From the Guidelines
For a 6-month-old in Australia, it's recommended to avoid using sunscreen until they are at least 6 months old, and instead, use physical protection like hats, lightweight clothing with long sleeves and pants, and shade to prevent sun damage. After 6 months, you can begin using sunscreen specifically formulated for babies on exposed areas of skin when sun exposure cannot be avoided. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics 1, and as also suggested by the SunSmart program in Australia, it is crucial to protect babies' skin from an early age.
Key Recommendations
- Apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher about 20 minutes before going outside
- Reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or excessive sweating
- Choose sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients, as these physical blockers are less likely to irritate sensitive baby skin, as recommended by the Society for Pediatric Dermatology 1. The sun's UV rays can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life, so protecting your baby's skin from an early age is important, and this is also emphasized by the Melanoma Research Alliance 1.
Additional Tips
- Keep your baby out of direct sunlight, especially during peak hours
- Use physical protection like hats, lightweight clothing with long sleeves and pants, and shade
- Avoid using sunscreen as a means of extending the duration of solar exposure, as stated in the guidelines for school programs to prevent skin cancer 1.
From the Research
Sunscreen Recommendations for 6-Month-Olds in Australia
- The provided studies do not specifically address the recommended age for wearing sunscreen in Australia, particularly for 6-month-old infants.
- However, general guidelines for sun protection in infants can be inferred from the studies on sunscreens and their usefulness 2, as well as sun protection behavior 3.
- It is essential to note that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants under 6 months old be kept out of direct sunlight and dressed in protective clothing, rather than relying on sunscreen alone.
- For infants over 6 months old, the Australian government recommends using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, applying it 20 minutes before going outside, and reapplying every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating 4, 2.
- While there is no specific study addressing the exact age of 6 months, it is crucial to follow general sun protection guidelines for infants, including seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and using sunscreen as an additional measure when necessary.