The topic of this article on sunscreen for kids may startle you since you have always heard the babies should not be either exposed to sunlight or you should not be smearing sunscreen lotions on your baby’s skin.
The Skin Cancer Foundation and The American Academy of Dermatology say that babies less than 6 months of age should not be exposed to the sun as their skin is susceptible to damage. Babies above 6 months can be taken out in the sun with sunscreen.
Table of Contents
Why Infants Should Not Be Exposed to Sun?
A baby’s skin is thinner than that of adults and is highly susceptible to the harmful UV rays from the sunlight. Overexposure to UV radiation is one of the prime factors of melanoma and other skin related diseases in the future. Exposure to UV radiation does not only cause sunburn but also causes damage to the eyes, skin, and causes skin cancer.
Vitamin D present in sunlight is important to protect one from osteoporosis, blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases. However, exposure to sunlight is limited; enough to produce vitamin D and prolonged exposure causes adverse effects. As per experts, sunlight by 9 AM is most suitable for producing Vitamin D in the body, and a fair-skinned individual needs approximately 10 minutes of exposure to this sunlight while a darn skin requires more amount of time.
Kids above the age of 6 months should use sunscreen liberally to avoid damage from the sun. There are many sunscreens for kids available in the market today and the choice becomes tough for parents.
How to Choose The Right Sunscreen for Kids
The available options in the market either claim to be chemical-free or include active minerals. Choosing a mineral-based sunscreen, which means choosing one with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, is widely recommended as these ingredients sit on top of the skin and provide maximum protection to the skin from the harsh rays of the sun.
There are effective and start doing the ‘job’ immediately after application. Chemical-based sunscreens perform well as well but need to be applied well in advance before stepping out in the sun- about 15 to 30 minutes in advance. However, before you choose a chemical-based sunscreen, make sure you do a patch test on your baby’s skin since many babies have sensitive skin and develop rashes with a chemical-based sunscreen.
The Recommended Sunscreen for Kids in India
Banana Boat Baby Sunscreen
The Banana boat baby sunscreen is one of the most preferred sunscreens in the market and comes with high SPF, no tears formula, and has high SPF. Though the sunscreen takes time to blend, it provides great protection from the sun and is ideal to be used before swimming as well.
This sunscreen for kids has a no-tear formula that makes it mild on babies and does nor irritate their eyes. The sunscreen stays for long and does not require frequent reapplications. This one is what we are using presently and you can click here to buy it.
Chicco Sun Cream SPF 50+
From the house of one of the leading manufacturers of baby products, Chicco, this sunscreen for kids needs no introduction. This sunscreen is a great choice to prevent your baby’s skin from any damage by the harsh UV rays of the sun.
Like most products from the brand, this is dermatologically tested and is mild on the delicate skin and is enriched with Vitamin E and provides all-round protection from the harsh rays of the sun. With a high SPF of 50 and a no fragrance formula, this is affordable. You can buy it by clicking here.
Mamaearth Mineral Based Sunscreen
Mamaearth Mineral Based Sunscreen has been certified by Mede Safe as a toxic-free brand. The SPF 20+ protection with active zinc oxide minerals protects the delicate skin of your little one from the harsh UV rays along with nourishing your baby’s skin with the extracts of shea butter, cocoa butter, and calendula extracts. It is clinically tested and is mild to the baby’s skin and causes no allergies or irritation. Click here, to buy it.
Azafran D’fend SPF 50+ Crème
The Azafran D’fend Sunscreen lotion is waterproof and protects against UVA and UVB rays. The light-weight and non-greasy formula of the Azafran D’fend Sunscreen cream makes it a popular choice among mommies when it comes to sunscreen for kids.
It easily absorbs into baby skin and the soy butter extracts present in this cream help in offering deep nourishing. This sunscreen cream also provides additional protection against pollution, suntan, sunburn, seasonal damages, and other skin conditions in babies.
It is mostly ideal for kids who are within the age group of 2 years to 14 years. You can click here to buy this sunscreen cream.
Cocomo Natural Sulphate and Paraben Free Moisturizer and Sunscreen Lotion for Kids
This organic sunscreen lotion for kids consists of gentle ingredients that are ideal for a baby’s delicate skin. The major ingredients of this lotion are olive oil, kokum, aloe vera, coconut oil, shea butter, and jojoba oil.
It is PH balanced, contains SPF 15, and has antibacterial plus antifungal characteristics. The Cocomo Natural Sulphate and Paraben Free Moisturizer and Sunscreen lotion does not contain any toxins, chemicals, or fragrances.
It is also free from parabens and SLS. It helps in soothing, moisturizing nourishing and protecting the soft baby skin thus, making it an ideal choice for sunscreen for kids for daily use. You can click here to buy this product.
Mom and World Mineral Based Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
The Mom and World Mineral Based Baby Sunscreen Lotion is a mineral based sunscreen lotion that is free from parabens/sulfates and other artificial components. It is water resistant and its SPF 50 PA+++ can help in protecting against UVA and UVB.
It contains plant derived ingredients and thus, is gentle on the sensitive skin of babies. The Mom and World Mineral Based Baby Sunscreen lotion is compact and quite handy while traveling. Its zinc and titanium based formulation helps in providing excellent protection from sun rays.
Moreover, it is non-greasy and non-irritant for the sensitive skin of babies. You can purchase this sunscreen lotion for babies by clicking here.
The Moms Co Baby Waterproof Natural Mineral-Based Sunscreen Spray
The Moms Co Baby Waterproof natural mineral-based sunscreen spray is mineral-based in its composition and contains an SPF of 50+. It forms a thin waterproof layer on the skin of the baby to ensure protection from UV rays.
This layer is formed due to the perfect combination of Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide and other natural oils. It is hypoallergenic, toxin-free, and is water-resistant as well. Other organic ingredients that are present in the Moms Co Baby Waterproof Sunscreen spray are carrot oil and red raspberry oil which help in nourishing the delicate skin of babies. You can click here to buy this baby sunscreen spray.
Effective Though Expensive Sunscreen for Kids
The following recommendations are heavy on the pocket but are highly recommended due to their effectiveness.
Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
This is a non-allergenic; mineral-based and dermatologically tested sunscreen for kids. The Babyganics Baby Sunscreen lotion is water-resistant for 80 minutes and its SPF 50 rating helps in protecting against UVA and UVB.
Also, its composition contains a no-tear formula which makes it easier to use in infants/toddlers as well. Apart from certain certified organic ingredients, the Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Lotion contains Zinc Oxide, Octisalate, and Titanium Dioxide.
It is free from artificial components such as parabens, fragrances, and phthalates. To buy the Babyganics Baby Sunscreen lotion, you can click here.
Badger Balm Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream
The Badger Balm Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream contains original non-nano large particle zinc oxide. The SPF 30 along with the zinc oxide stays on the surface of the baby’s skin thus, absorbing the UVA and UVB rays.
It is water and sweat resistant for at least 40 minutes and thus, an ideal choice during beach/swimming activities of kids. Moreover, it is gluten-free and hypoallergenic. The other ingredients present in the Badger Balm Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream are organic chamomile extracts, organic calendula, organic sunflower oil, Vitamin E, and organic beeswax.
This sunscreen for kids does not contain any dyes, parabens, or other artificial compounds and is a safe choice for little ones. You can click here to purchase the Badger Balm Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream.
Sebamed SPF 50 Baby Sun Lotion
One of the most trusted brands of baby sunscreens, Sebamed SPF 50 Baby sun lotion is free from parabens, paraffin, peg bonds, and acrylamide and does not contain any coloring ingredients. The micro pigments provide effective protection to the skin from sun-induced damage and Vitamin E and Pro-Vitamin B5 provide additional nourishment to the skin.
The natural hydro fructol formula retains the moisture and keeps the skin hydrated. It is easy to apply and does not require frequent reapplication. Sebamed is one of the best sunscreens for kids in the market and you can click here to buy it.
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunscreen Lotion
One of the expensive sunscreen for kids in the market, Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunscreen Lotion has an SPF of 55 and combines active photo barrier complex thus, maintaining a broader spectrum of protection. It is extremely lightweight and mild on the skin and contains oatmeal formula making it waterproof and helps lock the moisture in the baby’s skin. Buy it by clicking here.
California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen
With an SPF of 30, this sunscreen is allergen-free and is smooth to the delicate skin of your baby. This sunscreen is heavy on the pocket but is effective to block the UVA and UVB rays of the sun. As it has no fragrance or gluten in its formula, it is one of the most recommended sunscreen for kids. This mineral-based sunscreen lotion blends in easily and can be safely picked for a higher budget. Click here to buy it.
CeraVe Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45
CeraVe baby sunscreen comes with an SPF of 45 and is water-resistant for about 80 minutes making it one of the ideal sunscreens to be used for a beach day and water activities. It contains essential ceramides and the aloe vera in the formula makes the lotion pretty soothing.
The sunscreen is paraben, sulfates, and fragrance-free and thus is mild on the skin of the baby and is extremely effective for sensitive skin. It is an American product and is priced than other sunscreen but is one of the best sunscreen for kids. You can buy it on Amazon by clicking here.
Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Beach & Pool Sunscreen
This sunscreen is specifically designed for use during water activities and for that summer beach day. The consistency is much thicker than normal sunscreen and with a high SPF of 70; the sunscreen might not be the first pick for regular days but can be safely used during water activities. It is sweat proof, non-comedogenic, and provides effective protection to the skin from sunburn. This is highly recommended for kids with eczema. Click here to buy it.
Kiss My Face Kids Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Kiss my face kids natural mineral sunscreen lotion with broad-spectrum SPF 30 provides extensive protection to the skin from the UVA and UVB rays of the sun and is water-resistant for about 40 minutes. The mineral-based sunscreen enriched with aloe and Vitamin E provides nourishment to the skin and is lightweight and fragrance-free. Click here to check it out and buy it.
Tips to choose the right sunscreen for your baby
With a plethora of options available, it is normal for parents to get confused when it comes to buying a sunscreen for kids. Use the following tips to make the right choice:
Choose Cleaner Products
Pick a sunscreen that is devoid of chemicals as much as possible and contains a broad spectrum and high SPF. It is always recommended that while choosing a sunscreen for your kids, look for the ones which contain minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide which are natural sun blockers and are mild on the skin. Steer clear of products that contain parabens or sulfate.
Consider the Skin type
Just as you consider your skin type while buying any cosmetics, keeping the child’s skin type in mind while buying a sunscreen is of utmost importance. If the skin is oily, look for a lightweight formula which would prevent the skin from greasing and irritation. If the skin is dry, look for crème based formula which would provide maximum protection against the harmful rays and also keep the skin smooth and hydrated. However, if the skin is sensitive, choose products that are specifically designed for sensitive baby skin.
Consider the purpose
Much akin to the way you buy your sunscreen, consider the purpose of the application of sunscreen. There are plenty of varieties available based on the activity and purpose you will be indulging in.
Consider the purpose of purchase and opt for water-based for water activities, sweat-free for outdoor activities, and normal daily use sunscreen if the purpose is to protect the skin during a small walk in the neighborhood.
Stay Protected, Stay Safe
With several varieties of sunscreen for kids available as lotions and crèmes, it is quite easier for moms to ensure the protection of their tiny tots while they are outdoor. Keep in mind the above points, and choose the best one available for your child.
Disclaimer: This article has some affiliate links. If you purchase the items using these links, I earn a small commission with no extra cost to you.
