How Early Should You Start Using Sunscreen for Babies?

If you’re the parent of a newborn, you’ve got a lot of things to think about. There’s diaper changing, feeding times and keeping them happy and entertained. Among all this is the need to keep your baby’s skin safe in the sun, particularly as a baby’s super-delicate skin is very susceptible to UV rays. The obvious question then is, when should you start using sunscreen for babies?

So, if you’ve just had a little one or you’re about to hear the patter of tiny feet, this article is for you, as we examine what you need to know about sun safety in the first year or two.

Sunscreen For Babies is for Tots Over 6 Months Old

If your baby is under six months of age, sunscreen for babies shouldn’t even be in the picture. You see, Doctors and Midwives everywhere will tell you that during those first six months, a baby’s skin is at its thinnest and most susceptible, so they should be kept out of the sun entirely.

Instead, you should be keeping babies under 24 weeks of age in shaded areas whenever possible. By protecting them from UV rays with a canopy or umbrella attached to their stroller, you get perpetual shade and when combined with lightweight, breathable clothing that covers their little arms and legs, they’ll have all of the sun protection they need.

Wide-brimmed sun hats that protect their face, ears and neck are also a good idea, as is making sure you have sunshades on your car windows when traveling. Simply put, you need to keep them completely away from direct sunlight until they reach 6 months of age.

Using Sunscreen For Tots Over 6 Months

Once your baby reaches 6 months, sunscreen can then be introduced as part of their sun protection routine. When choosing a sunscreen, you’ll find lots of choices available, so it’s important to know what to look for…

• Mineral Sunscreen: Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the gentlest types on the market and they’ll be super-kind to your baby’s skin.
• Broad Spectrum Protection: If the product you buy doesn’t have this on the label, it’s not going to fully protect against all UV rays.
• SPF 30 or Higher: You should go for a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to provide adequate protection for your baby’s skin.

You have to remember that you need to reapply sunscreen to your baby every two hours regardless of what type of sunscreen you’re using. If they also happen to be swimming in the sea or the pool, their sunscreen will get washed off, so you need to reapply straight after they come out.

Using Sunscreen For Babies After 6 Months Is Essential

So, in conclusion, if your baby is under 6 months of age, you should be concentrating on making sure they’re kept in the shade, rather than worrying about sunscreen. That means keeping them under parasols, verandas and umbrellas while dressing them in light, breathable clothing and a nice wide-brimmed hat.

Once the 6-month point has been reached, it’s time to start using sunscreen and when you do, we’d 100% recommend you use a mineral product, as it’s certifiably the most effective and gentle option on the market.