Q. When can I start using sunscreen on my baby to protect her from the sun?
A. It used to be advised that you should not use sunscreen on babies less than six months old. But the American Academy of Pediatrics now states that sunscreen is probably safe to use on younger children, especially if you just use it on small areas of your baby's skin that are exposed to the sun and not protected by clothing such as the hands and face.Still, younger children should be kept out of direct sunlight because they can burn easily and may not be able to handle getting overheated. So even though it is likely safe to use sunscreen on infants less than six months old, it is safer to keep them out of the sun.
Alternatives to sunscreen for your young baby, which can also provide sun protection, include:
- keeping your baby out of the sun and in the shade under a large tree, umbrella, tarp, canopy, or tent
- going out in the late afternoon (after 4 p.m.) or early evening, when the sun isn't as strong as it is in the middle of the day
- dressing your baby in long pants, a long-sleeved shirt made of lightweight and tightly woven fabric, and a hat
