In short: Keep babies under 6 months out of direct strong sunlight – shade, clothing and a sun hat protect them. From 6 months, apply at least SPF 30 sunscreen with good UVA protection to skin not covered by clothes, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming. Seek shade when the sun is strongest, around 11am to 3pm.
Author: Eva Birsa, mum and co-founder of Evitas · Updated: 27 September 2026
Babies under 6 months: shade instead of sunscreen
The NHS advises that children under 6 months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight, and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) agrees. Keep your baby in the shade, dress them in light clothing and a hat, and use the pushchair canopy. The AAP allows a small amount of sunscreen on small areas such as the face only when shade and protective clothing aren’t available.
Tip: don’t cover the pushchair or car seat with a muslin or blanket – the Croatian Institute of Public Health (HZJZ) warns this increases the risk of overheating and reduces airflow.
Children over 6 months: how to protect them
| Measure | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Time in the sun | Spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest – in the UK 11am–3pm from March to October (NHS); in southern Europe the strong-sun window in summer is often longer. |
| Clothing | Suitable clothing that covers the skin (NHS). |
| Hat | Wide-brimmed hat or cap with neck protection. |
| Sunglasses | With CE marking and UV 400 – see our kids’ sunglasses. |
| Sunscreen | At least SPF 30 and at least 4-star UVA protection (NHS). |
| Reapplying | Every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying (NHS, AAP). |
How to apply sunscreen properly
- Apply 15–30 minutes before going out (AAP) or as the manufacturer directs.
- Be generous – cover all exposed skin evenly.
- Don’t forget ears, nose, neck, backs of hands and feet.
- Reapply even if the sunscreen is water-resistant.
Linea MammaBaby Albertino SPF 50+: what the label says
Linea MammaBaby Albertino SPF 50+ is a spray sunscreen for the face and body of children and adults with fair, sensitive skin. According to the Italian manufacturer:
- very high SPF 50+ broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection,
- ECO REEF filters in line with the Hawaiian Coral Treaty standard,
- free from oxybenzone, octocrylene, octinoxate, benzophenone, PEGs and dyes,
- dermatologically tested on sensitive skin, nickel, chromium and cobalt tested (< 1 ppm),
- with organic almond oil and witch hazel extract,
- Bag-on-Valve packaging that keeps the contents away from air.
It contains fragrance (Parfum). The manufacturer describes it as suitable “from the very youngest age”, but for babies under 6 months the rule still applies: shade and clothing first, sunscreen only on your doctor’s advice.
For mum there’s Linea MammaBaby Angelina SPF 30, an adult sunscreen for sensitive skin that the manufacturer says is also suitable for children. See all products in our sunscreens collection, and read our baby skin care guide for everyday care.
When to see a doctor
The NHS advises getting an urgent GP appointment or calling NHS 111 if a baby or young child has sunburn – especially with blistering or swelling, a high temperature, shivering, tiredness, dizziness or feeling sick. Outside the UK, contact your doctor or local emergency service.
FAQ
Can I put sunscreen on a baby under 6 months?
Babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight (NHS). The AAP allows a little sunscreen on the face only when shade and clothing aren’t possible – ask your paediatrician.
What SPF should children’s sunscreen have?
At least SPF 30 with at least 4-star UVA protection (NHS). For very fair skin and strong sun, for example at the beach, SPF 50+ makes sense.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Every 2 hours and always after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
Is the shade of a parasol enough?
Not entirely, as UV rays reflect off sand, water and other surfaces. Combine shade with clothing, a hat and – over 6 months – sunscreen.
Can I cover the pushchair with a blanket?
No. The Croatian Institute of Public Health warns that covering a pushchair or car seat risks overheating and poor airflow. Use the canopy and find shade.
Sources
- NHS: Sunscreen and sun safety
- NHS: Sunburn
- AAP / HealthyChildren: Sun Safety
- HZJZ: Siguran boravak na suncu
This content is for information only and does not replace advice from your paediatrician.
