With warmer weather comes more exposed arms, legs, and tushies. Protecting babies and toddlers delicate skin from harmful UV rays is one of the most important things you can do for your little one. NewParent.com spoke with Dr. JJ Levenstein, a pediatrician, mom, and creator of the MD Moms line of baby skincare, about the do’s and don’ts of sun protection.

At what age should you start putting sunscreen on your baby?


If shade and appropriate clothing (lightweight long pants, brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts) aren’t available, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that even babies under six months apply sunscreen to certain areas of the body, such as the face and the backs of the hands. Beyond six months, babies may use sunscreen on the entire body, paying close attention not to apply it too closely to the eyes. If you’re using a new sunscreen for your baby, first test a small amount on the skin (extremities and torso). If the sunscreen irritates your child’s skin, wash it off and discontinue use.

What SPF should you use?


The AAP recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 15. Sunscreen with a higher SPF number offers greater protection from UVB rays. UVB rays, or burning rays, affect the top layer of the skin, while UVA rays, also known as aging rays, penetrate deep into the skin to cause wrinkling and spotting. Both can increase the risk of skin cancer.

Young children should use a broad spectrum (protects from both UVB and UVA rays) physical sunscreen, which contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These active ingredients provide the best protection for baby without irritating her sensitive skin. Also, unlike a chemical sunscreen (which may be more irritating and take up to 20 minutes to begin working), a physical sunscreen deflects, rather than absorbs, UV rays and begins working immediately upon application.

Are there any sunscreen ingredients that should be avoided on babies and toddlers?


Babies and toddlers should avoid ingredients such as avobenzone, homosalate, octyl cinnamate, Parsol and other chemical sunscreens, which can irritate young or sensitive skin.

Do stroller shades or hats provide enough sun protection on their own?


Stroller shades and hats shouldn’t replace sunscreen, but instead should be used as an added layer of protection from UV rays. A hat with a brim at least 2.5 inches wide can help shade your child’s face and protect the scalp, and sunglasses that block 99-100 percent of UV rays (with ANSI-rated UVA and UVB protection) help protect the skin around the eyes and the retinas. Also, it’s important to dress your children appropriately for the sun. Try UV protective clothing (we recommend Cabana Life) or an SPF rinse on tightly woven cotton clothing, which can raise the SPF value from 5 (the SPF value of an average T-shirt) to SPF 30.

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See Also:

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