As it starts to get warmer, parents are planning outdoor activities – from a regular game at the park, to days at the pool and beach. This means increased sun exposure and that goes hand in hand with sunscreen. While most people focus on sunscreen when it’s hot and out in the sun, dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen whenever the skin is exposed to sunlight.
You should know that even indoors, sunscreen is needed because your skin can be exposed to UVA and UVB rays through windows even on a cloudless day.
In addition, blue light from digital screens such as your computer, phone, tablet or TV can be potentially harmful to the skin.
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion
Ranking no. 1
How to apply sunscreen
According to American Academy of Dermatology Association, you must apply sunscreen to the skin before going out in the sun. It takes about 15 minutes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen. If you wait until you are in the sun to apply, your skin will not be protected. Make sure to use enough sunscreen and rub it into the skin well.
Apply sunscreen to all areas not covered by clothing or other obstruction, including your neck, face, ears, tops of legs and feet. It is important to reapply sunscreen every two hours and after swimming to avoid sunburn.
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What to look for in sunscreen for babies
When choosing your baby’s sunscreen, look for what it is hypoallergenic, containing titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, to prevent rashes. These sunscreens sit on top of the skin instead of being absorbed by it like chemical sunscreens.
Damn it waterproof Sunscreen is recommended even if your baby is not going to get wet. Make sure the label of your baby’s sunscreen says “broad spectrum,” meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Experts recommend having an SPF of 30 to 50, but no less than 15. Avoid sunscreens that contain insect repellents, as they are less effective.
To choose the best sunscreen for your baby,US News & World Report ranked those available on the market in the Best Over-the-Counter Medicines and Health Products ranking.
Here are the top sunscreens for babies:
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion
Ranking no. 1
$12 $16 Save $4
Aveeno Baby Sunscreen with SPF 50
- packet size
- 3 oz
- Main ingredients
- 100% zinc oxide active and soothing oats
- protection factor
- 50
- Special characteristics
- sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes
- 100% active zinc oxide
- broad spectrum protection
- for sensitive skin
The Aveeno Baby The sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen with 100% zinc oxide and soothing oats. It is mild and works well on sensitive skin. It is both sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It provides broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays and is SPF 50.
This sunscreen is non-greasy, hypoallergenic and paraben-free, phthalate-free and fragrance-free. It has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation as an effective broad-spectrum sunscreen. Parents say it’s the best baby sunscreen and it’s eczema-friendly.
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Ranking no. 2
$32 $58 Save $26
Neutrogena Baby sunscreen with broad spectrum SPF 50 and zinc oxide
- packet size
- 3 fl. ounce
- Main ingredients
- 100% zinc oxide
- protection factor
- 50
- Special characteristics
- contains Purescreen technology
- broad spectrum SPF 50
- 100% zinc oxide
- hypoallergenic and fragrance-free
Neutrogena Pure & Baby Sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection. The main ingredient is 100% zinc oxide and contains PureScreen technology to absorb, reflect and diffuse the sun’s dangerous rays. It is free of fragrance, parabens, phthalates, dyes and irritating chemicals.
This dermatologist-tested sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Parents say it’s the most protective on the market, with one parent praising how well it works even on 110-degree days. Works well on sensitive skin and doesn’t sting the eyes.
Eucerin Sun Sensitive Mineral Baby Sunscreen SPF 50
Ranking no. 3
$14 $16 Save $2
Eucerin sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVB/UVA protection and SPF 50.
- packet size
- 4 oz
- Main ingredients
- zinc oxide
- protection factor
- 50
- gentle, non-irritating mineral formula
- suitable for daily use
- without fragrance
Eucerin Sun Sensitive Baby Sunscreen Mineral contains zinc oxide of natural origin that provides highly effective broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
It is gentle on your baby’s skin and does not contain fragrance, parabens and phthalates. Parents say it’s a great product, works well for babies with very sensitive skin and doesn’t leave a white cast.
Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Ranking no. 4
Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen is a pediatrician-recommended SPF 50 sunscreen.
- packet size
- 8 fl
- protection factor
- 50
- Special characteristics
- waterproof up to 80 minutes
- hypoallergenic and soft
- Waterproof
The Coppertone Water Baby Sunscreen is a pediatrician recommended sunscreen with SPF 50 protection. It is hypoallergenic and gentle and provides broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It protects your baby’s skin from 98% of the sun’s rays and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Parents say this sunscreen works—even in Arizona and Caribbean weather. They say it hydrates and softens baby’s skin and dries clean.
Baby sunscreen based on banana minerals
Ranking no. 5
Sunscreen baby based on banana minerals with SPF 50.
- packet size
- 6 oz
- protection factor
- 50+
- SPF 50+
- waterproof
- broad spectrum protection
Baby sunscreen based on banana minerals provides broad-spectrum protection, blocking UVA and UVB rays. It is a waterproof SPF 50+ sunscreen. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and free of parabens, added oils and fragrances. It also won’t sting the baby’s eyes.
Parents call it a “no tears” sunscreen. It works well on baby’s skin when applied properly, it takes a little effort to rub it in, but baby won’t get burned. The thickness makes it leave a white cast.
Sun Bum Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen lotion
Ranking no. 6
$15 $17 Save $2
Sun Bum Baby Bum Suncreen is a herbal formula with SPF 50 protection
- packet size
- 3 fl
- Main ingredients
- zinc oxide, coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter
- protection factor
- 50
- Special characteristics
- herbal formula
- mineral based
- herbal formula
- SPF 50
Sun Bum Baby Bum Sunscreen is a 100% mineral sunscreen with a plant-based formula. It has SPF 50 with a non-greasy feel that absorbs easily and provides UVA/UVB protection. It is dermatologically tested, without parabens, phthalates, sulfates and silicone.
Parents say it’s a great choice, even for babies who have lots of allergies and sensitive skin. Parents also love that it has natural ingredients and a light fragrance.
Mustela Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Ranking no. 7
Mustela Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion with SPF 50
- packet size
- 3.4 fl oz
- protection factor
- 50
- SPF 50
- Mineral based
- Safe for sensitive and eczema-prone skin
Mustela Baby Mineral Sunscreen is a baby safe sunscreen for face and body. It is also safe for sensitive skin types and eczema-prone skin.
It is SPF 50 with broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. The formula is water resistant and fragrance and paraben free. Parents say it’s a great product and a little goes a long way. The quality is excellent and lasts a while on baby’s skin.
Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Lotion
Ranking no. 8
Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Lotion is a pediatrician-tested, mineral-based sunscreen.
- packet size
- 6 fl
- Main ingredients
- zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- protection factor
- 50
- mineral based
- checked pediatrician
Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Lotion is a mineral-based sunscreen that contains zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Provides broad-spectrum SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection. It is pediatrician and dermatologist tested and fragrance and paraben free. Parents say it’s a great product.
They love the consistency and that it doesn’t take long to rub it in. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin while protecting even from the Florida and Caribbean heat. It leaves a white cast, especially if you are dark-skinned.
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Why babies under six months old shouldn’t use sunscreen
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight. Your baby’s skin is sensitive and vulnerable to severe burns. When you’re outside, stay in the shade like under a tree or create your own shade with an umbrella, stroller or tent. If shade is not available, apply a small amount of SPF 30 -50 sunscreen to small areas such as the face, backs of hands and tops of feet.
If you must apply sunscreen to your baby under six months, use a mineral sunscreen with either titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide as active ingredients. These tend to be milder and less irritating to sensitive skin.
