Because babies have thin, delicate skin and underdeveloped amounts of a skin-shielding chemical called melanin, they are more susceptible to sunburns than older children, says the Nemours Foundation. Although you may already know you should take extra precautions to shield your baby's skin every time you go outside, you may not know what skin-shielding steps are considered safe for babies.
Under 6 Months
The American Academy of Pediatrics, or AAP, once recommended not using sunscreen on babies under 6 months of age due to their underdeveloped ability to metabolize and excrete sunscreen chemicals. However, since 1999, the AAP has revamped its recommendation. Although you should check with your pediatrician before applying sunscreen to a baby under age 6 months, the AAP says you can use a small amount of it on exposed areas such as your baby's face and the backs of his hands if you don't have access to adequate shade or clothing.
Over 6 Months
You may apply sunscreen to all areas of your baby if she is over age 6 months, but you should take extra care around her eyes, according to the AAP. Use a damp cloth to wipe sunscreen from her hands and eyes if she accidentally gets some in her eyes. If you find that the sunscreen irritates your baby's skin, use a different brand, try a sunscreen stick or find a sunblock with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, suggests the AAP.
Choosing a Sunscreen
Buy a sunscreen designed for children that is labeled "broad spectrum," to ensure that your baby is protected from both UVA and UVB rays, says BabyCenter.com. Although the AAP recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher, BabyCenter.com says that many experts recommend SPF 30 or higher for babies, and you will probably notice that most baby sunscreen formulas have higher SPFs.
Sunscreen Application Tips
Although you should use sunscreen sparingly on babies under age 6 months, apply plenty of sunscreen to your older baby's skin, covering all exposed areas, particularly his face, ears, feet, hands and the backs of his knees. Put it on him 30 minutes before you take him outside to give it time to absorb into his skin and reapply it every two hours or after he has been sweating or gotten in the water, says the AAP. Note that your baby can even become sunburned on cloudy days.
Beyond Sunscreen
Your baby's best sun protection is staying out of direct sunlight as often as possible, particularly between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest, according to BabyCenter.com. When you take her outside, dress her in a hat, long sleeves and pants---lightweight in warm temperatures---and put some UV-protective sunglasses on her face, if she will keep them on her face, suggests BabyCenter.com. Supplement her clothing with protective gear, such as an umbrella or a stroller canopy.
