Sun safety for children and babies

By Trung Hieu Lam, developer of UV Tracker · Published 1 September 2026

Why children are different

Children's skin is thinner and produces less protective melanin than adult skin, so it sunburns more easily at the same UV exposure. They also have far more years ahead of them for cumulative UV damage to matter — sunburns in childhood are associated with higher lifetime skin cancer risk, which is why the precautions below are worth taking seriously even when a child seems unbothered by the sun.

Babies under 6 months

Pediatric guidance generally recommends keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sun entirely — shade, a stroller canopy, and protective clothing rather than sunscreen, since infant skin and its ability to process sunscreen ingredients are still developing.

From 6 months

From around 6 months, broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 30 or higher can be used on exposed skin, alongside shade and clothing rather than as a replacement for them. Patch-test any new product on a small area first.

Clothing, hats, UPF and sunglasses

Tightly woven or UPF-rated clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV-blocking sunglasses cover skin and eyes without relying on reapplication. For most families this is the easiest layer to get consistently right.

Timing the day

The same 10-to-4 window that matters for adults matters more for children — schedule outdoor play, sport and school breaks around it where you can, and check the safe sun time tables for how quickly the numbers change at midday.

When to see a doctor

Any sunburn in a child that blisters, covers a large area, or comes with fever or chills warrants medical attention. For everyday redness, cool compresses and staying out of further sun are standard first steps — but this article isn't a substitute for medical advice.

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