Yay, it’s summer! Everyone wants to spend as much time outdoors as possible – understandable, the warm rays of sunshine are so good. With the birth of a baby, parents suddenly find themselves asking completely different questions in the summer than before. For example, “Is my baby even allowed out in the sun?” and “How do I best protect my baby’s skin?”
Sun protection is a key issue, especially for new parents. Adults should also always protect themselves well from UV rays – but this is even more important for babies. Baby skin is about three to five times thinner than adult skin and therefore very sensitive. We’ve compiled the most important tips and information about sun protection for babies for you – understandable, practical, and honest.
1. Baby skin + sun = a sensitive matter
Delicate baby skin is thin, sensitive, and doesn’t yet have its own full protection against UV rays. Therefore, direct sunlight is a definite no-go for babies under 12 months. It’s best to take your baby into the shade. Caution: Even in the shade, there’s a risk of sunburn. Shade reduces UV rays, but reflections can also cause sunburn. Therefore, protecting your little one’s skin with sunscreen, even in the shade, isn’t just an option—it’s actually extremely important. Clothing with UV protection and a hat or cap are also helpful.
2. Even the little ones can wear sunscreen
We’re often asked whether sunscreen is suitable for newborn babies. Since it’s generally recommended to keep babies out of the sun, this is often mistakenly answered “no.” This isn’t entirely true. If you can’t protect certain areas in any other way (e.g., with UV-protective clothing), please apply sunscreen. Keep in mind that sunscreen stays on the skin longer and needs to be removed in the evening. Since you obviously don’t want to scrub your newborn baby hard just yet, we recommend avoiding the sun completely during the first few weeks of life.
3. Make sure you use sunscreen with safe UV filters
The sun is shining – time to apply sunscreen! But what should you look for when choosing sunscreen? Sunscreen products are based on two basic types of UV filters: chemical and mineral filters. It’s impossible to say that one is inherently better or worse. We particularly like mineral sunscreen because it’s gentler on baby skin and provides immediate protection.
- Chemical filters penetrate the skin and work there via a chemical reaction.
- Mineral filters (e.g., zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) remain on the skin and reflect the sun’s rays like small mirrors. They work immediately after application and are particularly gentle. Perfect for your baby’s sensitive skin.
Whether chemical or mineral, it’s important to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF. The UV filter you choose should also be safe. Some chemical UV filters (e.g., octocrylene) are suspected of causing cancer and disrupting the endocrine system. We really like Naïf’s sunscreen – based on mineral filters, it’s gentle on sensitive baby skin and kind to the environment.
4. How much sunscreen your baby needs
Better too much than too little! A small dab (about the size of a pea) is enough for a baby’s face, and more for the entire body – depending on your child’s size.
Rule of thumb:
- For children, use 1 heaped teaspoon for the face, and for babies, use less.
- For the body: Be generous! For adults, use about 4 heaped tablespoons; for babies, use less depending on their size, but still apply generously.
5. High sun protection factor is a must
Babies’ skin is so delicate and doesn’t yet have its own complete, natural protection against the sun. While no sunscreen offers 100% protection, a high sun protection factor helps your baby enjoy the summer carefree. We recommend a mineral sunscreen with SPF 50. Whether spray, cream, or stick—the consistency and method of application is a matter of preference. The main thing is that the sunscreen is applied regularly and sufficiently. The Naïf sunscreen stick is super practical for on the go, the sunscreen spray is ideal when you need it in a hurry, and the sunscreen cream is simply an all-rounder.
Theoretically, little ones could stay in the sun for about 3-4 hours with SPF 50, but you shouldn’t push this limit to the limit: sweating, bathing, and abrasion from clothing will reduce the sunscreen’s effectiveness sooner! So, it’s better to reapply more often to play it safe.
We recommend applying a generous layer of cream to your baby and reapplying every two hours and after each trip into the water.
6. Laugh, sing, apply cream!
Dot, dot, comma, dash: the moon face is complete—or should we say, sun face? Your little one will surely enjoy fun singing games while applying sunscreen. Make applying sunscreen a fun experience for your baby! Sing funny songs or play finger games while you gently apply the sunscreen. This will make applying sunscreen a positive experience that your baby will enjoy.
7. UV clothing: Look for the right seal
A quick glance at the label when buying sun-protective clothing will help you: if you see the “UV-801” certification mark, you can be sure that this garment retains its UV protection even when wet and after repeated washing. If the seal hasn’t been awarded, it’s unclear whether the garment will also provide protection when wet. Since little explorers will surely want to splash around in the water from time to time, this is extremely important!
8. Don’t forget to gently wash off sunscreen in the evening
Sunscreen products protect your child’s skin from UV rays during the day, but are not suitable for skin care. Therefore, they should be washed off at night with a mild shower gel or wet wipe, as otherwise they can cause unnecessary stress to the skin over time. For evening cleansing, we recommend Naïf 2-in-1 Shampoo and Shower Gel with 0% Perfume. The mild formula, which contains no artificial foaming agents or added fragrances, gently cleanses and cares for your child’s skin and hair. With just one bottle that combines both products, bathing and showering becomes easier and requires less effort! The gentle formula is safe and can be used from the very first bath.
9. Moisture is important!
Before bedtime, your skin not only appreciates the gentle removal of sunscreen, but also an extra dose of care and moisture. Did you know that there are also after-sun care products for babies that contain, for example, aloe vera to soothe the skin and provide lasting moisture? Naïf Baby & Kids After Sun with 0% perfume is perfect for ending the day. The spray cools and cares for the skin. Aloe vera and vegetable glycerin draw heat away from the skin while providing essential moisture. Exactly what skin needs after a long day in the sun. The after-sun keeps even the most sensitive skin soft and supple.
10. Our heartfelt recommendation for sun protection, care & cleansing: Naïf
When it comes to the delicate skin of our little ones, trust is key. That’s why we recommend Naïf—a brand that develops gentle and safe care products for babies and children, completely free of harmful ingredients.
All their products are dermatologically tested, vegan, and free from microplastics, parabens, and other chemicals. From mineral sunscreen to gentle cleansing to daily care, Naïf offers everything sensitive baby and children’s skin needs.
The name “Naïf” says it all: The brand stands for a loving naiveté. Parents should be able to pick up products from the shelf without worry, confident that they are choosing only the best for their child. Behind every product lies a promise: the highest quality, gentle care, and responsibility for our environment. Feel free to browse Naïf’s online shop and discover their wide range of products and even more helpful tips.
Conclusion: Well protected, completely relaxed
Sure, direct sun is taboo for babies. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the summer to the fullest: in the shade, well protected, and with a sense of ease. And hey: Make applying sunscreen a little ritual, and this perceived chore will quickly become a loving moment between you two. Enjoy the summer – safely, relaxed, and with lots of love. Worry-free sun protection, olé!
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