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Most pediatricians recommend not using sunscreen until the child is 6 months old. By this, they usually mean that the child should be kept indoors during daytime and should not be taken out in sun as far as possible. Even, if going out with children is a must, be sure to keep the babies covered and shaded fully as their skin is still very delicate and harmful rays of the sun may cause sunburns in babies or may damage their skin. Similarly, sunscreens with chemical blocks may cause reaction in baby’s skin and may cause irritation and rashes and trigger itching in babies. Here are some tips to apply sunscreen to babies less than six months old:
- Apply sunscreen sparingly only around the mouth and on the hands that are more exposed to sunlight.
- If possible, avoid venturing out in midday with the baby as much as possible.
- Keep other areas of baby’s body covered by lightweight baby’s clothes and hat.
- Look for physical block in sunscreen such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that is safe enough for delicate baby’s skin.
- Some of the most popular sunscreens safe enough for babies are Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock Lotion and Coppertone Water Babies.
- Sunscreens with SPF 30 should be used for infants and should be reapplied every one and a half to two hours.
- Use ‘chemical-free’ sunscreen only.