When Is It OK to Put Sunscreen on a Baby?

Under 6 Months

• If your baby is under 6 months of age, try your best to keep her out of direct sunlight. Cover her with an umbrella, canopy or sit with her under a shady tree. If you know that you'll be out in the sun ahead of time, choose a lightweight outfit with long pants and sleeves, along with a brimmed hat and a cute pair of sunglasses. At one time, the recommendation was that you shouldn't apply sunscreen to a child younger than age 6 months; however, according to 2013 information from the American Academy of Pediatrics, it's OK to apply a thin layer of sunscreen to a child's exposed areas of skin even if she is not yet 6-months-old.

6 Months Plus

• Once your baby reaches 6 months of age, it̵7;s OK to apply sunscreen to his whole body -- avoiding the area around his eyes. If you do get the sunscreen in his eyes, rinse them with a damp cloth. Watch him closely for any irritation or rashes after applying the sunscreen. The AAP recommends trying a different sunscreen if the one you are using causes a reaction. A sunscreen stick that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide might work best if your baby has particularly sensitive skin that's prone to rashes and irritation. If the rash persists, contact your pediatrician.

Sunscreen Choices

• When you purchase a sunscreen for your baby, look at the label. Any sunscreen you choose should read ̶0;broad spectrum̶1; on the consumer information label. Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect skin from both UVA rays, which are long-wave rays, as well as UVB rays, which are short-wave rays that actually cause the burn. The most significant amount of UVB rays occur in the United States between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. from April to October, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. However, both types of rays can cause skin damage and lead to skin cancer. If you choose a four-star UVA sunscreen, you are providing your baby with the highest UVA protection available over the counter, notes the AAP. The sun protection factor protects your baby from UVB rays, so make sure that the broad-spectrum sunscreen you choose has at least an SPF of 15 or higher.

15- to 30-Minute Rule

• Follow the directions as stated on the label, and apply just enough sunscreen to ensure that all your baby̵7;s sensitive, exposed skin has full protection from the sun. Sunscreen typically need at least 15 to 30 minutes to bind to the skin, so keep this in mind before heading outdoors. Don̵7;t forget to apply a layer of sun screen to the back of your baby̵7;s hands, neck, face, behind the knees, top of the feet and tips of her ears. The AAP recommends applying sunscreen every 1 1/2 to 2 hours for continued protection.