June 2025
Even a few serious sunburns can increase your child’s chances of getting skin cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And the damage can happen fast: Unprotected skin can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays in as little as 15 minutes.
Here’s what you need to know to protect your child’s skin from the sun’s damaging rays.
When can you start using sunscreen on your child?
While sunscreen is an important part of skin health and cancer prevention, infants under the age of six months should not wear it. Their young, developing skin is far more sensitive than that of older babies and children and more likely to develop side effects, like a rash, from sunscreen.
Instead, keep your baby’s skin out of direct sunlight, especially during peak hours: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during Daylight Saving Time and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during Standard Time. If you are outside in the sun, make sure your infant is kept in the shade (e.g., under an umbrella, tree, pop-up tent, or stroller canopy) and is dressed appropriately. This means lightweight long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and brimmed hats that shade the face and neck.
What kind of sunscreens are best for children?
When choosing sunscreen for your child, be sure to choose one that offers an SPF of 30+, is water resistant, and protects against UVA and UVB rays. This offers the best protection and is the best choice for everyone in your family, including adults.
There are two general categories of sunscreens: physical sunscreens (which use minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) and chemical sunscreens (which rely on chemicals like oxybenzone or avobenzone). Physical sunscreens are a great place to start with kids because their skin is less likely to react to them.
Kids (especially younger ones) have more sensitive skin, so look for hypoallergenic sunscreen formulations that are fragrance-free and have limited added ingredients.
If your child gets a rash from sunscreen, try ones with different active or inactive ingredients until you find one that works for them.
When and how to apply sunscreen to kids
Once your child is old enough to wear sunscreen, be sure to apply it any time your child is outside during peak sunny hours.
It doesn’t matter if the weather is sunny or cloudy. The weather can change once your child is outside. Plus, up to 80% of UV rays from the sun can still reach your skin when it’s cloudy.
Be sure to apply enough sunscreen — about one ounce per application for an older child. Reapply sunscreen every two hours and also after swimming or sweating.
For the best protection, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outdoors. Remember to protect your ears, nose, lips, and the tops of your feet.
Use extra caution near water, sand, and snow, as these surfaces reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly. Limit peak sun exposure near the water or on the sand, and wear sunscreen even in the winter if you are outside in the snow.
Retreat as needed
At times when the sun is particularly strong — and you’re outside for an extended time during peak sunny hours — sunscreen may not be enough. Be sure to keep an eye on your little one’s skin. Skin can take up to 12 hours to show the full effect of sun exposure. So, if your child’s skin looks “a little pink” now, it may be burned tomorrow morning. Get your child out of the sun as soon as possible to prevent further burning.
