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Sunscreen for kids and babies: A buying guide

Help protect the skin of little ones with these ingredients and products. 

Published: October 25, 2023 |7 minute read

Written by: Jessica Sebor

Young girl wearing a blow up ring in the swimming pool laughs as she plays with her mom.

Playing outside helps a kid nourish their body, mind and spirit. Studies show that it brings big benefits: improved motor development, better learning outcomes and decreased stress.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 six 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 six 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 six 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 ordinary 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 SPF 50 Sunscreen Mineral Lotion is made with 100 percent zinc oxide for broad-spectrum physical protection. For wriggly babies and toddlers who don’t like to be lathered up, Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50+ may provide an easier delivery mechanism. 

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, SPF 50 and Coppertone WaterBabies Sunscreen Pure & Simple Tear Free Mineral Based Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 50.

Oil-free sunscreens

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

Many formulations on the market fit that description, such as Eucerin Sun Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen. For spray sunscreens, make sure to continue applying until skin glistens to 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 SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion and Banana Boat Simply Protect Baby SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick.

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 Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Roll-On Lotion Fragrance Free and Baby Bum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, are vegan.20

High SPF sunscreen

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

Try Banana Boat Kids Max Protect & Play SPF 100 Clear Sunscreen Spray or Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 60.

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, SPF 60, 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 with your health care provider before taking any vitamins or supplements and prior to beginning or changing any health care practices.