When do parents apply sunscreen to their baby? See poll results, expert recommendations, and tips to protect your baby’s skin this summer.
When Do Parents Apply Sunscreen to Their Baby?
Protecting your baby’s delicate skin from the sun is an important part of summer safety — but when should sunscreen actually be applied?
To find out, we asked Canadian parents a simple question:
“When do you apply sunscreen to your baby?”
What Parents Told Us
Early responses show that sunscreen habits can vary quite a bit:
- Some parents apply sunscreen every time they go outside
- Others use it only on very sunny days
- Many reserve it for long outings like the park or beach
- And some parents say they’re not sure what’s recommended
This mix of responses highlights something important — while most parents are aware of sun safety, there’s still some uncertainty about when sunscreen is really needed.
What Experts Recommend
Health experts generally suggest that babies over 6 months should wear sunscreen whenever they’re exposed to the sun — not just on hot or sunny days. UV rays can still be strong even when it’s cloudy, making daily protection important.
For younger babies, shade, protective clothing, and hats are recommended as the first line of defense.
Why This Matters
A baby’s skin is thinner and more sensitive than an adult’s, which means it can burn more easily. Even short periods of sun exposure can add up over time, especially during the summer months.
Understanding when to apply sunscreen — and making it part of your routine — can go a long way in protecting your child’s skin now and in the future.