From the FDA Drug Label
■ children under 6 months of age: Ask a doctor The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
It is generally not recommended to use sunscreen on infants younger than 6 months old, but if unavoidable, a minimal amount of broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and mineral active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide can be applied to small exposed areas. For 5-month-old babies, the primary sun protection should be avoiding direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10 AM to 4 PM), and using physical barriers like lightweight clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and stroller canopies. Some key points to consider when protecting a 5-month-old infant from the sun include:
- Avoiding direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours
- Using physical barriers like clothing and hats
- Applying a minimal amount of sunscreen to small exposed areas if adequate shade cannot be provided
- Choosing sunscreens with mineral active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are less likely to irritate a baby's sensitive skin, as supported by studies such as 1 and 2 The recommendation against routine sunscreen use in babies under 6 months stems from concerns about their thinner skin absorbing chemicals more readily and their immature metabolic systems having difficulty processing these substances, as noted in studies like 3 and 4. Additionally, infants are more prone to side effects like rashes and skin irritation from sunscreen ingredients, highlighting the importance of cautious and minimal use, as discussed in 5.