What to Look for When Choosing Baby Sunscreen？

1.SPF

Dermatologists recommend a SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, of at least 30 or higher for all children. It is important to remember that the sun does not discriminate, so no matter what color your child’s skin may be, everyone has an equal risk of causing detrimental damage to their skin if they chose to forego using sunscreen.

2.Allergies

Look for products that are hypoallergenic and that are pediatrician recommended to protect your baby’s sensitive skin. However, even if you grab something that guarantees no issues, it is always best to do a spot test 48 hours prior to full use. This is because many of the inactive ingredients that can moisturize your little one’s skin, could potentially also cause allergic reactions. 

3.Eczema

With at least one in ten kids having childhood eczema, this is an important factor to consider when looking for sunscreen. Certain ingredients in sunscreens can dry skin out, so if your child suffers from this skin condition, consider options that can help prevent this from happening.

4.Active Ingredients

The top ingredients to look for to ensure ample protection of your baby’s skin are zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are minerals that occur naturally and are less likely to be absorbed into your child’s skin. 

Conversely, chemical-based sunscreens include ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which absorb into the skin and can cause a myriad of health issues and skin irritations over time.  

5.Tear Free

Children have a way of getting things in their eyes and tear-free sunscreens can give parents some peace of mind when this occurs, whether during the application or when in the water.

6.Broad Spectrum

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.

7.Water Resistant

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.

8.Environmentally Friendly

This goes back to the active ingredients mentioned above. Since certain chemicals can cause health impacts to your child, it should come as no surprise that those same aforementioned chemical ingredients have also been shown to cause damage to the coral reefs as well as some marine life. 

9.Application Method

While less convenient, most pediatricians and dermatologists would agree that a lotion sunscreen guarantees coverage more readily than a spray. This is because most people don’t take the time to rub in spray sunscreen. This leads to an uneven coat of protection. Not only that, young kids, especially babies and toddlers are not always the best at following directions (big surprise), so sprays tend to end up in eyes and mouths which is never ideal.

10.Cost

If your child is outside every day, it is imperative that you make sure that they are protected. Unfortunately, this can add up if you are using sunscreen 365 days out of the year. This does not mean to skimp on the quality. It just means to shop around to find the best bang for your buck and buy in bulk when you can!

Types of Sunscreen

Sunscreen comes in a wide array of products. However, all of these fall into two main categories:

• Chemical variants are also known as “traditional” sunscreens. When applied to your skin, they rub in completely. Chemicals in the spray or lotion absorb the ultraviolet rays that would otherwise damage and burn your skin. 

• Mineral formulations are a newer kind of sun protection, and they’re becoming more popular. They’re known as “barrier” sunscreens as they actually put a physical barrier between the harmful rays and your skin, scattering and reflecting the rays. 

Once you decide which type of sunscreen you prefer, consider which format will work best for your baby.

• Lotion or Cream: This traditional application will likely get you the deepest coverage as you need to rub it into the skin.

• Spray: Sprays are convenient because they release sunscreen evenly in a fine mist but can be dangerous if inhaled. They may not be the best option for babies or young children as they cannot be instructed to hold their breath during application.

• Mousse: This is similar in application to a spray, but the product does not come out in an airborne mist and needs to be rubbed in. 

• Stick: These are a great option for the face. They don’t run or drip into little ones’ eyes, and you can easily toss a stick in a beach bag and apply it on the go.

Where to Buy Baby Sunscreen Cheapest?

• Walgreens:Up to 4% Cashback 

• Bed Bath and Beyond:Up to 4% Cashback 

• Walmart:Up to 4% Cashback 

• Bestbuy:Up to 0.5% Cashback 

• CVS :Up to 4% Cashback 

• Amazon:No Cashback 

• Target:No Cashback 

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Aveeno vs. Thinkbaby vs. Neutrogena vs. Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Overview

>>Aveeno Sensitive Skin Face Stick with Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Best Baby Sunscreen Stick

User reviews:4.5/5.0

Formulated with naturally sourced zinc oxide, Aveenosunscreen for babies, infants, and kids provides strong sun protection to deflect harmful sun rays. Mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin while providing the protection your baby’s delicate and sensitive skin needs. Made without parabens, fragrances, or phthalates, our baby sunscreen lotion and stick are formulated with sensitive skin in mind.

The Sensitive Skin Face Stick with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Perfect for your little mover and shaker. Mess-free and travel sized, this baby sunscreen stick features broad spectrum SPF 50 and naturally sourced ingredients like Oat and zinc oxide. Just apply it directly to your baby’s skin and they’ll be good to go.

Good for:

• Sensitive skin

• Sun protection

Ingredients

Active Ingredients:Titanium Dioxide 8.1%,Sunscreen,Zinc Oxide 6.8%,Sunscreen

Inactive Ingredients:C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone, Paraffin, Ozokerite, Beeswax, Phenyl Trimethicone, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Polyethylene, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dipropylene Glycol Dibenzoate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, PPG-15 Stearyl Ether Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexyglycerin, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, BHT

Reviews:

Price and Where to Buy:

• Amazon:$8.97

• Vitacost:$8.97 （up to 2% cashback）

Other Aveeno Baby Sunscreen Recommend

• Aveeno Sensitive Skin Lotion Zinc Oxide Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($9.97 @ Walmart)

Keep your little one smiling in the sunshine. As mild as water, this tear-free mineral sunscreen provides broad spectrum SPF 50 sun protection. The skin-soothing formula with oat helps lock in moisture and nourishes your baby’s skin, while naturally sourced zinc oxide provides strong sun protection as they enjoy the day.

• Aveeno Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($9.97 @ Amazon)

Less application time, more play time—all kids can get on board with that. Meanwhile, parents will love this mineral formula with naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide and soothing oat. The broad spectrum SPF 50 lotion applies easily with no stinging or tears, just smiles all around.

• Aveeno Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50  ($9.97 @ Walmart)

Protect kids from the sun with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. This SPF 50 sunscreen stick for face and body contains 100% naturally sourced zinc oxide and is sweat- & water-resistant.

How to use：

Apply generously and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure.Reapply:

• After 80 minutes of swimming or sweating

• Immediately after towel drying

• At least every 2 hours

>>ThinkBaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

Best eco-friendly baby sunscreen

User reviews:4.5/5.0

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.

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen offers a safer alternative for protecting your baby from harmful UVA/UVB rays, free radicals, irritants and biologically harmful chemicals found in many “natural” baby sunscreens on the market.

Good for:

• Any skin

• Sun protection

Considerations

• SPF 50

• Broad Spectrum

• Environmentally friendly

• Water Resistant

• Non-toxic

• Affordable

Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20% (Non-nano)
Inactive Ingredients: Water, caprylic/capric triglyceride, polyglycery-4 isostearate (and) cetyl dimethicone (and) hexyl laurate, glycerin, hydrogenated methyl abietate, cetyl dimethicone, magnesium sulfate, caprylhydroxamic acid (and) glyceryl caprylate (and) glycerin, hydrogenated castor oil, sorbitan sesquioleate, carica papaya (papaya) fruit extract, helianthus annuus (sunflower) oil, simmondsia chineses (jojoba) seed oil, tocopherol, olea europaea (olive) fruit oil, hyaluronic acid.

Review:

Price and Where to Buy:

• Gothink:$14.49

• iHerb: from $14.49

Other Thinkbaby Sunscreen Recommend

• Thinkbaby Clear Zinc Sunscreen SPF 30 ($12.99 @ Gothink)

Enriched with leading safe ingredients, Thinkbaby non-nano clear Zinc Oxide, with added cooling Aloe and conditioning Vitamin E, provides broad spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays, leaving little to no white cast.

• Thinkbaby Sunscreen Stick SPF 30+ ($11.49 @ Gothink)

Thinksport was the first Sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements.Free of biologically harmful chemicals. No Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, or UV Chemical absorbers.SPF 30 (non-nano zinc oxide)

How to use：

Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure.

Reapply:

• After 80 minutes of swimming or sweating

• Immediately after towel drying

• At least every 2 hours when exposed to sun.

>>Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion

Best All-Round Sunscreen for Babies

User reviews:4.5/5.0

If you are looking for a lotion that provides exceptional coverage and accommodates sensitive skin types, this is a wonderful choice! Moreover, Pure & Free is an affordable option with a name that you can trust! It is available in lotion and stick forms, so you can choose the preference that is best for your little one!

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen SPF 50 provides 100% mineral sun protection that is made for baby's delicate skin, featuring our breakthrough Purescreen® naturally-sourced zinc oxide technology. This gentle formula provides superior broad spectrum UVA/UVB baby sun protection by creating a screen between baby's skin and the sun’s rays. It’s also free of irritating chemicals, fragrance, parabens, phthalates, and dyes, so it’s suitable for use on sensitive skin.

Good for:

• sensitive skin
  

• Sun protection

Considerations:

• SPF 50

• Broad Spectrum

• Water Resistant

• Hypoallergenic

• Dermatologist Tested

• NEA Seal of Acceptance 

Ingredient

• Active Ingredient:Zinc oxide 21.6% (Sunscreen).

• Inactive Ingredients:Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Glycerin, Ethyl Methicone, Cetyl Dimethicone, Silica, Chrysanthemum Parthenium (Feverfew) Flower/Leaf/Stem Juice, Glyceryl Behenate, Phenethyl Alcohol, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone/Bis-Vinyldimethicone Crosspolymer, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin.

Review:

Price and Where to Buy:

• Neutrogena:$9.74 (up to 4% Cash Back)

• Walgreens：$12.99 (up to 4% Cash Back)

Other Neutrogena Sunscreen Recommend

• Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ ( $11.99 @ Neutrogena)

Protect kids from sunburn and sun damage. This sunscreen lotion for kids offers effective broad spectrum SPF 50+ defense.

• Neutrogena  Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 (  $8.24 @ Neutrogena)

Arm yourself with Purescreen Technology, an oil-free baby sunscreen formula that creates a screen between your baby's skin and the sun to provide superior, broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It’s fragrance free and contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, 100% naturally-sourced sunscreen ingredients. 

How To Use:

Apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply:

• after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating

• immediately after towel drying

• at least every 2 hours

>>Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen Spray Spf 50+

Best Sunscreen Spray for Babies

User reviews:4.5/5.0

Babyganics is another extremely affordable option that doesn’t skimp on quality! Additionally, this sunscreen is formulated with natural oils that give your kids an extra dose of Vitamin E! If you are looking for a more natural alternative, this is the sunscreen for you!  

This Babyganics Sunscreen Spray is essentially the best of both worlds — offering the convenience of a spray application with the effective coverage of a mineral sunscreen. The non-misting spray will not become airborne, so you don’t have to worry about your baby inhaling it.It provides broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) protection and is made with a gentle, non-allergenic formula that is easy on the skin and will not sting your baby’s eyes.

Good for:

• Any skin

• Sun protection

Considerations

• SPF 50

• Broad Spectrum

• Environmentally friendly

• Includes Natural oils

• Water Resistant

• Tear-Free

• Non-allergenic

• Affordable

Ingredients

• Active ingredients: titanium dioxide 3.5%, zinc oxide 7.25% 

• Inactive ingredients: water, isododecane, caprylic/capric triglyceride, isohexadecane, c12-15 alkyl benzoate, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, shea better ethyl esters, carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil, c30-38 olefin/isopropyl maleate/ma copolymer, butyloctyl salicylate, coco-glucoside, cetearyl alcohol, ethylhexylglycerin, cetearyl glucoside, cetearyl olivate, sorbitan olivate, simmondsia chinensis (jojoba) seed oil*, sodium hydroxide, chlorphenesin, xanthan gum, tocopherol, glycerin *, sodium phytate, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, solanum lycopersicum (tomato) seed oil, vaccinium macrocarpon (cranberry) seed oil, nigella sativa (black cumin) seed oil*, rubus idaeus (red raspberry) seed oil, citric acid

Review:

Price and Where to Buy:

• Babyganics: from $9.99 

• Walmart: $9.78 (up to 4% Cash Back)

Other Babyganics Sunscreen Recommend

• Babyganics  kids spf 50+ mineral sunscreen rollerball ($9.99 @ Babyganics)

Kids by Babyganics SPF 50 roll-on sunscreen is the perfect companion for all their big adventures. Made with all-mineral active ingredients, it goes on smooth, rubs in easy, and provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. The future looks sunny. 

• Babyganics kids spf 50+ mineral sunscreen lotion  ($9.99 @ Babyganics)

 Kids by Babyganics sunscreen lotion with all-mineral actives is the perfect companion for exploring the big, bright world. Made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, it glides on smooth and provides SPF 50 broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. 

How to Use:

For external use only. Do not use on damaged or broken skin. Reapply:

• Helps prevent sunburn.

•  Apply liberally and evenly 15 minutes before sun exposure. 

• Reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying and at least every 2 hours.

When Can Babies Use Sunscreen?

6 months old.

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.

Sun Safety Tips for the Whole Family

Every family member is different, but one sun care tip stays the same: Use daily Broad Spectrum SPF of at least 30! Read on to see our sun safe tips for babies and toddlers, kids, teens, and adults.

• Baby and Toddler Sun Safety

Babies younger than 6 months old aren't ready for sunscreen, so avoid direct sunlight until then and talk to your pediatrician for more tips.

For babies 6 months and older, choose a Broad Spectrum mineral sunscreen for babies that's gentle and fragrance-free. (Mineral sunscreens scatter and absorb harmful UVA/UVB rays.)

When going out into the sun, dress little ones in lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Don't forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses! When you're in the car, put your baby in the middle seat to minimize UVA rays that can pass right through windows.

When playing outside, seek shade and shelter. Look for trees or shade structures like awnings or gazebos, and add a sunshade or umbrella to your stroller.

• Kid Sun Safety

In order for kids to have proper sun safety, sometimes it needs to be a game. Apply the sunscreen 15 minutes before sun exposure. Dot sunscreen all over your kids, and race to see who can rub it in fastest—or let them "paint" each other. Set a timer for when it's time to reapply (at least every 2 hours), and celebrate "sunscreen time" with a snack or special activity.

Try a sunscreen spray formulated to work on wet skin, to keep even the squirmiest kids protected between cannonballs—with no toweling off required.

• Teen Sun Safety

In order to follow sun safety measures, teens may need a little more motivation and push.

When choosing a sunscreen, consider their skin type. Fear of breakouts may cause teens to skip the sunscreen, so suggest break-out-free sun protection.

• Adult Sun Safety

Many adults understand the importance of sun protection, but these important tips should not be forgotten.

Makeups with SPF are good for everyday protection—but for extended sun exposure, boost your sun safety with a lightweight Broad Spectrum sunscreen.

FAQ

1.What is the difference between an SPF of 30 versus an SPF of 50?

The SPF number determines how long you can safely stay in the sun before getting burned. Therefore, if you purchase a sunscreen with an SPF of 30, you can stay in the sun thirty times longer than you would be able to if you were to go without sunscreen. 

2.How much baby sunscreen need to apply?

The general rule of thumb is a full shot glass for adults and half a shot glass for kids. You always want to apply liberally and rub it in no matter if you use a spray, lotion, or stick. 

3.What is best for baby - lotion, spray or stick sunscreen?

Lotion is always the best.  

Sprays can be detrimental to your little one’s eyes and can end up in their mouths due to their squirmy nature. Because of this, lotion or stick sunscreen varieties are the best options for babies. However, once your child can close their eyes, and keep them closed when asked, they can use spray or lotion with no issue. 

Nevertheless, it is important to always remember to apply a liberal amount to wet the skin and rub it in! Even a small breeze can take a good portion of the spray sun protectant away before it hits their skin. 

4.Does baby sunscreen expire?

Yes! Most options will last up to three years, but it is best to make a habit of checking the bottle if you didn’t recently purchase it. Another tip to ensuring that your sunscreen maintains its effectiveness is to keep the bottle out of direct sunlight. 

5.What SPF should I use on my baby?

Look for an SPF of at least 30, and make sure it provides broad-spectrum protection, which prevents damage from both UVA and UVB rays. It’s also important to make sure to apply sunscreen thoroughly and to reapply frequently.

Read More:

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