Sunscreen for Babies

I am going to talk a little bit about general sun protection tips for kids, and then I will get into my favorite sunscreen for babies, so make sure to stick around for that. The reason I really wanted to go over this is that,  I get asked all the time: Can I even put sunscreen on my kid? There are so many recommendations out there about not using it, especially if they are under 6 months old. But also, people ask: Which sunscreen can I actually use for my child and have them be safe?

Now, it’s not that sunscreen is inherently unsafe for someone under 6 months of age or that something magical happens when a child turns 6 months old, making their skin suddenly receptive to sunscreen. The reality is we do not want infants under the age of 6 months to have any meaningful sun exposure. So really, the recommendation is there for that reason.

Because we want kids—and infants in particular—to spend limited amounts of time in the sun, I really want to emphasize the point that it is not problematic to put sunscreen on someone under the age of 6 months. For example, when my son was really young, we still liked to go hiking and spend time outdoors. Of course, I had him in a hat and sun-protective clothing, but his little hands were exposed, so I did put sunscreen on his hands, and I was not worried about it. I will discuss sunscreen for babies also I will talk a little bit more about my favorite sun-protective clothing for kids in a bit.

Babies Sunscreen:

 I am going to put sunscreen on my kid. They are getting some sun exposure, and I want to protect them. Then the question becomes: Do I need to use a mineral sunscreen, or are chemical sunscreens also okay? You’ll hear information from dermatologists, pediatricians, and many other sources saying kids cannot use chemical sunscreen. I want to debunk that.

For clarity, when I talk about mineral sunscreen, I mean sunscreen that uses zinc or titanium dioxide as the UV filters. When I talk about chemical sunscreen, it refers to any other UV filter out there. The reason mineral sunscreens are so frequently recommended is due to a misunderstanding of how mineral sunscreen filters work. Many people believe that zinc and titanium dioxide protect you from the sun by reflecting its rays. In reality, they work very similarly to chemical UV filters in that they absorb the sun’s rays and then break down the UV radiation so it doesn’t harm the skin.

Some people express concerns about systemic absorption of chemical UV filters into the bloodstream. Of course, when you’re thinking about your kids, that’s something you might worry about. However, while chemical filters have been detected in the bloodstream in small amounts, they have never been shown to cause harm to human health. My thought on this is: if I, as an adult, feel comfortable using chemical filters on myself—which I completely do—then I also feel comfortable using them on my kids. I’m not going to treat my kids differently than I treat myself.

Babies Sunscreens:

Interestingly, when I’ve spoken with dermatology colleagues in the UK, they’ve told me this mineral-versus-chemical sunscreen debate doesn’t really happen there. It’s all about sun protection in general, without diving into the nitty-gritty details of sunscreen types. For some reason, though, this myth that mineral sunscreen is the only appropriate option for kids has been perpetuated in the United States.

The last thing I’ll say about chemical versus mineral sunscreen is that kids’ skin can be more sensitive. For some, chemical UV filters may cause irritation, which is, of course, a valid reason not to use them. However, I’ve also seen zinc and titanium dioxide-based sunscreens cause rashes and irritation in kids. One thing I want to emphasize is that any FDA-approved sunscreen in the United States is not toxic for kids or infants. It’s absolutely appropriate to use sunscreen for babies on exposed areas when your baby or infant is in the sun.

Another important point I want to cover about applying sunscreen for babies or  kids (and adults, too) is that I’m not a fan of using powder or stick sunscreens. The reality is that when you use a powder or stick, the amount of sunscreen being distributed on the skin is much less predictable, and most people will end up with inadequate protection. For adults, you might notice if your skin feels a little hot or if you’re overheating, and you can decide to reapply. Kids, however, are less tuned into those sensations and will trust the protection you gave them. So, use enough sunscreen.

Babies Sunblock:

In this vein, I also don’t recommend transferring sunscreen for babies into alternative packaging for application on kids. For example, some people have asked me about a device called Solar Buddies, which is a little brush that you can fill with sunscreen and use to apply it to your kids. The problem with this is that once the sunscreen is in alternative packaging, it can destabilize and become less effective. I understand wanting to make sunscreen application fun and interactive, but I don’t recommend this.

A common mistake I see adults make when applying sunscreen on kids is using it too sparingly. This isn’t the time for a little dab here and there—coat their skin thoroughly. You’ll likely meet some resistance, and applying sunscreen might not be your child’s favorite activity, but the more you get them used to it, the more receptive they’ll be in the future. If you underapply, you’re giving yourself a false sense of security, which can lead to sunburn. Many parents bring their kids in with sunburn and feel guilty about it, but sunburn can be avoided with proper application and reapplication.

Sunscreen for Babies:

The amount of sunscreen for babies you’ll need depends on the size of your baby, but a good rule of thumb is that it should feel a little hard to rub all of it in. If you’re wondering, Did I put too much on? that’s usually the right amount. Another mistake I often see is not reapplying sunscreen for babies frequently enough. If your baby is at the beach or pool, sunscreen needs to be reapplied at least every two hours. If they get out of the water and towel off, the towel will remove some of the sunscreen, so it needs to be reapplied immediately.

For younger kids, I suggest tying sunscreen application to another frequent activity, like snack time. For instance, whenever my son has a snack, we also reapply sunscreen. Lastly, you may have heard that sunscreen needs to be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure. This isn’t because it takes 15 minutes to activate but rather to ensure it has formed a proper protective layer on the skin.

A nice, even layer on the skin can take a little time to settle, and you do not want to get that sunscreen wet right after applying it. So, you definitely should not jump into the ocean or pool immediately after putting on sunscreen. I recommend applying sunscreen in advance if you’re going to a water park or the beach, rather than waiting until you arrive. For example, stop at a gas station 10 minutes away for a quick potty or snack break, and use that time to apply sunscreen. This way, when you reach your destination, your kids won’t have to pause their fun to apply sunscreen.

Sunblock for Babies:

Now, I am about to share my top sunscreen recommendations for kids. However, it is essential not to rely solely on sunscreen for sun protection. Australia, for example, is well-known for its sun protection campaign called Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide, which emphasizes not just sunscreen but other protective measures. If you are not familiar, Slip stands for slipping on UV-protective clothing. I’ll link some of my favorite UV-protective pieces for kids in the description box. Many brands now offer UV-protective clothing; for example, H&M has a great selection. I’m also a huge fan of SwimZip for affordable, stylish sun protection for kids.

Slop stands for slopping on sunscreen, which I’ll cover in a moment. Slap stands for slapping on a wide-brim hat. If you’ve seen my Instagram account, you know my son always wears a hat. I’ll link some of our favorites, which I get on Amazon. It’s crucial to choose a wide-brim hat because baseball caps don’t offer sufficient sun protection. When I share photos of my son wearing a hat, I often get messages asking how I get him to wear one. First, I model the behavior by always wearing a hat outside. Second, we made it a habit when he was just six months old, and now he asks for his hat when we’re outside. Normalizing and modeling sun-protective behaviors helps children adopt them as they grow.

The goal isn’t to make kids afraid of the sun but to teach them that protection is essential when outdoors. The campaign continues with Seek, which stands for seeking shade. Ideally, avoid extended sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Lastly, Slide stands for sliding on UV-protective sunglasses. My son doesn’t tolerate sunglasses yet, but with his wide-brim hat, I’m not too concerned.

Now, let’s dive into some of my favorite sunscreens for infants and kids. These are products I recommend in my clinic and use on my son. I’ll include both mineral and chemical sunscreen options since both are safe for infants and kids, with unique benefits.

Sunblock: 

First up is one of my favorite sunscreens for kids: Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50. I love that it comes in a large tube, so you don’t have to be stingy with application—a common issue I see. It rubs in effortlessly. While no mineral sunscreen is completely free of white cast, this one minimizes it well. If you’ve ever tried applying sunscreen on a wiggly or resistant child, the faster it rubs in, the better. Compared to many mineral sunscreens, this one feels lightweight and includes moisturizing ingredients like squalane. Note that it is not water-resistant, which isn’t a drawback unless you’re headed to the beach or water park. Non-water-resistant sunscreens are easier to rinse off at the end of the day.

Another mineral sunscreen I use for my son is Prequel Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++. My son saw me using it and wanted to try it himself. This sunscreen has antioxidants and babassu to soothe the skin, making it suitable for kids and adults. My son doesn’t tolerate all mineral sunscreens, but he does well with this one. A follower once mentioned her daughter loves this sunscreen because it’s slightly pink-tinted, which can make application more fun for kids.

Baby Sunscreen:

For water activities, I recommend the Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, which is water-resistant for 80 minutes. You don’t necessarily need sunscreen labeled “baby” or “sensitive skin,” as the ingredients are often identical to adult versions. This sunscreen has a classic thick consistency but allows you to see where it’s applied, which is helpful. While some drugstore brands can feel too pasty, Blue Lizard strikes a good balance.

Now, onto chemical sunscreens, which rub in easily and leave no white cast. This can be especially useful for kids with darker skin tones. One favorite is Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50, which is affordable, rubs in effortlessly, and has a pleasant, subtle fragrance. It feels like applying body lotion, making it easy to use regularly.

Finally, I want to include a spray sunscreen. While lotion-based options are ideal for the first application of the day, spray sunscreens can be a lifesaver for quick reapplications. When using sprays, hold the can about six inches away, spray evenly, and rub it in with your hand to ensure full coverage. For young children, I spray the sunscreen into my hand and then apply it to avoid inhalation.

Before wrapping up, let’s talk about removing sunscreen from kids. Using a microfiber cloth, like a Makeup Eraser, helps gently lift sunscreen off the skin. Pair this with a cleansing oil, such as Bioderma Atoderm Cleansing Oil, which breaks down sunscreen residue without harsh scrubbing.