Many of us have made sunscreen a non-negotiable part of our skincare routine to prevent tanning, pigmentation, and sun damage. But when it comes to our little ones, especially newborns and babies, the question arises:
Should babies need sunscreen too?
If yes, at what age can babies start wearing sunscreen safely?
Let’s simplify it down in this blog and help you make the safest choice for your baby’s delicate skin.
What does the FDA say about sunscreen for babies?
According to the U.S. FDA, which provides global guidance on sunscreen safety:
- Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months of age.
- For babies above 6 months, sunscreen may be used if absolutely necessary, especially during vacations or intense sun exposure.
So, at CHOSEN, we recommend limiting sunscreen use in babies unless truly needed. For everyday sun protection, it's best to stick to:
- Protective clothing
- Shade
- Wide-brimmed hats
These physical protection methods are safest for babies and form the foundation of sun safety in early childhood.
So, what is the best sunscreen for babies?
When sunscreen is truly needed, such as during travel or unavoidable sun exposure, the safest option is a non-nano mineral sunscreen that contains no chemical filters.
The only two UV filters currently approved by the US FDA for baby use are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Both of these are classified as GRASE I – which means Generally Regarded as Safe and Effective. But there’s a catch: you need to look for the non-nano form of these minerals for better safety, especially on baby skin.
What do we mean by "Only Mineral Filters"?
It’s easy to get confused; many sunscreens on the market claim to be “mineral-based” on the front label but also contain chemical filters in the formulation. These are not truly mineral sunscreens and should be avoided for babies.
The best way to ensure you're using a baby safe sunscreen lotion is to look for non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide. Another easy way is to choose a sunscreen that is pregnancy safe, as these are often free from endocrine disruptors, making them safer for both moms and babies. You can also scan the ingredients on the sunscreen label using the sunscreen ingredient safety checker to find out any endocrine disrupting UV filters.
If you’re looking for the best baby sunscreen lotion in India, we recommend CHOSEN’s SAFESCREEN Mom & Baby mineral sunscreen, a dermatologist-formulated non-nano zinc-based sunscreen that’s carefully designed to be safe for moms and babies.
So, to summarize:
- Babies under 6 months? No sunscreen – just shade and protective clothing
- Babies over 6 months? Use sunscreen only when truly needed
- And always choose a mineral-only, non-nano, chemical filter-free sunscreen
When it comes to baby skincare, less is more, especially with sunscreen. Let physical sun protection be your go-to, and use sunscreen only when absolutely essential. For those moments, choose one that’s safe, gentle, and effective, now and for the future.
You may also like to explore: