Skip sunscreen for babies under 6 months.

Yes and no—depends on age.

For infants under six months, skip the sunscreen entirely. Their skin is too thin and absorbent. Keep them in the shade, with a hat and lightweight clothing instead. No fun in the direct sun at that age.

For toddlers six months and older, use a mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Chemical sunscreens can irritate sensitive skin, and mineral ones sit on top rather than soaking in. SPF 30+ is plenty. Reapply every two hours or after water/sweat.

Before six months, the risk of irritation from sunscreen outweighs any sun protection benefit. After that, the risk of sunburn outweighs the minimal risk from mineral sunscreen.

Babies under six months don’t need sunscreen—they need shade and a sun hat.