The sun is finally out and your child wants to be outside. You want them to enjoy the warmth — but children's skin is far more vulnerable to UV radiation than adult skin, and sunburns in childhood increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.

Sun protection for children doesn't have to be complicated. With a few simple steps, the whole family can enjoy summer safely. Here's everything you need to know.

Babies under 6 months: Avoid direct sun

Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. Their skin is very thin, has little melanin (natural pigment), and is especially vulnerable to UV radiation.

Protective measures for the very youngest:

Keep the baby in the shade — under an umbrella, a tree, or a stroller canopy
Use clothing that covers arms and legs (light, breathable fabrics)
Put on a sun hat with a brim that protects the face, ears, and neck
Avoid being outside between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on sunny days
Strollers can have a sun shade, but watch for ventilation — it can get dangerously hot under tight covers

Never cover a stroller with a blanket or cloth to block the sun. It can create a greenhouse effect where the temperature inside the stroller rises rapidly to dangerous levels. Use a breathable sun shade designed for strollers instead.

Sunscreen for babies under 6 months?

The AAP and FDA advise against using sunscreen on babies under 6 months. Baby skin is thin and absorbs substances more readily than older children's skin. Shade and clothing are the best protection.

If it is truly unavoidable to keep the baby out of direct sun, a thin layer of mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) can be applied to exposed areas such as the face and hands. Consult your pediatrician or pharmacist for guidance.

Babies 6–12 months: Sunscreen on exposed skin

From 6 months of age, you can start using sunscreen on skin not covered by clothing.

Recommendations:

SPF 50+ for babies — baby skin needs high protection
Choose fragrance-free sunscreen formulated for children
Mineral/physical filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are preferred — they sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed
Apply 15–20 minutes before going outside
Reapply after sweating, swimming, or toweling off
Clothing and shade remain the first line of defense

Mineral vs. chemical filters: Mineral sunscreen (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) reflects UV rays from the skin's surface. Chemical sunscreen absorbs UV rays within the skin. For babies and children with sensitive skin, mineral filters are the safest choice. They may leave a white cast, but many newer formulas are nearly invisible.

Children from 1 year: How to apply correctly

Older babies and toddlers are more active outdoors, and sun protection becomes a daily summer routine.

Choose the right sunscreen

SPF minimum 30, ideally SPF 50+
The sunscreen should protect against both UVA and UVB (look for the UVA circle on the packaging)
Water-resistant is a plus for active children
Fragrance-free and formulated for children

How much sunscreen is needed?

Most people use too little sunscreen. The rule of thumb is:

1 teaspoon per body part — face, each arm, each leg, chest, back
For a small child, about 3–4 teaspoons are needed for the whole body
For a larger child, about 5–6 teaspoons
Apply an even, generous layer — a thin layer provides poor protection

When to reapply?

Every 2 hours when spending time in the sun
After swimming — even if the sunscreen is water-resistant
After sweating or toweling off
Water-resistant sunscreen holds up for about 40–80 minutes in water, but should be reapplied after that

Tip for toddlers who won't stand still: Use sunscreen in spray or stick format for the face. Make it a game — let your child help "apply" to a doll or stuffed animal first. Some children enjoy tinted sunscreens that show where you've applied.

Parent caring for child in a warm, light-filled home

Sun protection beyond sunscreen

Sunscreen is just one part of sun protection. The AAP recommends a comprehensive approach.

Clothing is best

Clothing is the most effective sun protection. Choose:

Sun hat with a brim — protects face, ears, and neck. A legionnaire hat (with neck flap) is ideal
Long-sleeved, lightweight tops in tightly woven fabric. Clothing with UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) labeling provides documented protection
Light, long pants for everyday use
UV rash guard for swimming — covers shoulders, back, and thighs

Dark and tightly woven fabrics provide better UV protection than light, loosely woven ones. A regular white T-shirt offers only about SPF 5–7. Wet clothing provides even less protection. UV clothing rated UPF 50+ is a safe choice for swimming and beach play.

Shade during the strongest hours

Seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — that's when UV radiation is strongest
Remember that clouds let through 50–80 percent of UV radiation. You can get sunburned on overcast days
Use an umbrella, sun canopy, or natural shade from trees

Sunglasses for children

Children's eyes are more vulnerable to UV rays than adults'. Choose sunglasses that:

Have UV400 or CE marking (blocks 99–100% of UV)
Fit well and don't slip off
Have a flexible frame and an elastic band around the head for the youngest
Sunglasses can be used from about 6 months of age

Outdoor and water activities

At beaches and pool visits, your child's skin is especially exposed because water reflects UV rays and wind can cool the skin so you don't notice the burning.

Bring an umbrella or sun canopy to the beach
Use a UV rash guard on your baby for swimming
Reapply sunscreen after every swim
Have plenty of drinking water available — children dehydrate faster in the heat

What to do about sunburn

Even with good protection, accidents happen. If your child has gotten sunburned:

Cool the skin with lukewarm (not cold) water or cool, damp compresses
Apply moisturizer — aloe vera or fragrance-free aftersun lotion
Offer fluids — sunburn can cause fluid loss
Children's acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be given for pain (age-appropriate dosing)
Keep the child out of the sun for the following days until the skin has healed
Loose, soft clothing that doesn't rub against the skin

Contact your pediatrician or seek medical care if your child: Is under 1 year and has gotten sunburned, has large blisters on the skin, has fever, chills, or nausea, seems dehydrated (little urine, dry lips), or has sunburn over large parts of the body.

Attentive parent with baby in a calm, cozy setting

Frequently asked questions

Can babies get vitamin D from sun exposure without sunscreen?

Breastfed infants are recommended to receive vitamin D drops (400 IU daily) from about the first few days of life through 12 months, regardless of sun exposure, per the AAP. Formula-fed babies who drink at least 32 oz / 1 liter of formula per day typically get enough vitamin D from the formula. You don't need to expose your baby to sun to ensure adequate vitamin D levels.

Is it safe to use adult sunscreen on children?

Children's skin is more sensitive. Children's sunscreens are formulated without fragrance and irritating ingredients. Sunscreen labeled for children is preferable, but in an emergency, adult sunscreen is better than none.

What about insect repellent and sunscreen — can both be used?

Yes, but apply sunscreen first and let it dry for 15–20 minutes. Then apply insect repellent on top. Never use combination products — they can make both less effective.

How long does sunscreen last?

Check the expiration date and the PAO symbol (open jar icon) on the packaging. Most sunscreens last 12 months after opening. Sunscreen from last summer may have reduced effectiveness. Store sunscreen in a cool place and avoid direct sun on the tube.

Does my child need sunscreen on cloudy days?

Yes. Clouds let through significant UV radiation. On days with a high UV index, you can get sunburned even when the sun is behind clouds. Use sunscreen when the UV index is 3 or higher — check a weather app for daily UV forecasts.

Sunscreen and Sun Protection for Babies and Children