Sun cream for babies? Reliable protection from the start.

Baby skin is very sensitive and reacts more quickly to sunlight, heat and cosmetic ingredients than adult skin, so avoid sun cream if possible during the first six months of your baby’s life. During this time, make sure that your baby is not exposed to direct sunlight – especially between 11 am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its strongest and ultraviolet (UV) radiation is at its most intense. Keep your baby in the shade and protect them with loose-fitting, tightly woven clothing with long sleeves and long legs and with a suitable hat.

From about six months of age, babies can tolerate sun cream – but only when carefully applied to small, uncovered areas of skin such as the face, hands or feet. Even for babies over six months of age, sun cream should complement other protective measures, rather than being the main form of protection. During the first year of your baby’s life, continue to avoid direct sunlight and use clothes and shade to protect them.

Also pay attention to the UV index, which indicates how strong the sun’s UV radiation is. The higher the UV index, the faster sunburn occurs if the skin is not protected. A UV index of one and two is considered harmless, from three onwards sun protection is required, and from eight upwards it’s recommended to stay out of the sun. Also bear in mind that even when the sky is overcast, up to 80% of the UV rays penetrate through the cloud cover. UV radiation is also stronger in the mountains, near snow, water or sand, and near the equator – make sure your baby is extra protected in these places. Many popular weather apps also include information about the UV index.

A safe sun cream for babies protects against UV radiation without irritating their sensitive skin. The filter type and the ingredients of the creams are the key factors.

Are chemical or mineral sun creams better for babies?

For babies, a mineral sun cream is recommended. Mineral (physical) sun creams cover the skin like a protective film and reflect and absorb UV rays. Physical sun creams act immediately after application, are well tolerated and are therefore good for babies. Choose a high sun protection factor (SPF 50 or 50+) to reliably protect your child’s sensitive skin.

Chemical sun creams penetrate the top layers of the skin, absorb UV rays and release them as heat. Because babies’ skin is thinner and more permeable, it can be sensitive to certain ingredients found in these creams. Some older chemical UV filters are also suspected of having a hormonal effect. However, according to current data, modern filters approved in the EU are safe. Chemical sun creams only offer full protection after 20 to 30 minutes, which is why it’s important to apply them well before exposure to the sun.

Apply the cream evenly and generously. As a rule of thumb, around two milligrams of sun cream per square centimetre of skin. For adults, this is about a teaspoon on the face and neck. For babies, sun protection on the face, neck, hands and feet is particularly important, as these areas are often exposed. Sun protection sprays are only to be used on babies with caution. When spraying, the product often spreads unevenly, and the amount applied is difficult to control.

How long a mineral sun cream will protect your baby depends on the SPF, their activity level and any contact with water. Prevent sunburn by reapplying your baby’s sun cream approximately every two hours. If your child has been very active or has been swimming, it’s a good idea to reapply the cream at shorter intervals. Remove the sun cream in the evening with lukewarm water or a mild cleansing product for babies.

Also bear in mind that even dark-skinned babies get sunburnt. Although dark skin contains more melanin than light skin and therefore offers a certain amount of natural protection, this protection is minimal in infants. That’s why even babies with dark skin need consistent sun protection: plenty of shade, protective clothing and, depending on their age, suitable sun cream on uncovered areas of the skin.

Sun cream alone is not sufficient sun protection for your baby. Consider the following additional protection measures:

• Sun protection clothing for children: choose clothes with long sleeves and long legs. Thick, light fabrics protect your baby better from the sun than thin, airy materials. Make sure you choose a hat with neck protection to protect your child’s head. Special clothing with a tested UV protection factor (UPF, ideally UPF 50+) will give your baby extra sun protection. Just as important: sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection (UV400 standard).
• The right place in summer: shade offers the best sun protection. It reduces UV radiation by more than 50%. However, not all shade offers the same protection: the shade of trees is the best option – it blocks more sun than many umbrellas. A UV tent also provides your baby with constant sun protection. Also bear in mind that your baby can even get sunburnt in the shade.
• What to do in strong sunlight: avoid direct sunlight. In summer, protect your baby especially between 11 am and 3 pm, when the sun is at its most intense. Also make sure they drink enough: breastfeed or give your baby a drink regularly. Look out for signs of overheating, such as restlessness, intense sweating or reddened skin, and move to a cooler place if necessary.

Your child’s skin will change with age but will remain more sensitive than that of adults. You should therefore continue to apply a sun cream they tolerate well.

Mineral sun creams and modern, well-tolerated chemical sun creams are suitable for children, provided they are specially developed for children. Whether the sun cream is mineral or chemical is not as important as the mild, non-irritating composition of the sun cream. Look for the following features when buying a sun cream:

• Broad-spectrum UV protection (UVA and UVB protection) through mineral or modern chemical sun creams especially for children
• Free from fragrances, perfumes and alcohol
• Dermatologically tested
• High sun protection factor (SPF 50 or 50+)

Tip: make applying sun cream a routine – before nursery or preschool, while playing outdoors or while doing sport.

Sunburn at a young age increases the risk of skin cancer later in life. Always ensure proper sun protection, even as your child gets older. The combination of adequate shade, protective clothing and suitable sun cream will reliably protect your child from harmful UV radiation. Make sun protection a daily habit. This will teach your child to enjoy the sun safely from an early age.