# What is the best way to protect infants from the sun?

Canonical page: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-protect-infants-from-sun
Language: en
Category: pediatrics
Publisher: ClinicsJo
Published: 2026-09-13T08:09:53.130Z
Content updated: 2026-09-13T08:09:53.130Z
Translation (ar): https://clinicsjo.com/ar/faq/how-to-protect-infants-from-sun

Protecting infants, especially those under 6 months old, from sunlight is crucial due to their highly sensitive skin. Sunscreen is not generally recommended for infants in this age group, as their skin is more susceptible to side effects of sunscreen, such as rashes. Instead, the best protection strategies focus on avoiding direct sun exposure and providing effective physical protection [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-protect-infants-from-sun#source-S3>).

## Avoiding Direct Sun Exposure and Seeking Shade

Keeping infants out of direct sunlight is the first line of defense. It is advised to stay in the shade as much as possible, whether under a beach umbrella, a pop-up tent, a stroller canopy, or even under a tree. It is especially important to avoid exposing infants to direct sunlight between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., when ultraviolet (UV) rays are at their strongest [\[1\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-protect-infants-from-sun#source-S1>), [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-protect-infants-from-sun#source-S3>).

## Protective Clothing and Hats

Infants should wear lightweight clothing that covers most of their bodies, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Tightly woven fabrics provide better protection than loose-knit fabrics. The baby should also wear a wide-brimmed hat that provides shade for the neck, face, and ears, as these areas are particularly sensitive [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-protect-infants-from-sun#source-S3>).

## When Can Sunscreen Be Used for Infants?

If sun exposure is unavoidable during peak times, or if complete shade and protective clothing are difficult to provide, you may consult a pediatrician before applying a very small amount of sunscreen to small, exposed areas of skin, such as the face and hands, for children older than 6 months [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-protect-infants-from-sun#source-S3>). For infants under 6 months old, you must always consult a pediatrician before using any sunscreen [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-protect-infants-from-sun#source-S3>).

## Warning Signs and Immediate Action

Infants should be closely monitored for any signs of sunburn or dehydration. These signs may include irritability, redness, and excessive crying. If you notice your infant has developed sunburn, you should remove them from the sun immediately and apply cool compresses to the affected areas. In these cases, you should contact a pediatrician immediately [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-protect-infants-from-sun#source-S3>).

Since young infants do not sweat as efficiently as adults, they are more susceptible to overheating and dehydration. Therefore, it is important to ensure they receive adequate fluids, whether breast milk or formula, especially when spending time outdoors in the sun [\[3\]](<https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-protect-infants-from-sun#source-S3>). You can read more about [Sun Exposure and Damage Prevention: A Comprehensive Guide to Skin Health (Arabic)](<https://clinicsjo.com/ar/articles/sun-exposure-prevention-jordanian-skin>) for more information on protecting skin in general.

## Medical references

- [Should You Put Sunscreen on Infants? Not Usually](<https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/should-you-put-sunscreen-infants-not-usually>)

- [Sun Exposure](<https://medlineplus.gov/sunexposure.html>)

General health education; not a substitute for individualized clinical assessment.

Citation URL: https://clinicsjo.com/en/faq/how-to-protect-infants-from-sun#answer