# Baby Sunscreen and Sun Protection (2026): Under 6 Months vs Over, per the FDA and AAP

> What the FDA and AAP say about sunscreen before and after 6 months, then seven mineral baby sunscreens by the zinc oxide on their labels, three sun hats and a UPF 50+ rash guard.

- Source: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection
- Publisher: NurseryProof (https://nurseryproof.com)
- Published: 2026-09-28
- Category: health-safety
- Tags: baby sunscreen, mineral sunscreen, zinc oxide, sun hat, sun protection, baby health, AAP guidance, FDA
- Method: picks chosen from Amazon listings and brand specs; not hands-on tested; current Amazon prices are on the page; content checked 2026-09-28.
- Quick answer: Under 6 months, the FDA says sunscreen is not usually recommended: keep babies in shade, lightweight long sleeves and a hat with a brim that shades the neck. From 6 months, the AAP says to use a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher, with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide on sensitive areas. Blue Lizard Baby and Aveeno Baby are mineral picks.

## Key takeaways

- The FDA: "Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under six months old." Shade, clothing and a hat come first.
- The AAP allows sunscreen "on small areas of the body, such as the face," for babies under 6 months only "if protective clothing and shade are not available."
- From 6 months, the AAP says to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 15 (up to SPF 50) and reapply every 2 hours.
- Every sunscreen here is a mineral formula, with zinc oxide (and titanium dioxide in one) as the active ingredient on its drug label.
- The AAP says to call the doctor right away if a baby under 1 year gets sunburned.

## Products (chosen from listings, not tested)

1. **Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+, 3 oz** (details: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection#product-B0862PNNLG) — A two-mineral lotion for everyday use from 6 months.
   - Pros: Titanium dioxide 8% and zinc oxide 10%, per its FDA label; 80 minutes of water resistance, per the listing; Fragrance-free and vegan, per the listing
   - Cons: The label says to ask a doctor before using it on babies under 6 months, like every sunscreen here
2. **Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+** (details: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection#product-B083VT9WN3) — The face and ears stick for the diaper bag.
   - Pros: Zinc oxide 20%, per its FDA label; A stick for faces, ears and noses; 80 minutes of water resistance on the label; Fragrance-free
   - Cons: Only 0.5 oz, so it is for spots, not whole-body coverage
3. **Thinkbaby Baby Sunscreen SPF 50+, 3 oz** (details: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection#product-B004CDQ73K) — A zinc-only lotion from a brand that makes only mineral sunscreen.
   - Pros: Zinc oxide is the only active ingredient, per its FDA label; 80 minutes of water resistance, per the listing; No oxybenzone or avobenzone, per the listing
   - Cons: Sold by the Thinkbaby brand store rather than Amazon.com
4. **Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide SPF 50, 3 oz** (details: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection#product-B01HOHBECO) — The mineral pick for a baby with sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
   - Pros: Zinc oxide 21.6%, per its FDA label; Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, per the listing; Carries the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, per the listing
   - Cons: Contains oat, which is worth knowing for a child with an oat allergy
5. **Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50** (details: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection#product-B08JR9Y2NS) — A second face stick option from a drugstore brand.
   - Pros: Zinc oxide is the active ingredient, per the listing; Water resistant for up to 80 minutes, per the listing; National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, per the listing
   - Cons: The listing title says 2-pack but its description says one stick; check the pack size at checkout
6. **Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50** (details: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection#product-B07NJPR4TN) — A fragrance-free zinc lotion for very sensitive skin.
   - Pros: Zinc oxide 20.0%, per its FDA label; 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance, per the listing; Fragrance-free
   - Cons: The label says to ask a doctor before using it on babies under 6 months, like every sunscreen here
7. **Baby Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, 3 oz** (details: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection#product-B008XJ7F1W) — A travel-size zinc lotion for beach trips.
   - Pros: Zinc oxide 20%, per its FDA label; Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming, per the listing; Travel size fits a carry-on
   - Cons: Contains coconut oil and cocoa butter, which some families avoid
8. **i play. Baby Flap Sun Protection Swim Hat, 0–6 Months** (details: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection#product-B0015WUMKA) — A newborn-size flap hat for shade under 6 months.
   - Pros: A full-coverage flap that shades the neck, the fit the FDA describes for infants; Elastic back and a chin tie for fit; Machine washable
   - Cons: The listing does not give a UPF number
9. **i play. Baby Brim Hat, UPF 50+, 9–18 Months** (details: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection#product-B003917UMS) — A wide-brim UPF 50+ hat for an older baby.
   - Pros: UPF 50+, per the listing; Wide brim for head, neck and eyes; Adjustable toggle and a wicking liner
   - Cons: Sized by age, so a baby may need a new one each season
10. **JAN & JUL Grow-with-Me Wide Brim UPF Hat, 6–24 Months** (details: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection#product-B0CPKMB6C5) — A hat that stays on a toddler and grows with them.
   - Pros: UPF 50+ fabric and a full neck flap, per the listing; Adjustable head drawstring to size up across seasons; Chin strap with a breakaway safety clip
   - Cons: Sold by the JAN & JUL brand store rather than Amazon.com
11. **Gerber Baby Toddler UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard** (details: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection#product-B0BXBRDNVQ) — Covers the arms and back so there is less skin to sunscreen.
   - Pros: UPF 50+, per the listing; Sleeves to the wrists and a longer body; Sizes from 0–3 months to 5T
   - Cons: A top only; pair it with a swim diaper or bottoms

This guide answers when a baby can wear sunscreen and which one to buy. Under 6 months, the FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics put shade, long sleeves and a hat first and sunscreen last; from 6 months, a broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen joins them. The seven sunscreens below are compared by the active ingredient on their drug labels.

The guidance is quoted from the FDA's consumer update [Should You Put Sunscreen on Infants? Not Usually](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/should-you-put-sunscreen-infants-not-usually), the FDA's page [Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun), and the AAP's [Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburn & Sunscreen](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx) (last updated August 2024).

## What the FDA and AAP say, by age

| | Under 6 months | 6 months and older |
|---|---|---|
| Shade | The AAP: "Keep babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight." | Still the first line; the AAP says to limit sun "between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m." |
| Sunscreen | The FDA: "Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under six months old." The AAP allows it "on small areas of the body, such as the face, if protective clothing and shade are not available." | The AAP: "a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (up to SPF 50)." |
| Clothing | The FDA: "lightweight clothing, such as long pants and long-sleeve shirts" | The AAP: "clothes made with a tight weave" |
| Hat | The FDA: "a hat with a brim that shades the neck" | The AAP: "a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim" |
| Sunburn | The AAP: if a baby "is younger than 1 year old and gets sunburn," call the doctor right away | Same rule up to age 1 |

The FDA explains why young babies are different: "infants are at greater risk than adults of sunscreen side effects, such as a rash," and "younger babies don't sweat like adults do," so "they can become easily overheated." It says to "check with your pediatrician before applying sunscreen to children younger than 6 months."

Every sunscreen label in this guide carries the same line, as FDA rules require: "children under 6 months of age: Ask a doctor."

## The seven sunscreens and their active ingredients

| Sunscreen | Amazon price | Active ingredient (FDA label) | Water resistance (label or listing) | Seller |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Stick | see the current Amazon price on the page | Zinc oxide (percentage not on the listing) | 80 minutes | Amazon.com |
| Blue Lizard Baby Stick | see the current Amazon price on the page | Zinc oxide 20% | 80 minutes | Amazon.com |
| Blue Lizard Baby Lotion, 3 oz | see the current Amazon price on the page | Titanium dioxide 8%, zinc oxide 10% | 80 minutes | Amazon.com |
| Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection, 3 oz | see the current Amazon price on the page | Zinc oxide 21.6% | 80 minutes | Amazon.com |
| Thinkbaby SPF 50+, 3 oz | see the current Amazon price on the page | Zinc oxide (20% or 23.4%, depending on label version) | 80 minutes | Thinkbaby store |
| Baby Bum Mineral SPF 50, 3 oz | see the current Amazon price on the page | Zinc oxide 20% | 80 minutes | Amazon.com |
| Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby SPF 50 | see the current Amazon price on the page | Zinc oxide 20.0% | 80 minutes | Amazon.com |

**How we chose:** active ingredients come from each product's drug label on the National Library of Medicine's [DailyMed](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/) database (it lists two Thinkbaby label versions, at 20% and a newer 23.4% zinc oxide), and every pick is sold by Amazon.com or the brand's store. We have not tested these sunscreens.


## Under 6 months: shade, clothing and a hat

The AAP says: "Find shade under a tree, an umbrella, or the stroller canopy." The FDA says "the best sun protection for these infants is to stay in the shade."

Clothing does the job sunscreen will do later. The FDA recommends long pants and long-sleeve shirts, says "tight weaves are better than loose ones," and adds: "Babies should wear a hat with a brim that shades the neck."

- **i play. Baby Flap Sun Protection Swim Hat, 0–6 months:** a flap hat that covers the neck, with a chin tie. The listing gives no UPF number.
- **Gerber UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Rash Guard:** sleeves to the wrists, sized from 0–3 months.

Heat matters as much as sunburn at this age. The FDA says to "Give your child formula or breast milk if you're out in the sun for more than a few minutes." A stroller canopy is shade; a blanket draped over the whole stroller is not a canopy, and our [stroller accessories guide](https://nurseryproof.com/strollers-car-seats/best-stroller-accessories) explains why we left blackout stroller covers out.

If there's no shade at all and your pediatrician agrees, a mineral stick such as the Blue Lizard Baby Stick lets you cover just the face, the small area the AAP describes.

## From 6 months: a mineral sunscreen

The AAP's rule is "a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 (up to SPF 50)." For "sensitive areas of the body, such as the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and shoulders," it says to "choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide." Those are the two mineral active ingredients, and every sunscreen here uses one or both.

- **Blue Lizard Baby Lotion:** the only lotion here with both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
- **Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection:** 21.6% zinc oxide and the National Eczema Association Seal, per its listing. It contains oat.
- **Thinkbaby:** zinc oxide alone, sold by the brand's own store.
- **Baby Bum:** a 3 oz travel tube, with coconut oil and cocoa butter.
- **Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby:** fragrance-free, 20% zinc oxide.
- **Blue Lizard Baby Stick** and **Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Stick:** for faces and ears.

What we'd buy: one lotion for arms and legs and one stick for the face.

## Applying and reapplying

The AAP says to "Put sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors," to "Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas," and to "Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or drying off with a towel."

"Water resistant" is a regulated label. The FDA says these products must "state on their labels whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes when swimming or sweating." Every sunscreen here lists 80 minutes. The FDA also says: "There's no such thing as 'waterproof' sunscreen," and "All sunscreens eventually wash off."

**Key point:** 80 minutes is the longest claim the FDA allows. After a swim or a towel-off, reapply whatever the clock says.


## Hats, a rash guard and sunglasses

A hat and clothing protect without reapplying. The AAP suggests "a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim to shield the face, ears, and back of the neck."

- **i play. Baby Brim Hat, 9–18 months:** UPF 50+, a wide brim and an adjustable toggle.
- **JAN & JUL Grow-with-Me Wide Brim UPF Hat, 6–24 months:** UPF 50+ with a full neck flap, a drawstring to size up, and a chin strap with a breakaway clip.
- **Gerber UPF 50+ Rash Guard:** covers arms, shoulders and back at the pool.

The AAP also recommends sunglasses "with at least 99% UV protection" for children, and says to "Limit your sun exposure between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m." The FDA's page on infants uses a narrower window, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

## If your baby gets sunburned

If your baby "is younger than 1 year old and gets sunburn," the [AAP says](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx) to call their doctor right away. For older children, it says: "call your child's doctor if there is blistering, pain or fever."

Pack a thermometer with the sunscreen; see our [baby thermometer guide](https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/best-baby-thermometers). Our [babyproofing checklist by age](https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/babyproofing-checklist-by-age) covers the rest of summer safety at home.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I put sunscreen on my newborn?

Not usually. The FDA says "Sunscreen is not recommended for infants under six months old," and to check with your pediatrician first. The AAP allows it "on small areas of the body, such as the face, if protective clothing and shade are not available."

### What SPF should baby sunscreen be?

At least SPF 15, broad spectrum, from 6 months: the AAP says "at least 15 (up to SPF 50)," and the FDA's general advice is also broad spectrum with "an SPF of at least 15."

### Is mineral sunscreen better for babies?

For sensitive areas, "such as the nose, cheeks, tops of the ears and shoulders," the AAP says to "choose a sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide," the two mineral ingredients. Every sunscreen here uses them.

### What should a baby wear in the sun?

Lightweight long pants and long sleeves and a hat "with a brim that shades the neck," per the FDA. The AAP adds tightly woven clothes and a hat with an all-around 3-inch brim.

*This guide is for general information and is not medical advice. Ask your pediatrician before using sunscreen on a baby under 6 months, and call right away if a baby under 1 gets sunburned.*

## Sources

- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: [Should You Put Sunscreen on Infants? Not Usually](https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/should-you-put-sunscreen-infants-not-usually)
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: [Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun)
- American Academy of Pediatrics: [Sun Safety: Information for Parents About Sunburn & Sunscreen](https://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-play/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx)
- National Institutes of Health: [DailyMed](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov)

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Last updated: 2026-09-28
Canonical URL: https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection
How to cite: "Baby Sunscreen and Sun Protection (2026): Under 6 Months vs Over, per the FDA and AAP", NurseryProof, https://nurseryproof.com/health-safety/baby-sunscreen-and-sun-protection (checked 2026-09-28).
Disclosure: as an Amazon Associate NurseryProof earns from qualifying purchases. Safety information summarizes public guidance and is not medical advice.