The Skinny on Sunscreen Safety for Child Care Staff: Protecting Little Ones from Harmful Rays

Kimberly Kostas
Jul 27
3 min read

By Kimberly Kostas, RN, BSN, CPN – PediNurse, LLC

When summer sun heats up, outdoor play becomes an exciting part of the child care day. But with sunshine comes responsibility—especially when it comes to protecting children’s delicate skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays.

As a Pediatric Nurse and Child Health Care Consultant in Massachusetts, I often get questions from child care providers about sunscreen use: What’s safe? How much? How often? Here's your go-to guide for sunscreen safety to ensure you're following best practices, keeping children safe, and maintaining compliance with Massachusetts child care licensing standards.

☀️ Why Sunscreen Matters for Children

Children's skin is more sensitive and prone to sunburn than adult skin. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), even a few serious sunburns can increase a child’s risk of skin cancer later in life (AAP, 2020). UV rays can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes. This means even a short time on the playground can be enough to cause harm without proper protection.

🧴 Choosing a Safe and Effective Sunscreen

Not all sunscreens are created equal. When selecting sunscreen for children in your care:

Look for:

Broad-spectrum protection: Blocks both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF 30 or higher: The AAP recommends at least SPF 30 for children.
Mineral-based ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are gentler on sensitive skin and are often preferred for young children.
Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic: Reduces the chance of irritation and skin reactions.

🚫 Avoid:

Spray sunscreens (can be inhaled and often applied unevenly).
Oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate (linked to skin sensitivity and hormonal effects).

Source: FDA Sunscreen Safety Guidelines

📋 Massachusetts Licensing Regulations for Sunscreen Use

Under EEC (Department of Early Education and Care) guidelines, child care centers must:

Obtain written parental consent for sunscreen application.
Label each child’s sunscreen with their name.
Store sunscreen out of children’s reach.
Document application if required by policy or medical condition.
Ensure staff wash their hands before and after applying sunscreen.

For a full list of EEC regulations, visit: Mass.gov EEC Health and Safety Requirements

🕒 How and When to Apply Sunscreen in Child Care Settings

Follow the "20/80 Rule":

Apply 20 minutes before outdoor play.
Reapply every 80 minutes or after water play/sweating.

Use about 1 ounce (a shot glass) to cover exposed areas, and don’t forget:

Ears
Backs of knees
Neck and scalp (for thin-haired kids)
Tops of feet and hands

Staff Tip: Create a sunscreen application chart to keep track of reapplication times and child-specific needs.

👶 What About Infants?

The FDA advises against routine sunscreen use for infants under 6 months. Instead:

Keep them in the shade.
Use wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves.
Avoid sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

If sunscreen is absolutely necessary (i.e., exposure is unavoidable), a small amount of mineral-based sunscreen on exposed skin may be used in consultation with the child’s pediatrician.

🌞 The Bright Side: Sunlight Benefits for Children

While it's essential to protect children from harmful UV rays, it's also important to recognize that sunlight offers real benefits. Moderate sun exposure helps the body produce vitamin D, which supports strong bones, a healthy immune system, and even mood regulation. Outdoor play in the sunshine also encourages physical activity and social interaction—key parts of healthy development. The goal isn’t to avoid the sun altogether, but rather to enjoy it safely with the right balance of sun protection and outdoor fun.

🏥 Final Thoughts from a Pediatric Nurse Consultant

Proper sunscreen use is an essential piece of your child care center’s health and safety strategy. As a Pediatric Nurse and Child Care Health Consultant in Massachusetts, I help centers like yours create practical, compliant sun safety policies and educate staff on the best ways to protect little ones. Let’s work together to make your center a safe and sun-smart environment!

👩‍⚕️ Want Support with Health Policies or Staff Training?

At PediNurse, LLC, I offer professional, personalized health care consulting services for child care centers across Massachusetts. Whether you need help creating a sun safety policy, updating health protocols, or training your staff on child health and wellness, I’m here to help.

👉 Visit my website to partner with PediNurse, LLC to maximize children's health at your center: https://www.pedinurseconsulting.com/childcarehealthconsultant