above 50 in everyday use — SPF 30 to 50 is the right range.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens
There are two main types of sunscreen:
Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and work by physically blocking UV rays. They sit on top of the skin, are less likely to irritate sensitive skin, and are generally preferred for babies and young children. They may leave a white cast.
Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat. They tend to be less white and easier to rub in. Both types are considered safe and effective by the FDA.
For babies and toddlers, mineral sunscreens are the recommended starting point given their gentler formulation.
How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly
- Apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure so it has time to bind to the skin
- Use about one ounce (a full shot glass worth) to cover an average adult's body — scale down proportionally for children, but don't skimp
- Cover all exposed areas: face, ears, neck, backs of hands, tops of feet, and any areas the clothing doesn't cover
- Reapply every 2 hours, and immediately after swimming or sweating — even water-resistant formulas need reapplication
Don't Forget These Spots
- The back of the neck and ears
- The tops of the feet
- Under the chin and lower face
- The part line if your child has thin hair
Sun-Protective Clothing
Physical barriers are the most reliable form of sun protection. Look for clothing labeled with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. A lightweight UPF 50 shirt blocks more UV than even high-SPF sunscreen, and doesn't need to be reapplied.
Wide-brimmed hats (brim at least 3 inches all around) protect the face, ears, and neck. Baseball caps leave the ears and back of the neck exposed.
UV-blocking sunglasses protect children's developing eyes, which are more susceptible to UV damage than adult eyes.
Sunburn: What to Do
- Move them indoors or into the shade immediately
- Apply cool (not cold) compresses to the burned area
- Keep the skin well-moisturized with a fragrance-free lotion or aloe vera gel
- A child-appropriate pain reliever can reduce discomfort — follow package dosing instructions for your child's age and weight
- Keep your child well-hydrated with water
- Avoid popping any blisters that form, as this increases the risk of infection
When to Call Our Office
- Your child has a severe sunburn with extensive blistering
- A sunburned child develops a fever, chills, or signs of dehydration
- A burn becomes infected (increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge)
- A baby under 1 year gets any significant sunburn
Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Sun and heat together can cause heat-related illness — especially in young children who don't always think to take a break or drink water.
Heat exhaustion signs: heavy sweating, cool or pale skin, rapid pulse, nausea, dizziness, and weakness.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency: hot and dry skin (sweating stops), confusion, very high body temperature. Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke.
For heat exhaustion: move your child to a cool area immediately, remove excess clothing, apply cool wet cloths, and offer fluids. Call our office or seek urgent care if symptoms don't improve quickly.
Our team is happy to answer any questions about sun safety for your child's specific skin type or needs. A few simple habits now protect their skin for life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use sunscreen on my baby?
The American Academy of Pediatrics advises keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight as the primary strategy — shade, protective clothing, and hats are the first line of defense. If sun exposure is unavoidable, a small amount of mineral sunscreen (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) can be applied to exposed areas like the face and backs of the hands. For babies 6 months and older, broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen is recommended on all exposed skin.
How much sunscreen should I apply and how often?
Most people apply far too little sunscreen. For a school-age child, about one ounce (a full shot glass) is needed to cover the entire body. Apply it 15–30 minutes before going outside to allow it to absorb. Reapply every 2 hours, and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating regardless of the product's water resistance rating. No sunscreen is truly waterproof.
What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens?
Mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and work by physically blocking UV rays. They are less likely to irritate sensitive skin and are generally preferred for young children. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation through chemical reactions in the skin. Both provide effective protection when used correctly. Look for broad-spectrum coverage (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays) in either type, with SPF 30 or higher.
My child got a sunburn. What should I do?
Cool the skin with cool (not cold) water or a damp cloth — do not apply ice. Give your child plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Aloe vera gel can soothe mild burns. Children's pain relievers can help with discomfort. Keep sunburned skin covered and out of the sun while it heals. See a doctor for blistering, sunburn covering a large area, fever, chills, significant pain, or signs of dehydration. A blistering sunburn in childhood meaningfully increases lifetime skin cancer risk.
How do I know if my child has heat exhaustion versus heat stroke?
Heat exhaustion causes heavy sweating, weakness, cool and pale skin, fast or weak pulse, nausea, and muscle cramps. Move your child to a cool place, give fluids, and apply cool wet cloths. Heat stroke is a medical emergency — the body temperature rises above 104°F, skin is hot and red and may be dry or damp, the pulse is rapid and strong, and your child may be confused or unconscious. Call 911 immediately for heat stroke and cool your child rapidly while waiting for emergency help.
Need Personal Guidance?
This article provides general information. For questions specific to your child's health, please call our office or book an appointment online.