Sun protection

Under 6 months, keep baby out of direct sun entirely. Use shade, wide-brim hats, and lightweight long sleeves. Sunscreen is only recommended for small exposed areas (face, hands) at this age, using a mineral (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) formula. From 6 months on, apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure, and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming. Ears, tops of feet, and the back of the neck are the most commonly missed spots. Babies overheat much faster than adults. Watch for flushed cheeks, fussiness, or heavy sweating and move to shade. Avoid strenuous outings during peak sun hours (10am–4pm) in warm weather.