Sun Safety: Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Infants and Toddlers

Pediatric Providers Team
May 26
5 min read

Summer is almost here, and many families are planning trips to the pool, the beach, or just spending time in the backyard. While it is important for children to get fresh air and play outside, too much sun can be harmful. Protecting your child’s skin early in life matters, because a large portion of a person’s lifetime sun exposure happens during childhood and adolescence.

Sun Safety for Babies Under 6 Months

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends keeping babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight as much as possible. An infant’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than an older child’s, which makes it easier for the skin to burn and for products to cause irritation.

For babies under 6 months, the best protection is:

Stay in the shade under a tree, umbrella, or stroller canopy
Dress your baby in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and pants
Use a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face, ears, and neck

If shade and clothing are not enough, it is okay to apply a small amount of mineral sunscreen to exposed areas like the face and backs of the hands. If your baby is younger than 1 year old and gets a sunburn, call your pediatrician right away.

Choosing Sunscreen for Babies Over 6 Months and Toddlers

Once your baby turns 6 months old, you can begin using sunscreen more broadly. Here is what to look for:

Choose mineral sunscreen: Look for products that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. These mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays, rather than being absorbed into the skin. They are generally the safest choice for young children.
Look for broad-spectrum coverage: This means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Pick SPF 15 to 50: An SPF of 30 should be enough for most children. There is limited evidence that SPF higher than 50 provides extra benefit.
Avoid oxybenzone: This chemical ingredient has raised some concerns about mild hormonal effects. When possible, stick with mineral-based formulas.
Try stick sunscreen for little ones: Mineral sunscreen sticks with at least 20% zinc oxide are easy to apply on faces, ears, and hands without the mess of a lotion.
Choose fragrance-free and hypoallergenic: This helps reduce the chance of skin irritation, especially for babies and toddlers with sensitive skin or eczema.
Avoid spray sunscreens for young children: Sprays contain propellant chemicals that should not be inhaled. If you must use a spray, spray it on your hands first and then rub it onto your child’s skin.

Examples of Mineral Sunscreens for Babies and Kids

With so many products on the shelves, it can be hard to know where to start. The following are examples of well-known mineral sunscreens that use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient and are widely recommended for infants, toddlers, and young children:

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ (zinc oxide 23.4%)
Badger Baby Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 40 (zinc oxide 22.5%)
Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide)
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (zinc oxide 20%)
Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide)
Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 (zinc oxide)

Look for the words “mineral,” “zinc oxide,” or “titanium dioxide” on the label under “active ingredients.” You do not need to buy the most expensive product. What matters most is that the sunscreen is mineral-based, broad-spectrum, and SPF 30 or higher.

How to Apply Sunscreen

Apply early: Put sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before going outside so it has time to absorb.
Use enough: Most people do not use enough sunscreen. Cover all exposed skin, including the face, ears, nose, neck, tops of feet, and backs of knees.
Reapply often: Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or drying off with a towel.
Don’t forget cloudy days: Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can pass through clouds. Sunscreen is still needed even when it does not look sunny.

Recognizing and Managing Sunburns at Home

Even with the best planning, sunburns can sometimes happen. Knowing how to spot them early and treat them at home can help your child feel better faster.

Signs of sunburn to watch for:

Red, warm, or tender skin that appears within a few hours of sun exposure
Skin that is painful to the touch
Swelling in the sunburned area
Small blisters that may appear over the next day or two
Peeling skin as the burn heals, usually a few days later
In more severe cases: headache, fever, chills, nausea, or fatigue

How to manage mild sunburns at home for older children:

Cool compresses: Apply a clean, cool, damp cloth to the sunburned area for 10 to 15 minutes at a time to help reduce heat and discomfort.
Hydrate: Give your child extra water or milk to replace fluids lost from the burn.
Moisturize: After cool compresses, apply aloe vera gel or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to soothe the skin. Avoid lotions with alcohol, which can dry the skin further.
Pain relief: For children over 6 months, ibuprofen can help reduce pain and swelling. For children under 6 months, use acetaminophen. Always follow dosing instructions or ask your provider.
Protect the burn: Keep the sunburned skin out of the sun until it has fully healed. Dress your child in loose, soft clothing to avoid rubbing.
Do not pop blisters: If blisters form, leave them alone. They help protect the skin underneath as it heals.

When to Call Your Child’s Primary Care Provider

If your baby under 1 year old gets any sunburn, call our office right away. For older children, contact us if:

The sunburn causes blistering over a large area
Pain is not relieved by cool compresses and over-the-counter medicine
Fever, chills, or if your child seems very tired or unwell

Severe sunburns may need medical attention.

Other Sun Safety Tips

Limit peak sun hours: Try to reduce time in direct sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
Wear protective clothing: Clothes with a tight weave or labeled with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) offer good protection. Hold fabric up to the light—the less light that comes through, the better.
Wear sunglasses: Choose sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays to protect your child’s eyes.
Lead by example: When children see their parents wearing sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses, they are more likely to do the same.