Apr 24, 2025
Sun protection can include clothing or sunscreen and don’t forget, it’s cool to keep cool!
Simple Sun-Safe Steps
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, sun safety starts with the basics:
- Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. They are safer under the shade of a porch, tree, umbrella or stroller canopy.
- Dress yourself and your kiddoes in cool clothing that covers as much of the body as comfortable. Think long sleeves, lightweight pants, hats, and hats.
- Select clothes with a UPF protector or a tight weave. Some sportswear is rated and labeled by manufacturers with a Ultraviolet Protection Factor. If not, select tight-weave knits. (If you're not sure how tight a fabric's weave is, hold it up to see how much light shines through. The less light, the better!)_
- Wear a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim to shield the face, ears and back of neck.
- Limit your sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
- Wear sunglasses with at least 99% UV protection. Look for youth-sized sunglasses with UV protection for your child.
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to consider slathering down.
Sunshine and Spectrums and Sunscreen, oh my!
One of the easiest things to do to protect your skin from sunburn is applying sunscreen. It’s also one of the most challenging things to do right.
Sunscreen can help protect the skin from sunburn and some skin cancers, but only if used correctly.
Here’s a few tips:
- "Broad-spectrum" means the product will screen out both UVB and UVA rays.
- SPF is Sun Protection Factor. An SPF of 15 or 30 may be fine for adults, but children and fair-skinned adults should use an SPF of 50.
- Read the ingredients. You may want to avoid products using the ingredient oxybenzone because of concerns about mild hormonal properties. Remember, though, that it's important to take steps to prevent sunburn, so using any sunscreen is better than not using sunscreen at all.
- For babies younger than 6 months: Use sunscreen on small areas of the body, such as the face, if protective clothing and shade are not available.
- For babies older than 6 months: Apply to all areas of the body, but be careful around the eyes. If your baby rubs sunscreen into their eyes, wipe their eyes and hands clean with a damp cloth. If the sunscreen irritates their skin, try a different brand or sunscreen with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. If your baby develops a rash, talk with their doctor.
- Don’t forget the little parts. It’s not just arms, legs and shoulders that need covered. Remember to coat the nose, cheeks and tops of the ears as well. Choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide so they stay visible on the skin even after you rub them in, and some come in fun colors that children enjoy.
- Don’t be stingy. Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas and rub it in well! Rub it in well. Don’t forget the back of knees, neck and the tops of feet. Slather that stuff on like you’re frosting a cupcake!
- Don’t delay. Sunscreen needs time to absorb into the skin. Put sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors.
- It’s not just for sand, surf and poolside. Use sunscreen any time you or your child spend time outdoors. Remember that you can get sunburn even on cloudy days because up to 80% of the sun's UV rays can get through the clouds. Also, UV rays can bounce back from water, sand, snow and even concrete pool decking and sidewalks, so make sure you're protected.
- Reapply frequently. Sunscreen protection generally lasts about 2 hours—less if in the water. Reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling off.
- Don’t overdo it. Keep in mind that sunscreen should be used for sun protection, not as a reason to stay in the sun longer.
Products We Love
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Sensitive Skin, Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This mineral sunscreen lotion is mild and applies to baby's skin easily to lock in moisture without stinging or irritation. It's suitable for use on both the face and body. It contains naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide active and skin-soothing oat, and is both sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Tear-free, non-greasy, hypoallergenic, and paraben-free, phthalate-free, and fragrance-free.
Mamaearth Mineral-Based SPF 20+ Baby Sunscreen
Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 or SPF 70
Sun Bum Kids 50 SPF Broad-Spectrum Water-Resistant Sunscreen
Neutrogena Sport Face Sunscreen SPF 70+, Oil-Free, 2.5 fl oz, Sweat & Water-Resistant, Broad-Spectrum UVA/UVB
