Sunscreen for Babies Under 6 Months
The short answer
The AAP recommends avoiding sunscreen on babies under 6 months when possible, as their skin is thinner and absorbs chemicals more readily. The primary protection should be shade and protective clothing (long sleeves, wide-brimmed hat, UV-protective fabric). However, if shade and clothing are not available and sun exposure cannot be avoided, a small amount of mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) on exposed areas is considered safe and is preferable to sunburn.
This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.
By Age
What to expect by age
0-3 months
Keep newborns out of direct sunlight entirely. Their skin is extremely thin and burns easily. Use shade from stroller canopies, umbrellas, and trees. Dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and a hat. If brief unavoidable sun exposure occurs, apply a small amount of mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide) to the face and backs of hands.
3-6 months
Continue to prioritize shade and protective clothing. The AAP guidance remains to avoid regular sunscreen use before 6 months, but mineral sunscreen is acceptable when needed. Avoid the sun during peak UV hours (10 AM to 4 PM). If your baby gets pink or red skin from sun exposure, they have been sunburned and need immediate shade and cool compresses.
6-12 months
From 6 months, sunscreen use is recommended for all sun exposure. Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, preferably mineral-based (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Apply 15-30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours or after water exposure. Continue using shade, hats, and protective clothing as the primary defense.
12 months+
Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin. Toddlers need about 1 ounce (shot glass full) for full body coverage. Use water-resistant formulas for pool or beach time. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or sweating. Rash guards and sun hats remain valuable supplements to sunscreen.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- You use shade and clothing as primary sun protection for your young baby and sunscreen only on unavoidable exposed areas
- Your baby's skin shows no reaction to mineral sunscreen application
- You apply sunscreen regularly to your 6+ month old baby before outdoor activities
- You avoid peak sun hours with your young baby
- Your baby under 6 months got a sunburn — even mild sunburn in young babies should be evaluated by your pediatrician
- Your baby develops a rash or allergic reaction to sunscreen
- Your baby has very fair skin and you are concerned about adequate sun protection despite taking precautions
- Your baby has a severe sunburn with blistering, fever, or significant distress — seek medical attention immediately
- Your baby shows signs of heat-related illness (excessive fussiness, dry mouth, no tears, decreased wet diapers) after sun exposure — this may indicate dehydration or heat illness
Sources
Related Resources
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician.
Worrying about your baby means you care. That is a good thing.
Related Skin Concerns
Beach Safety for Babies and Toddlers
Beaches can be wonderful for families but present several hazards for babies and toddlers including sun exposure, heat, water dangers, sand ingestion, and jellyfish or shells. Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight entirely. All children need shade, hydration, and constant supervision near water. Even shallow water and small waves can be dangerous for babies and toddlers. Sand-eating in small amounts is not harmful but should be discouraged.
Extreme Heat Safety for Babies
Babies are at higher risk of heat-related illness because they cannot regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, they rely on caregivers to keep them hydrated, and they cannot remove their own clothing. The AAP recommends avoiding outdoor activities when the heat index exceeds 90°F (32°C) for prolonged periods. Keep babies hydrated with extra feedings, dress them in light clothing, and seek shade and air conditioning. Never leave a child unattended in a car — car interior temperatures can become lethal in minutes, even with windows cracked.
Insect Repellent Safety for Babies
The AAP and EPA recommend against using any insect repellent on babies under 2 months of age. For babies 2 months and older, products containing up to 30% DEET or 20% picaridin are considered safe and effective. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under 3 years. For young babies, physical barriers (mosquito nets, long sleeves, screens) are the safest option. Apply repellent to clothing rather than skin when possible, and never apply to hands, eyes, or mouth.
My Baby Has an Extra Nipple (Accessory Nipple)
Accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies.
My Baby Was Born with a Raw Spot on Their Scalp (Aplasia Cutis)
Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a condition where a baby is born with a small area of missing skin, most commonly on the scalp. It occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births. The affected area may look like a raw wound, an ulcer, or may have already healed into a thin, shiny scar by the time of birth. Most cases are small, isolated, and heal well with basic wound care — the area eventually forms a hairless scar. Larger defects or those associated with other findings may need more investigation, but isolated small ACC has an excellent prognosis.
New Treatments for Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) in Children
Treatment for atopic dermatitis in children has advanced significantly in recent years. While moisturizers and topical steroids remain first-line treatments, newer options include non-steroidal topical medications (like crisaborole), biologic therapies (like dupilumab, approved for children 6 months and older), and JAK inhibitors. Most children's eczema is well-managed with basic skin care and mild topical treatments, but these newer options provide hope for moderate-to-severe cases.