Sunscreen for babies and kids: A buying guide

Playing outside helps a kid nourish their body, mind and spirit. Studies show that it brings big benefits: better learning outcomes, decreased stress and improved motor development.¹

But one downside to time under the sun is the risk of sunburn, which can result in tears today and skin troubles tomorrow.

For those looking for the right product to protect kids from sunburn and skin damage, here’s how to find a formula that fits.

In this article:

When to start using sunscreen

It’s usually advised to wait until a baby is 6 months old before applying any sunscreen, unless a doctor has recommended it.² That’s because infants have extra-sensitive skin that is susceptible to the potential side effects of sunblock, including a rash.³

“The skin barrier isn’t mature until we reach 6 months of age,” says Lauren Ploch, MD, MEd, a dermatologist in Augusta, GA, and Aiken, SC.⁴ “Younger babies should be kept out of the sun completely or taken out only in the shade in sun-protective clothing.”

Choose the right sunscreen for a baby

For most babies, it’s safe to start using sunblock when they reach 6 months old. But what should parents look for? The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that everyone — babies, kids and adults — choose sun protection that has a sun-protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher, has water-resistant properties and offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning that it helps protect against both ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays.⁵

“I prefer physical sunblock for children,” says Dr. Ploch. Unlike chemical sunscreen, which absorbs light through a chemical reaction, physical sunblock uses minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to act like a barrier, reflecting and scattering light.^6,7 Dr. Ploch also recommends hypoallergenic formulas: “When children are young, we aren’t aware of things they could be allergic to.”

Children can absolutely use the same sunscreen as adults, and the family brand may be a good place to start.⁸ But if a sunscreen causes a reaction in the little one’s skin, pay attention to the formulation and look for another option. “Parents should try different brands of physical sunscreens until they find one that is not irritating for their child,” says A. Yasmine Kirkorian, MD, chief of dermatology at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, DC.⁹

Applying sunscreen for babies and kids

Make good sun safety a habit. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can come through.¹⁰ So every time kids go outside in the daytime, try to remember sunblock and other precautions. “Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection,” says Dr. Kirkorian. “Children should wear long-sleeved sun protective clothing, hats and sunglasses as well as seek shade and avoid midday sun.”

Sunscreen should be applied to any areas not covered by clothes 15 minutes before heading outdoors.¹¹ Don’t forget to cover everywhere, including ears, hands and feet. Apply again after the little one takes a dip in the water or works up a sweat and apply every two hours while out in the sun.¹²

Always read the label and follow directions as listed. And remember to check a sunscreen’s expiration date.¹³

Sunscreens for sensitive skin

If chemical sunblock irritates the skin, there are plenty of alternatives. “Babies and individuals with sensitive skin should use physical sunscreens,” says Dr. Kirkorian, because those formulations are less likely to cause a reaction. It’s also a good idea to look for fragrance-free formulas.

Hello Bello mineral lotion sunscreen with SPF 50 is made with zinc oxide for broad-spectrum physical protection.

Paraben-free sunscreens

Sometimes added to sunscreen as a preservative, parabens have been deemed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as safe for cosmetic use.¹⁴ However, some experts believe that parabens may have a negative effect on hormonal health.¹⁵ If you’re interested in sunscreens without parabens, opt for bottles labeled “paraben free.”

Some of these include Aveeno Kids continuous protection mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 and Coppertone WaterBabies Pure & Simple tear-free, mineral-based sunscreen lotion with broad spectrum SPF 50.

Oil-free sunscreens

Kids with oily skin or those prone to acne may be better suited for an oil-free formula.^16,17

Many formulations on the market fit that description, such as Eucerin sun-sensitive baby mineral sunscreen with SPF 50. For spray sunscreens, make sure to continue applying until skin glistens and rub it in afterwards to help ensure the child is properly covered.¹⁸

Odor-free sunscreens

While that coconut fragrance may be an iconic smell of summer, it’s not friendly to every skin type. Dr. Kirkorian explains that avoiding fragranced products is better for keeping a baby’s skin healthy.¹⁹

Look for odor-free formulas like Coppertone Pure & Simple broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with SPF 50 and Banana Boat Simply Protect Baby sunscreen stick with SPF 50.

Vegan sunscreens

Whether the parent or child prefers a vegan sunscreen, there are many options on the market. All of the Baby Bum products, for instance, including Baby Bum fragrance-free, roll-on mineral sunscreen lotion with SPF 50 and Baby Bum mineral sunscreen lotion with SPF 50 are vegan.²⁰

High SPF sunscreen

Broad-spectrum sunscreens are designed to block harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and thus protect against sunburn. Sunscreens with an SPF of 30 block about 97 percent of rays — no sunscreen can block 100 percent. For babies and kids with very sunburn-prone skin, choosing a higher SPF to help maximize protection may be helpful.²¹

Try Banana Boat Kids Max Protect & Play clear sunscreen spray with SPF 100.

Sunscreens for eczema

“Even hypoallergenic brands of sunscreen can be irritating for people with sensitive skin or eczema,” says Dr. Kirkorian. She recommends that kids who suffer from this skin condition use physical sunscreens only.

Parents might try a formula like Neutrogena Pure & Free baby mineral sunscreen stick with SPF 50, which has been awarded the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance.²²

This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.