Whether you’re packing the pool bag or heading to the playground, keeping children safe from the sun can feel like a guessing game. How much sunscreen is enough? Is it okay for babies? What about spray bottles? 

Children’s Nebraska pediatric dermatologist Nicole Harter, MD, says most parents try their best, but there is still misinformation about how sun protection works. 

“Some parents worry that sunscreen itself might be harmful for children,” says Dr. Harter. “Others overestimate how much protection their child is getting from sunscreen, clothing or shade alone.”

Common misconceptions about sun protection

Sunscreen safety is a frequent concern, especially among parents of young children. This fear often comes from confusion about ingredients or misinformation.

“There’s a perception that sunscreen might be toxic or cause irritation, but the vast majority of sunscreens are very safe when used appropriately,” says Dr. Harter. “What’s far more dangerous is a child getting sunburned. 

Even for parents who apply sunscreen regularly, another common issue is not using enough. The SPF number on the bottle, such as SPF 30, is based on applying a very thick layer during testing, about two millimeters. 

“In reality, no one actually applies that much,” says Dr. Harter. “When you do just a quick rubdown, you’re not getting the full protection the label promises.”

That means parents may need to reapply sunscreen more often than expected. 

“If you’re at the pool, park or anywhere with water or reflective surfaces, sunscreen wears off quickly,” says Dr. Harter. “Even if your child hasn’t been in direct sun, they can still get burned.”

Protective clothing can help fill the gap. UPF clothing and wide-brimmed hats can act as another layer of defense. Shade can help, but UV rays reflect off water, sand and concrete.

Start sun protection early

Sun protection isn’t just for beach days. Dr. Harter encourages parents to think about it as part of overall health from the very beginning. 

“There is no age that is too young to start thinking about sun protection, even in newborns and infants,” says Dr. Harter. “We know that 50% to 80% of a person’s lifetime sun exposure happens before age 18. Protecting their skin early can significantly reduce their long-term risk for skin cancer.”

Certain children are more at risk than others. Fair skin, light-colored eyes, blonde or red hair can all increase lifetime risk for sun damage. But every child benefits from protection.

“Starting good habits early makes the biggest difference,” Dr. Harter says.

Mineral vs. chemical sunscreen

With so many options on the shelves, choosing a sunscreen can be overwhelming. There are two main types: mineral (or physical) sunscreens and chemical sunscreens.

Mineral sunscreens:

• Contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

• Sit on the surface of the skin, absorb and deflect UV rays.
• Are less likely to cause irritation or allergies.
• Can leave a white cast and are thicker.

• Are ideal for young children.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb UV rays and convert them to heat. 

“Chemical doesn’t mean bad,” Dr. Harter says. “These are sunscreens from most brands, like Banana Boat, Neutrogena and La Roche-Posay, and they’re very effective. But for babies and those with sensitive skin, I generally prefer mineral-based formulas.”

When it comes to SPF, higher isn’t always better. 

“Above SPF 50, you get diminishing returns,” says Dr. Harter. “SPF 100 doesn’t give you double the protection of SPF 50, and you are often paying more for it.”

Sunscreen application tips

Applying sunscreen once in the morning and calling it good isn’t enough. Parents need to reapply every two hours. If your child is swimming or sweating, reapply more often – about every 45 to 90 minutes, depending on their activity and skin type.

To get the most protection, apply sunscreen at least 10 to 15 minutes before going outside. 

“This gives it time to absorb and form a protective layer,” says Dr. Harter. “No sunscreen is completely waterproof, so it always needs to be reapplied after being in the water.”

Spray sunscreen

Spray sunscreens might seem like the easiest option, especially for young children, but Dr. Harter doesn’t recommend them. 

“Sprays are almost always chemical-based,” she says. “They can also be irritating to the skin or airways. There’s also a risk of inhaling the particles, which can be unsafe for kids with asthma.”

Sprays can also create a false sense of protection. Some might think they can spray and go, but the sunscreen has to be rubbed in completely or else large patches of skin can be missed.

“If you use a spray, spray it on your hands first and rub it in like a lotion,” Dr. Harter says.

Instead, Dr. Harter recommends cream or stick formulas. Stick sunscreens are great for the face and neck.

“Kids like using stick sunscreen because they feel independent,” she says. “If spray is the only thing they’ll use, it’s better than nothing, but shouldn’t be the first choice.

Babies under 6 months

For infants under 6 months, there’s no sunscreen that’s FDA-approved. That’s why physical barriers are the safest option.

“Use long-sleeved UPF outfits, wide-brimmed hats and stroller shades,” Dr. Harter advises. “Try to stay in shaded areas whenever possible. If you know your baby will be exposed to the sun, I would personally advocate for a small amount of mineral sunscreen on exposed skin. I’d rather see a little sunscreen than a painful sunburn.” 

When to go outside and when to stay in the shade

The middle of the day is when UV rays are the strongest. Try to plan outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. during the summer. But don’t be fooled by cloudy weather and non-summer months.

“Even if it’s cloudy or cooler, UV rays still penetrate the clouds,” Dr. Harter explains. “Sunscreen isn’t just for summer – it’s for every day.”

Teaching kids good sun habits 

Building lifelong sun-safe habits starts with consistency and setting the example. 

“If parents wear hats, rash guards and sunscreen every time they’re outdoors, kids will think that’s just what everyone does,” Dr. Harter says.

She suggests starting early.

“When my kids were babies, they wore long-sleeve rash guards every time we went swimming,” she says. “Now it’s just normal for them. It’s much easier to set expectations early than to fight battles later.”

As kids get older, they may want more control. Letting them choose a sunscreen with a certain texture or scent they like can make them feel more comfortable.

“I tell families to treat sunscreen like brushing your teeth,” says Dr. Harter. “Keep it in the bathroom or in the car for a quick touch-up on the way to school or the park. The more convenient it is, the more likely everyone is to use it.”

Why it matters

Each sunburn in childhood can increase a person’s lifetime risk of melanoma. A tan might look healthy, but it’s actually a sign of skin damage. 

“By protecting kids now, we’re helping them avoid serious problems later in life,” Dr. Harter explains.

Sun safety doesn’t have to be complicated. It just takes consistency, preparation and awareness. 

“When you make sunscreen and protective clothing part of everyday life, you’re setting your child up for long-term skin health,” says Dr. Harter. “It’s one of the simplest and most powerful ways to protect them for the future.”