From the Guidelines
Babies can start using sunscreen once they are 6 months of age. Before 6 months, it's best to keep infants out of direct sunlight and use physical barriers like clothing, hats, and shade for sun protection. When introducing sunscreen at 6 months, choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that's specifically formulated for babies or sensitive skin. Mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally recommended as they're less likely to irritate a baby's delicate skin. Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin about 15-30 minutes before going outside, and reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating. The recommendation to wait until 6 months is based on concerns about babies' skin being more permeable and sensitive to the chemicals in sunscreen, potentially increasing absorption and irritation risk. However, if adequate shade isn't available, applying a small amount of sunscreen to exposed areas is better than risking sunburn, even for babies under 6 months.
Key Considerations
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends protecting children from the hazards of UV radiation exposure 1.
- The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has information to help guide patients and clinicians on the use and effectiveness of broad-spectrum sunscreens 2.
- Community-based interventions to promote and support sun safety may offer additional sizeable benefits 3.
- Primary care practitioners may consider which materials can be easily implemented in their setting and for their population 4.
- The time required by the clinician to provide brief counseling is the main cost of these services 5.
Sunscreen Application
- Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin about 15-30 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
- Choose a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher that's specifically formulated for babies or sensitive skin.
- Mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are generally recommended as they're less likely to irritate a baby's delicate skin.
From the FDA Drug Label
■ children under 6 months of age: Ask a doctor The FDA drug label does not provide a specific age at which babies can start using sunscreen, but it advises to ask a doctor for children under 6 months of age 6.
From the Research
Sunscreen Use in Babies
- The provided studies do not directly address when babies can start using sunscreen, but they do discuss the properties and safety of certain sunscreen ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide 7, 8, 9.
- These ingredients are often used in sunscreens due to their ability to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB radiation 8.
- However, the studies also highlight potential concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of these ingredients, particularly when used in combination with other chemicals or in nanoparticle form 8, 9.
- For example, one study found that the presence of zinc oxide can cause photodegradation of other sunscreen ingredients and increase toxicity 9.
- Another study noted that titanium dioxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles can induce cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, and may penetrate the skin, especially with long-term exposure 8.