Sun Protective clothing for babies who enjoy the outdoors

Child in a blue sun suit with bear ears standing on a trail with mountains and trees in the background

The New Parent’s Guide to Baby Sun Protection (0–24 Months)

Getting outdoors with your little one is one of the best parts of early parenthood. But babies’ skin is far more delicate than ours, which makes sun protection extremely important. Whether you’re planning a beach day, a stroller walk, or your first hike together, this guide explains how to protect babies from the sun safely and simply.

Why Babies Are More Sensitive to Sun Exposure

Baby skin is thinner, produces less melanin, and absorbs heat faster than adult skin.

This means babies burn more easily and can overheat quickly.

A few key reasons:

• Baby skin is about 30% thinner

• Very low melanin production

• Higher risk of overheating

• One severe sunburn in childhood doubles melanoma risk later in life

Babies Under 6 Months: The Golden Rules

Pediatric guidelines in both the U.S. and Canada advise avoiding sunscreen for babies under 6 months. Their skin is thinner, more absorbent, and more sensitive, which means sunscreen ingredients can be absorbed more easily. Instead, sun protection at this age should focus on shade, timing, and clothing.

1. No Sunscreen Under 6 Months

Both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society recommend keeping babies out of direct sunlight and not using sunscreen before 6 months. If absolutely unavoidable (like a tiny exposed area), a very small amount may be used — but shade and clothing should be the primary protection.

2. Prioritize Shade

Seek out shaded areas or create them with a stroller canopy, umbrella, tree cover, or portable shade tent. Think of shade as your baby’s main “home base” outdoors.

3. Choose UPF 50 Clothing

Lightweight, breathable UPF 50 clothing gives reliable protection without heat-trapping layers. Full-coverage rompers are especially effective because they protect arms, legs, shoulders, and torsos without requiring sunscreen.

Curious why UPF clothing matters so much for babies? Read our simple guide to how UPF works → https://sunnycubs.com/blogs/sun-resources/how-upf-works

4. Watch Your Baby’s Temperature

Babies can’t regulate heat well. If they feel warm to the touch, are flushed, or seem fussy, take a break indoors or into cooler shade, and offer milk for hydration support.

Babies 6–24 Months: Adding Sunscreen Safely

Once your baby is over 6 months old, both the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Canadian Paediatric Society agree that sunscreen can safely become part of your sun-protection routine. But even at this age, sunscreen should be a supporting layer, not the main strategy. Clothing, shade, and timing continue to offer the most reliable and consistent protection.

1. Choose Baby-Safe Sunscreen

Look for:

Broad spectrum (protects against UVA + UVB)
For babies or sensitive skin
Non-fragranced formulas

Mineral formulas (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are commonly recommended by dermatologists for this age because they sit on top of the skin and are generally well tolerated.

2. Apply to the Right Areas

Use sunscreen on small, exposed areas that clothing doesn’t cover, such as:

Face
Backs of hands
Ankles
Top of feet
Neck (if not shaded)
Ears

UPF clothing can dramatically reduce how much sunscreen their skin actually needs.

3. Reapply Regularly

Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, and sooner if your child is sweating heavily or playing with water-based toys (sprinklers, water tables, splash pads, etc.).

4. Keep Relying on Shade & Timing

Even after 6 months, the safest and easiest strategy is still:

Morning and late-afternoon outdoor time
Breaks in shade
Lightweight UPF 50 daywear

This combination minimizes sunscreen battles and maximizes comfort during outdoor play.

5. Be mindful of overheating

Toddlers and older babies warm up quickly, especially in the sun. Even with sunscreen, pay attention to cues like red cheeks, warm skin, or fussiness, and take breaks in cooler or shaded areas.

If sunburn ever happens, here’s a simple guide on what to do → https://sunnycubs.com/blogs/sun-resources/baby-sunburn-what-to-do