General information only. This post is based on publicly available guidance from Australian public health organisations. It is not medical advice. Every baby is different. Please speak with your GP or child and family health nurse for advice specific to your child.
The short answer
For babies under 6 months, health experts recommend shade, protective clothing, and broad-brim hats as the primary forms of sun protection rather than widespread sunscreen use. From around 6 months, sunscreen can be introduced on small areas of exposed skin (face, backs of hands, feet) alongside those physical protections.
If you have questions about timing for your own baby, your GP or child and family health nurse is the best person to ask.
Why the guidance is shade-first for young babies
Babies' skin is still developing, and physical protection (shade, clothing, broad-brim hats) is the most reliable form of sun protection at that age. Australian guidance simply prefers it.
The general recommendation is to keep babies under 12 months out of direct sun when the UV index is 3 or above. The SunSmart app shows sun protection times for your location each day and is the most practical tool for planning time outside.
You may notice that we never describe our sunscreen as suitable "from newborn." That's deliberate. Our positioning follows national guidance rather than stretching past it. It's a small thing, but we think it matters.
From around six months: introducing sunscreen gently
When you're ready to introduce sunscreen, take it slowly.
Start with a patch test: apply a small amount to your baby's inner arm and wait 24 to 48 hours. If there's no reaction, you can begin applying to small areas of exposed skin not covered by clothing (face, backs of hands, feet) with shade and clothing still doing most of the work.
Apply 15 to 20 minutes before heading outside. Reapply every 2 hours, and after swimming or towelling.
When choosing a sunscreen for your baby, look for fragrance-free, free from parabens, phthalates, sulphates, and essential oils, and designed for sensitive and reactive skin. Gentle enough for babies, made for the whole family.
Keep their delicate skin protected with our SPF50+ Sensitive Skin Sunscreen.
The full sun protection picture for babies
Sun protection is more than sunscreen. For babies, a simple five-part habit covers the basics: shade, clothing, hat, sunscreen where skin is exposed, and timing outings outside peak UV windows.
The goal is enjoying the outdoors, not avoiding it. A few practical habits make that easy:
- Choose lightweight long sleeves and full-coverage clothing for time in the sun.
- Use a hat that shades the face, neck, and ears.
- Head to the shady side of the park.
- Check the SunSmart app and plan outings around sun protection times.
- Apply sunscreen to any skin left exposed.
Plan around sun protection times rather than avoiding the outdoors. Being outside is good for babies and carers.
FAQs
Can I use sunscreen on my newborn?
For babies under 6 months, health experts recommend shade, protective clothing, and a broad-brim hat as the primary forms of sun protection. If you have questions about what's right for your baby, speak with a GP or child and family health nurse.
Is SPF50+ too strong for a baby?
SPF measures protection level, not formulation harshness. A high SPF number doesn't make a sunscreen more intense or less gentle. Gentleness comes from what's in (and not in) the formula, not the SPF rating.
Do babies need sunscreen on cloudy days?
Yes, on days with a UV index of 3 or above. UV radiation, not temperature or brightness, is what matters for sun protection. You can have high UV on a cool, overcast day. Check the UV index with the SunSmart app before heading out.
What if my baby has a reaction to sunscreen?
Stop use and seek advice from a health professional.
Read next: The Complete Guide to Baby Sunscreen in Australia
