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Last Updated on June 6, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti

can you use sunscreen on a baby?

I know you’re putting on sunscreen every morning, RIGHT? But do you use it on your baby too? Sure, you could argue that 6 months is way too young to start worrying about wrinkles – and you’re totally right. When you have a baby, that’s the least of your concerns. I mean, who has time to think about crow’s feet when you’re too busy trying to figure out how to get five minutes of sleep, or when your baby’s drool count is higher than your bank account balance?

But forget about wrinkles for a while. What about sunburns that could increase the chances of your child getting skin cancer later on in life? Or the sun damage you don’t see now but that shows up unannounced years down the line? Think of it like a surprise party – except no balloons and definitely no fun. Your child will thank you if you start his/her sun protection early.

But can you use sunscreen on a baby? I mean, is it safe? And if it’s not, how early is too early? You’ve got questions, I’ve got answers:

Is Sunscreen Dangerous For Babies & Young Children?

I wouldn’t sun sunscreen is dangerous for babies and young children. But you have to be double careful what you use on their skin. Infants’ skin is thinner than adults and not fully-developed yet. UV filters penetrate it more easily. Imagine their skin like a paper towel compared to our grown-up leather jackets. It soaks up more and can let in stuff we’d normally block.

Plus, compared to adults, babies have a higher surface-area to body-weight ratio. Translation: proportionately infants have more skin for the size body as compared to an adult. That means they’re like little sponges for whatever you put on their skin, sunscreen included.

This means that an UV filter that’s 100% safe for adults is more likely to cause allergies and irritations in babies. So, what are you supposed to do, skip the sunscreen? Yes, but only for a while…

Related: What To Do When You’re Allergic To Sunscreen

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Babies Under 6 Months Old Don’t Need Sunscreen

If your baby is under 6 months, you do NOT need to apply sunscreen on him/her. But how to keep your precious baby safe from UV harm then? This is where you get to flex your sun-blocking skills, like a baby ninja against UV rays.

Hari Cheryl Sachs, M.D., a pediatrician at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) believes that “the best approach is to keep infants under 6 months out of the sun, and to avoid exposure to the sun in the hours between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when ultraviolet (UV) rays are most intense.” Yep, that means no beach days or park picnics during peak sun hours, unless you’re under some serious shade.

If you can’t keep your baby in the shade, Sachs suggests to make them wear lightweight protective clothes. Avoid fabrics that keep bodies too warm. Baby can’t cool down with sweat yet and when they’re too hot, they are at risk of becoming dehydrated. Lightweight cotton, linen, or UV-protective fabrics are a game-changer here. And remember: no heavy blankets or tight clothes that trap heat like an oven.

Don’t forget to add a wide-brimmed hat and glasses! Sunglasses for babies? Absolutely. Not just for Instagram-worthy pics-UV rays can damage their eyes too. Look for ones with 100% UVA/UVB protection.

Related: 7 Ways To Protect Your Skin From The Sun

Can Babies Get Sunburned Even in the Shade?

Short answer: yep. UV rays bounce off sand, water, concrete – even grass. That means even in the shade, those rays can still reach your baby’s delicate skin. If you’re outside, cover them up, and think of shade as a helper, not a total shield.

If Your Baby Needs Sunscreen, Use A Mineral One

What if your baby is six months or older and can start wearing sunscreen? The safest sunscreen for babies and young children uses mineral UV filters, i.e. zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Synthetic UV filters like Avobenzone and Oxybenzone are more likely to cause irritations. Plus, they can be absorbed by the body.

FYI, just because an UV filter can penetrate the body, it doesn’t mean it’s toxic. In the cases of Avobenzone and Oxyebenzone, your body simply gets rid of them through urine. At least, that’s what happens in adults. We don’t have any studies on how these sunscreens work when absorbed into babies’ bodies (for obvious reasons!), so dermatologists recommend you opt for mineral UV filters that safely stay on the surface of their skin.

Related: 3 Reasons Mineral Sunscreens Are Best For Children and Sensitive Skin

How Much Sunscreen Should You Use On Babies?

So let’s talk quantity – because this is where most people skimp. For babies, think about a teaspoon just for the face and neck, and a good palmful for the rest of the body. Most people under-apply, and with babies’ sensitive skin, you want full coverage. And don’t forget those sneaky spots like the tops of the ears and the back of the neck.

How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen On Babies?

Let’s be honest: babies drool, sweat, and somehow manage to get everything on their hands (including their sunscreen). Sunscreen doesn’t last forever, so you gotta reapply it every two hours. And if your little one’s been swimming, rolling in the grass, or even wiping their face on your shoulder? Time to reapply again. Yep, even that quick splash in the kiddie pool counts – no shortcuts!

Does SPF 50 Mean Your Baby Is Protected All Day?

Ha! If only it were that easy. SPF 50 is great and all, but it’s not some magic force field that keeps your kid safe all day, no matter what. Babies are like tiny bulldozers when it comes to sunscreen-drooling, rubbing their face on your shoulder, rolling around like a little tumbleweed. That stuff rubs off fast. So, yeah, you’ve gotta reapply every couple of hours (think of it like snack time: just another thing on the checklist). And if they’ve been swimming, sweating, or basically being a baby? Smear it on again. Better safe than sorry!

badger balm zinc oxide sunscreen cream spf 30

What Are The Best Sunscreens For Babies?

FYI, if you’re using a mineral sunscreen for yourself, you can safely use that on your baby, too. But if you prefer your baby to have his/her own, here are the best sunscreens for babies:

  • badger balm Baby Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 40 ($17.99): With only zinc oxide and natural oils, this is one of the gentlest (and most effective) formulas available. Available at Amazon
  • BLUE LIZARD Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ (£24.90): A mineral sunscreen that provides broad spectrum protection without the irritation. Available at Amazon
  • Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen With SPF 50 ($39.60): A gentle, water-resistant formula with zinc oxide to protect your delicate baby’s skin. Available at Walmart

Related: Can You Use Your Child’s Sunscreen?

The Bottom Line

Once your kid is 6 months old, you can start applying sunscreen on him/her. Just make sure you opt for a mineral formula. Synthetic UV filters tend to be too harsh for babies and young children.