How Much Sun Is Safe for Babies Under 6 Months? A Dermatologist Answers
Share
As a dermatologist (and mom of two boys born in the sunny Colorado Rockies), I know firsthand how confusing those early months can be. You’re trying to get outside, but every source seems to say something different about babies and the sun.
Let’s clear it up — here’s exactly what’s safe, what’s not, and what I recommend to every new parent in my clinic.
☀️ The Truth: Babies Under 6 Months Should Avoid Direct Sun Exposure
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping infants under 6 months out of direct sunlight — not because sunshine is evil, but because their skin simply isn’t ready for it.
Here’s why:
- A baby’s skin is thinner and more permeable, which means UV rays penetrate more deeply.
- Their natural melanin (the pigment that offers some UV protection) is still developing.
- Their sweat glands aren’t mature enough to help cool their bodies — so overheating is a real risk.
- Even a short period of unprotected sun exposure can cause burn, dehydration, or heat stress.
👶 What You Can Do Safely
Your baby doesn’t need to live in a cave — you just need to be strategic.
Here’s a dermatologist-approved guide for outdoor time in those first 6 months:
1. Stick to shade
Use a stroller canopy, pop-up tent, or wide tree shade whenever possible. The best shade still lets air circulate.
2. Dress for defense
Choose lightweight, breathable UPF 50+ clothing that covers the arms and legs. A wide-brim hat or hood that shades the face, scalp, ears, and neck is non-negotiable. Babies do not have enough hair to prevent their scalps from burning easily.
3. Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
Morning and evening walks are safest for both cooler temperatures and UV. Remember: UV rays can bounce off sand, snow, and water, even in partial shade. You can absolutely go out in the middle of the day as well, you'll just need to be extra diligent with full coverage UPF clothing and SPF to exposed areas reapplied at least every 2 hours.
4. Sunscreen — to limited areas of exposed skin
Don't rely on shade alone to protect areas not covered by clothing. You can safely apply broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+) to small areas of exposed skin like the face (especially cheeks, nose) and the backs of hands.
Look for zinc oxide as the active ingredient and a product without any added fragrance for something suitable for sensitive baby skin (download my free baby skincare guide for all of my specific product recommendations).
5. Stay cool and hydrated
Infants can overheat easily. Dress them in layers you can remove quickly, and always watch for signs of overheating: flushed cheeks, fussiness, or rapid breathing.
If your baby shows signs of overheating - immediately seek shade, undress them, and use a clothing item or a swaddle soaked in water placed against their bare skin to cool them down as quickly as possible. Give formula or breastfeed as well for hydration, and seek medical care.
🧴 What About Vitamin D?
This is a big one — and the reason many parents want some sun exposure.
Here’s the truth:
Your baby can get all the vitamin D they need through supplementation, without unprotected sun time.
The AAP recommends 400 IU of vitamin D daily for all breastfed babies, starting in the first few days of life. Formula-fed infants usually get enough through fortified formula.
So no, you don’t need to expose your baby’s bare skin to sunlight “for a few minutes a day” — that’s outdated advice. Safe shade + supplementation = best of both worlds.
⚕️ Why This Matters
Early UV damage is cumulative — it adds up over a lifetime. Even a single blistering sunburn in childhood doubles the risk of melanoma later in life.
And I see it constantly.
In my first two weeks back to work after maternity leave this year, I diagnosed six new melanomas — many in young adults who spent their childhoods outdoors without protection.
That’s why prevention in the early months is so powerful. You’re not just preventing a burn — you’re building habits that can literally change your child’s future skin health.
🩵 The Easiest Way to Protect Your Baby
You’re already doing so much. Sun protection shouldn’t add more stress.
Here’s the simplest formula:
☀️ Shade + UPF clothing + SPF = protection handled.
That’s why I designed Alpenshade’s baby sunsuits — made from breathable, recycled UPF 50+ fabric that actually keeps your baby cooler than cotton.
Because protecting their skin shouldn’t feel like another stressor.
✉️ Want a Dermatologist’s Baby Skincare Guide?
Sign up for our free “Baby Skin 101” email guide — written by me, Dr. Jenna Peart — to get my top dermatologist tips on:
- Infant skincare routines
- Sunscreen ingredients to avoid
- How to prevent eczema flare-ups
👉 Get the guide here and start protecting your baby’s skin from day one.
Written by Dr. Jenna Peart, Board-Certified Dermatologist & Cofounder of Alpenshade