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Slathering sunscreen on your little one is important – whether it's cloudy or sunny – because it protects delicate skin from sunburn and reduces the risk of skin cancer. Based on recommendations from parents in the BabyCenter Community, our editors' research and experience, and guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics, these are the best baby sunscreens on the market. Read on for the best baby sunscreen for sensitive skin, the best baby sunscreen stick, and more.
Brought to you by Sun Bum, a favored American brand among beach-goers in the know, Baby Bum mineral sunscreen is plant-based, cruelty-free, and reef friendly. Parents like it because it doesn't contain harmful chemicals, fragrances, or dyes, making it ideal for a child's sensitive skin. It also boasts one of the highest percentages of zinc oxide – 20 percent – in a lotion. It applies easily with a non-oily feel. And it's water resistant up to 80 minutes.
Pediatricians have long recommended Aveeno skincare products for children. And now Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection sunscreen tops the list of safe-for-sensitive-skin sunblocks. In fact, this lotion has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance for its unscented, hypoallergenic formula. It's also tear-free and water- and sweat-resistant.
This fast-absorbing, non-whitening, and lightweight sunblock is designed with very sensitive skin in mind. It's free of common allergens and chemicals, making it safe not only for babies but for our delicate reef systems as well. And that's party why this sunscreen has been clinically tested and rated highly by Environment Working Group. The non-nano zinc formula also contains moisturizing botanicals, including calendula flower extract, shea butter, sunflower seed oil, and jojoba oil.
It's easy to teach your little one about sun safety with the neat Blue Lizard Smart Bottle, which turns from clear to pink in the sun to remind your child to stay protected outdoors. The sunscreen inside isn't gimmicky, either: it's a fragrance-free, paraben-free, and chemical-free mineral formula, which provides a safe barrier between your child's skin and the sun. Blue Lizard sunscreens are also free of reef-damaging oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Protecting your child from dangerous UVA and UVB rays is a no-brainer with this widely available sunscreen. Neutrogena Pure & Free sunblock is so safe for sensitive skin that it's been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. It's also one of the top brands commonly recommend by dermatologists. The zinc oxide formula is also fragrance-free and tear-free, making it a wise choice for active kids having fun in the sun. Just remember to reapply!
Thinkbaby was among the first companies to produce BPA-free baby bottles, so it's little surprise that Thinkbaby is leading the charge of suncare products that are safe for our littlest humans as well as our biggest ecosystems. This award-winning mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum coverage without any harsh chemicals. It's also water-resistant up to 80 minutes. And while it may have a slight whitening effect because of the non-nano zinc, it applies easily without the oily feeling or obtrusive smell of traditional sunscreens.
When your squirming toddler is eager to run and play, sometimes all you have time for is a once-and-done application. This pocket-size roll-on face stick goes on easily with a non-oily feel. It features all the same sun-protecting qualities of a standard lotion, just in a handier container. With just a few swipes, your little can get back to playing safely in the sun – just be sure to reapply every 80 minutes.
Many parents worry about chemical ingredients in sunscreen, but experts say the research is clear: The FDA, American Academy of Dermatologists, and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend using sunscreens, including chemical ones.
However, particularly for babies, many experts advise sticking to a physical, not chemical sunscreen. Sunscreen that's made with the minerals titanium dioxide or zinc oxide stays on top of the skin and physically blocks the sun's harmful rays without being absorbed by the skin. They are also less likely to cause irritations or allergic reactions.
Scientists don't know for sure whether sunscreen chemicals pose a long-term risk for you or your child. But scientists do know that sunscreen significantly decreases the risk of sunburns and skin cancer, so use one whether you choose a physical or chemical sunscreen.
- Physical sunscreens protect your child's skin with the minerals zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These minerals coat the skin but aren't absorbed, forming a physical barrier against the sun's rays. This type of product is often called sunblock, and is a good choice if you prefer to limit your baby or toddler's exposure to chemicals.
- Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin. Research is ongoing about the safety of the active chemical ingredients, especially for long-term exposure. For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends avoiding the ingredient oxybenzone because of safety concerns.
- Look for a broad-spectrum product, meaning that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and are thought to cause most skin cancers. UVA rays age skin, cause wrinkles, and play a role in some skin cancers. Look for the UVA "star rating" on the product. One star is the lowest level of protection from UVA rays; four stars is the highest. Physical sunblocks provide full UVA protection.
- Choose an SPF that's adequate but not too high. The AAP and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend you choose a product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Other experts recommend an SPF of 30 or higher. With chemical sunscreens, a higher SPF means you're getting more chemical exposure for little added protection. The Environmental Working Group recommends you not use a sunscreen with an SPF higher than 50.
- Avoid spray sunscreens. While they're convenient, spray sunscreens pose an inhalation risk and may not provide an adequate coating on the skin for proper protection. It's hard to tell if you've used enough to cover all exposed areas effectively with a spray product.
- Choose a water-resistant product, which provides sun protection for the length of time listed on the label (generally 40 to 80 minutes) – even while swimming or sweating. No sunscreen is entirely waterproof.
Babies and young children can quickly suffer from sunburn or heat stroke in warm weather. Consistent use of sunscreen, protective clothing, plenty of water, and shade are the best defenses against the dangers of excessive sun exposure.
Many parents wonder when babies are old enough to wear sunscreen. Experts recommend:
- Younger than 6 months: The AAP recommends putting sunscreen on young babies only on small areas that are not covered by clothing and hats.
- Older than 6 months: Apply sunscreen to all areas of the body, taking extra care around the eyes. If your child rubs sunscreen into her eyes, wipe both her eyes and her hands with a damp cloth.
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