Is sunscreen safe for my one-year-old?

It’s generally safe to use sunscreen after babies are six months old. However, keeping babies out of the sun in the first place is a much better idea. When you can’t, dressing babies in loose fitting clothes that offer full coverage (meaning long pants and long-sleeved shirts) and a brimmed hat is the best way to avoid sunburn. If it’s too hot for that kind of dressing or you’ll be outdoors for an extended period, then sunscreen is necessary.

Opt for a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more that has UVA/ UVB protection. I recommend using one that’s fragrance free, hypoallergenic, and uses titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to block the sun’s rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens—which are absorbed into the skin and take about thirty minutes to fully work—these mineral-based sunscreens aren’t absorbed and start protecting skin immediately. Also, use a sunscreen that does not contain an insect repellent. A personal favorite is Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen for Babies.

Just be sure to test a new sunscreen on a small area of your baby’s skin and make sure it doesn’t irritate the skin. If you’re stuck with nothing but a chemical sunscreen, pretest first and then be sure to apply it thirty minutes before you go out into the sun. To avoid irritating your baby’s eyes, do not apply sunscreen to the backs of your baby’s hands in case he rubs his eyes.

Last, remember to reapply the sunscreen every two hours or so—regardless of what the label says—and especially after any water contact. If you forget this part, a scorching sunburn may result. They’re painful and dangerous, and the next few days will be a nightmare.

From The Smart Parent's Guide: Getting Your Kids Through Checkups, Illnesses, and Accidents by Jennifer Trachtenberg.

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Yes! Sunscreen can and should be applied to any exposed skin of any age, even an infant. Of course, it’s best to avoid the sun, especially during peak sun hours, so go for a walk or swim with your little one early in the morning or late in the day. Always cover your children with a wide brimmed hat, light weight SPF clothing (long sleeve shirts and long pants preferred) and use an SPF sun shade on your stroller (attach to your stroller so baby is completely shaded). You can also wash sun protection into your child’s clothing with a product like Sun Guard Wash-in Protection. It gives clothing a protective factor of 30 for up to 20 washes.

When choosing a sunscreen for your infant or toddler, use an SPF of at least 30, with UVA/UVB protection or "broad spectrum" protection and "water resistant". Test a small amount on your child's skin to make sure there is no reaction. Most importantly, reapply often (every 2 hours or after swimming or sweating) and use lots.