Summer, sunshine, the park, the beach – and a little baby seeing it all for the first time. Before that first outing, lots of parents wonder: sun cream? A hat? Should we even go out? The good news is that summer with a baby can be wonderful. You just play by a few simple rules.
A baby’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than ours and burns more easily. And their body copes less well with heat. That’s why protection is a strategy, not just a single cream.
The short answer: Under 6 months: shade and light clothing, out of direct sun, with sun cream only as a back-up after asking your paediatrician. From 6 months: shade, clothing and SPF 30+ sun cream with UVA and UVB protection.
Babies under 6 months: shade and clothing
The advice from health bodies here is clear: babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight. The best protection for them is:
- shade – under a tree, an umbrella or the pram’s sunshade;
- light, loose clothes with long sleeves and legs in a breathable fabric;
- a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face and neck.
And sun cream? The NHS doesn’t recommend it for babies under 6 months, and the US FDA answers the question with “not usually”. The American Academy of Pediatrics allows a small amount on small areas such as the face only if there’s genuinely no shade or suitable clothing. The takeaway: for the littlest ones, sun cream is a back-up, not the main plan – and ask your paediatrician before you use it.
Plan walks for the morning and late afternoon. According to UK health services, the sun is strongest between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. – the perfect time for a nap at home in the cool. 😴
Babies over 6 months: shade + clothing + sun cream
Shade, a hat and light clothes still come first. Added to them is sun protection for exposed skin:
- The NHS advises sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. In plain words: against both burning and deeper skin damage.
- Apply generously and reapply regularly, especially after water and if your baby gets sweaty.
- Choose a product made for children and read the leaflet. If your baby has sensitive skin or eczema, ask your paediatrician what kind to use.
- With a new product, test it first on a small patch of skin.
Sun cream isn’t a “ticket” for a whole day in the midday sun. It’s just one of the layers of protection.
Heat – the other half of the story
- Offer the breast or formula more often. If your baby has started solids, ask your paediatrician about water.
- Keep your baby lightly dressed and somewhere cool.
- Never leave your baby in a parked car, not even for a minute.
Contact your paediatrician if your baby has fewer wet nappies, is unusually floppy, or has sunburn with blisters. Call 112 if they’re very sleepy and hard to wake, have a seizure or are breathing fast.
Choose a hat with a strap, or one your baby can’t pull off in five seconds. For many babies, taking the hat off is their favourite summer game. 😉
For the dads
You’re the official “shade manager”. An umbrella, a pram sunshade, a spot under a tree and a spare hat in the glovebox – and the outing is saved.
In short
Up to 6 months – shade and clothing. After 6 months – shade, clothing and children’s sun cream. And always – plenty of fluids and staying out of the midday heat. With these few habits, summer will be a time of sandy little feet and photos to treasure, not worries. You have the whole summer ahead of you – enjoy it. ☀️
Sources: NHS – Safety in the sun (babies); U.S. FDA – Should You Put Sunscreen on Infants? Not Usually; NHS Wales (Betsi Cadwaladr) – Holiday and sun safety for babies.
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