When can I begin using sunscreen on my baby?
Sunscreen is intended for infants aged six months and older and should be applied on exposed areas of the body, such as the hands, feet, and face. Babies, as well as older children, should wear sun protective hats, shirts, and long shorts or pants that cover the majority of the skin.
While babes in bikinis are cute, they are at risk for dangerous amounts of sun exposure! If you have to bring your younger infant into the sun, dress him or her in long, lightweight pants and shirts, and cover his or her head.
Use sunscreen on their feet, hands, and face only after testing a very small patch of skin the day prior to make sure there is not a reaction. Choose a sunscreen that is labeled “broad spectrum” with the active ingredients of either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Choose a sunscreen made specifically for babies and toddlers, if possible. Reapply according to the time instructions on the bottle.
This is good to know since I’m planning on a short beach vacation with my LO in a few months