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The sun was your friend when you were a teenager, as you slathered on the baby oil in pursuit of the perfect tan. Now it's a potent enemy. You wouldn't dream of stepping into its harmful glare without protecting your baby and her delicate skin. But is sunscreen the answer?

Babies Under Six Months

There's a bit of a mixed message about sunscreen for babies under six months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Skin Cancer Foundation, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) all recommend that you hold off on applying sunscreen until baby is 6 months old....

The sun was your friend when you were a teenager, as you slathered on the baby oil in pursuit of the perfect tan. Now it's a potent enemy. You wouldn't dream of stepping into its harmful glare without protecting your baby and her delicate skin. But is sunscreen the answer?

Babies Under Six Months

There's a bit of a mixed message about sunscreen for babies under six months. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Skin Cancer Foundation, and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) all recommend that you hold off on applying sunscreen until baby is 6 months old.

Sunscreen hasn't been tested on babies younger than this age, and it is simply not known whether it's harmful or helpful. But the AAP and the AAD add that if for some reason you can't keep your baby out of the sun or well-covered, then sunscreen should be applied.

However, the chemicals in sunscreens are likely to be absorbed more quickly through the skin and into the bloodstream in babies than in children or adults.

"They're a smaller package," explains Maribeth Chitkara, M.D., a spokesperson for the Skin Cancer Foundation and a pediatrician. "If you measure the area of their body surface and compare it to what they weigh, that ratio is much higher in a baby. This means they have a higher risk of absorbing more chemicals."

What's more, a baby's sensitive skin is more likely to react to the ingredients in sunscreens. Finally, experts agree that babies shouldn't be in direct sun long enough to need sunscreen in the first place.

Sunscreen for Older Children: What to Buy

Look for a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher that offers broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Your best bet may be a "barrier" or chemical-free product that contains zinc oxide or titanium oxide and is less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Avoid products that contain PABA, which are more commonly associated with allergic reactions.

Choose creams and lotions, which won't dry a baby's skin as much as gels or products that contain alcohol. If you choose a chemical sunscreen, do a patch test the day before you need to use it. Put a small amount of sunscreen on the inside of your child's wrist or upper arm. If you see redness or a rash within 24 hours, discontinue use.

Sunscreen Tips

Use sunscreen early, use a lot of it, and use it often. Don't wait until you're at the park to slather it on; apply one hour before you go outdoors, then again every two hours (more often if water play is on the agenda). And don't be stingy. Coat baby thoroughly, and remember the little things: hands, ears, nose, lips, and around the eyes.

Safety Note

Sunscreen is no magic bullet, so don't rely too much on it. Use every strategy you've got to protect baby's skin: Keep her out of the sun as much as you can, particularly from mid-morning through mid-afternoon. Use sun hats and sunglasses, and make sure your baby strollers and other gear come with ample, adjustable hoods.

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