Essential Sun Safety Tips for Babies

As summer approaches and you gear up for outdoor adventures with your little bundle of joy, you might be wondering:

Can I use sunscreen on babies? The short answer is yes, but there are some important things to keep in mind to ensure your baby stays safe and protected from the sun's harmful rays.

Age Recommendations

Most paediatricians advise against using sunscreen on babies younger than six months old. At this age, a baby's skin is delicate and more susceptible to irritation.

Instead, it's best to keep young infants out of direct sunlight, avoid peak UV times, generally 10am - 2pm, and dress them in lightweight, UPF protective clothing.

Choose the Right Sunscreen

When your baby reaches six months of age, you can start to introduce sunscreen into your sun protection routine.

But which sunscreen should you try? We suggest choosing a fragrance-free product with an SPF of 30 or higher for optimal protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Not all fragrance-free sunscreens are genuinely free of an added scent. Some manufacturers add a masking fragrance to cover the naturally occurring formulation.

KINeSYS SPF 30 KIDS Fragrance Free Sunscreen is the ideal first sunscreen to try on your baby. Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, it's free of the Top 9 Allergens, as well as oil and alcohol.

A further option is our SPF 30 Fragrance Free Spray Sunscreen, which was recently included on Allergic Living's 2024 Best Sunscreens for those with food allergies and sensitive skin.

Read the SPF Blog post announcing this exciting news.

Patch Test

Before applying sunscreen to your baby, do a patch test on a small area of their skin to check for any adverse reactions or sensitivity.

Apply a small amount of sunscreen to the inside of your baby's wrist or elbow and monitor for any signs of irritation over the next 24 hours.

Apply Generously and Frequently

When applying sunscreen to your baby, be sure to cover all exposed areas of skin, including their face, ears, neck, arms, and legs.

Use a generous amount of sunscreen and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if your baby has been in water.

Avoid Sun Exposure During Peak Hours

Try to schedule outdoor activities with your baby during the early morning or late afternoon when the sun's rays are less intense.

Seek shade whenever possible, and dress your baby in UPF50+ lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and a wide-brimmed hat for added sun protection.

Practice Sun Safety Habits

It's important to remember that sunscreen is the last line of defence in your sun safe routine. In addition to sunscreen, incorporate other sun safety measures into your routine when spending time outdoors with your baby.

Use a stroller or baby carrier with a UPF-rated sunshade, and keep your baby well-hydrated by offering plenty of fluids.

Be Sun Smart

As your baby grows and becomes more active, teach them about the importance of sun safety. Lead by example by applying sunscreen to yourself as well, and make sun protection a non-negotiable part of your family's outdoor routine.

Remember, protecting your baby's delicate skin from the sun is essential for their long-term health and well-being.

By following these tips and guidelines, you can enjoy safe and sun-filled adventures with your little year-round!

Discover the full range of KINeSYS fragrance free sunscreens.