Sunscreen Safety for Babies and Toddlers
By Anna Kate Gaskin
Reviewed by Dr. Peter Bittar
The saying goes, “you can never have too much of a good thing.” When it comes to sunscreen, you might think this phrase is more than applicable. We’ve all heard how sunscreen can reduce the risk of sunburn, skin cancer, and photoaging. So, it seems logical to start applying sunscreen to your child as early as possible. However, it’s not recommended to use sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months old due to their sensitive skin. This is a common misconception among caregivers—one that we aim to clarify as we take a deep dive into all things sunscreen.
What to Do for Babies Under 6 Months Old
If you can’t put sunscreen on your infant, what should you be doing? First and foremost, it is still important to protect your child’s skin from the harmful UV rays. Some ways you can do this include keeping them in the shade or using clothing to cover their skin. Only in exceptional cases, when shade and clothing are not available, should you use sunscreen on your infant. In this case, the best method would be to use a mineral sunscreen with an SPF 15 or higher containing the active ingredients titanium oxide or zinc oxide. Only apply to small areas of your baby, such as their face or back of their hands.
Picking a Sunscreen
Once your child reaches the 6 month milestone, you can start introducing sunscreen into their daily routine. Initially, apply the sunscreen to a small patch of skin to make sure your child doesn’t develop a rash. When choosing a sunscreen, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with all the options. You’ll want to start by looking for a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning the sunscreen will protect against UVA and UVB rays. Additionally, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends a sunscreen with at least 30 SPF. The SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is indicative of what percentage of UVB radiation the sunscreen protects against. Therefore, a sunscreen with SPF 30 protects against 97 percent of UVB radiation. Furthermore, selecting a sunscreen with avobenzone, zinc oxide, or titanium dioxide in their active ingredients ensures protection against the entire UV spectrum. Picking a “water-resistant” sunscreen is ideal for toddlers as it will maintain the SPF during activities involving water or sweating.
The Best Way to Apply Sunscreen
For sunscreen application, caregivers can use the “two-finger rule.” Squeeze a line of sunscreen along the length of the index and middle finger. This amount is appropriate for each area of the body:
One two-finger amount for the face and neck
Two two-finger amounts for the front and back torso
One two-finger amount for each arm
Two two-finger amounts for each leg
It should be applied 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to allow for a protective film to form on the skin. Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every 2 hours, but follow the directions listed on the bottle because this varies based on the type.
What to Use for Darker Skin Tones
In children with darker skin tones, even though their melanin protects their skin from some UV rays, it does not protect them from the full UV spectrum. Therefore, it is extremely important for sunscreen to be applied on all skin types. Using mineral sunscreens, such as those containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, may leave a white cast on your child. However, there are some tinted sunscreens that contain a combination of titanium dioxide and iron oxides that may be better suited for children of color. Still, it is recommended to use one of these products with an SPF of at least 30.
Overall
We hope we’ve helped to clarify some misconceptions when it comes to sunscreen use on your baby or toddler. Now we know that the phrase “you can never have too much of a good thing” can only be applied in some sunscreen situations, not all. When it is appropriate to use, make sure to check the SPF, active ingredients, tint, and water resistance. Once you've made your selection, follow the teaspoon rule—and your child will be ready to safely soak up the sun!
Sources:
Up to Date, Patient education: Staying safe in the sun (The Basics). Accessed June 2025.
Upt to Date, Selection of sunscreen and sun-protective measures. Accessed June 2025.
