Can You Put Sunscreen on a Newborn? (And How to Protect Baby for Now)

My three boys have always loved being outside—even when they were babies, we would take trips to the park, the beach, the zoo…you name it. Of course, as a brand-new mom I worried about exposing my newborn’s super-delicate skin to the sun’s harmful rays. So I asked my pediatrician if I could put sunscreen on him. (I thought I’d get a resounding “yes.”)

But, as it turns out, experts don’t recommend sunscreen for newborns and babies younger than 6 months.

So how do you protect your newborn from the sun without slathering on the sunscreen? Here, we break down everything to know about baby sun protection—including when you finally can break out the SPF.

Key Takeaways

• Age guidelines: Pediatricians don’t recommend sunscreen for newborns or babies younger than 6 months. After 6 months, a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 is recommended.
• Protecting newborns from the sun: Help your newborn or baby avoid direct sun exposure by keeping them out of the sun, dressing them in protective gear and lightweight clothing and keeping them hydrated .
• Exceptions to the rule: If you can’t avoid the sun, you can put a small amount of mineral sunscreen on a newborn’s exposed areas to prevent a sunburn.

Can I Put Sunscreen on My Newborn?

Pediatricians don’t recommend putting sunscreen on newborns or infants under 6 months of age.

“Under 6 months, baby’s skin isn’t built the way older kids’ skin is,” explains Dr. Wendy Hunter, MD, a pediatrician at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego and host of The Pediatrician Next Door podcast. “The outer layer is thinner and the cells are less tightly packed, so the skin doesn’t work as effectively as a barrier the way it does in older kids and adults.”

As a result, Dr. Hunter says that younger babies absorb the chemicals in sunscreen more easily, and “their bodies aren’t ready to process those exposures.”

Plus, the ingredients in sunscreen can be harsh on newborn skin, leading to potential skin irritation and rashes. “Younger infants tend to have more sensitive skin, which can become irritated by the chemical ingredients present in many sunscreens,” explains Dr. Caroline Brown, MD, IBCLC, a pediatrician in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Finally, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, (FDA) hasn’t approved these products for babies under 6 months.

That said, direct sun exposure isn’t good for baby either. Baby skin is thin and vulnerable, so it’s important to take extra steps to protect it from the sun’s harmful rays. After all, newborns and young babies “have very little melanin, which means they’re even more susceptible to sun damage,” explains Dr. Hunter.

When Can Baby Wear Sunscreen?

“Most babies can start wearing sunscreen around 6 months of age,” says Dr. Hunter. “By then, their skin barrier is more developed and they handle topical products better.” (In other words, you don’t have to worry as much about chemical absorption and irritation.)

Guidance for babies under 6 months old

It’s best to avoid direct sun exposure for newborns and young babies, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). This means using sun tents, umbrellas, stroller canopies and protective clothing—as well as keeping baby in shaded areas.

That’s what Melissa F., a mom of four in Fairfield, Connecticut, did. “We avoided long beach or pool days at this age, or used a baby tent on the beach with a fan attached to keep baby protected from the sun,” she says.

There is an exception to the no-sunscreen rule for babies under 6 months: If staying out of the sun with your younger baby is unavoidable, using a bit of mineral sunscreen (with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) is not only okay—it’s recommended. “If you truly can’t avoid the sun, it’s safer to use a small amount of sunscreen on exposed areas rather than risk a burn,” says Dr. Hunter.

“Using it is better than your baby burning,” agrees Dr. Leslie Treece, MD, FAAP, a pediatrician in Tennessee. “Remember that skin damage is cumulative and early sunburns increase lifetime risk of developing skin cancer when you’re older.”

Guidance for babies 6 months and older

For babies older than 6 months, apply a mineral sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 on exposed areas 30 minutes before going outside. And remember to reapply—every two hours if dry, and every 40 minutes if wet, suggests Dr. Treece.

Because baby’s skin is still sensitive, you should continue to avoid direct sun exposure and use gear like protective clothing, tents and umbrellas.

Tips to Protect Baby From the Sun

With sunscreen (generally) off the table for newborns and babies under 6 months old, here are some pediatrician-recommended tips for avoiding newborn sunburn.

Avoid the sun, especially during peak hours

If possible, stay out of the sun completely from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., since that’s when UV rays are strongest. “Plan your day around the sun,” suggests Dr. Hunter. “Aim for early morning or late afternoon outings when UV exposure is lower.”

Use protective gear

Again, tents and umbrellas are key for protecting baby from the sun. Also, look for shaded areas. “Keep baby in the shade as much as possible,” advises Dr. Hunter.

Use a stroller with an extended canopy

“I’ve had several of my young patients come to my office with sunburns on their lower legs from their feet hanging out of the stroller,” Dr. Hunter says. “Babies can get too much sun so easily!” An extended canopy—or breathable stroller cover—can help protect your newborn from sunburn.

Dress baby in thin, protective clothes

Dressing your newborn in lightweight, breathable, long-sleeve shirts and pants is one of the best ways to protect them from the sun. Look for clothes made with a tight weave or with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) label. Also, “rash guard shirts with SPF can be really helpful,” says Dr. Treece. Melissa F. agrees: “For my little ones, we use rash guards,” she says. “It’s an easy way to prevent sunburns.”

Put a wide-brimmed hat on baby

“Hats with at least a 3-inch brim or bill are very helpful,” says Dr. Brown.

Use baby sunglasses

Baby’s skin isn’t the only thing that needs protecting—their eyes need shielding too. Dr. Brown recommends looking for sunglasses that provide at least 97 percent protection from both UVA and UVB rays. (Bonus: Shades look pretty cool on baby!)

Use a portable fan

A stroller fan can help prevent overheating, which Dr. Treece says is a risk especially if baby is in an enclosed spaces like tents, covered strollers and car seats.

Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate

Dehydration in baby can be a concern when they’re out in the sun. “Hydrate with breast milk or formula,” Dr. Treece recommends. She adds that babies shouldn’t drink water until they’re 6 months old.

If absolutely necessary, use sunscreen

Again, if you absolutely can’t avoid the sun, it’s better to dab a small amount of mineral sunscreen on a newborn or younger baby than risk a sunburn.

What To Do If Your Newborn or Baby Has a Sunburn

Even when you’ve taken every precaution, newborn sunburn can still happen—and it’s important to take it seriously. “Even a mild burn at this age can be a bigger deal than it looks,” warns Dr. Hunter. “The first step is to get them completely out of the sun.”

Then, focus on keeping baby’s skin cool. Give your little one a lukewarm (not cold) bath and place gentle, cool compresses on their skin.

Once baby’s dry, you can use a fragrance-free baby lotion or plain petroleum jelly to protect and soothe their skin, but avoid medicated creams, advises Dr. Hunter. Make sure to offer to feed baby frequently too, since newborn sunburn can lead to fluid loss, she adds.

Most importantly, make sure to contact your pediatrician if your newborn—or baby of any age—has a sunburn.

“If you see blistering, significant redness, fussiness, fever or baby seems uncomfortable, call your pediatrician,” Dr. Hunter advises. “Newborn skin is fragile, and we have a lower threshold to evaluate burns in this age group.”

To Sum It Up

Experts recommend avoiding putting sunscreen on baby until they’re about 6 months old—instead dress them in lightweight, protective clothing, use gear like baby tents and stroller canopies and stay in the shade as much as possible. After 6 months, you can slather sunscreen on baby, but keep avoiding direct sun exposure and using protective gear. Baby’s delicate skin will thank you!

How We Developed This Article

It’s common for new parents to worry about baby getting sunburned while taking their first trip to the beach—or even a stroll around the block. To and learn how to protect baby’s skin before you’re able to use sunscreen, we spoke with three pediatricians and consulted sources such as the FDA and the AAP for guidance. Finally, we interviewed three moms, including one of our editors, about how they kept their babies safe from the sun’s rays. After editing, this article was vetted through fact-check and reviewed by our pediatrician medical adviser. Learn more about how we ensure the accuracy of our content through our editorial and medical review process.

About the author: Lynsey Eidell is a sun-loving freelance writer and a mom of three boys who also enjoy being active outdoors. To that end, Lynsey knows a thing or two about applying sunscreen to newborns (when absolutely necessary!), babies, toddlers and big kids alike. She’s a graduate of Villanova University and a native of Fairfield County, Connecticut, where she currently lives.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.