10 Best Baby Sunscreens to Protect Your Little One’s Skin

Babies are delicate little creatures, which is why they need their own special kind of sun protection when they play outside. That’s where baby sunscreen comes in.

So what makes baby sunscreen special? “We tend to use sunscreen that contains mineral blockers for babies, while adults use mineral blockers alongside chemical blockers,” explains Joshua Zeichner, MD, a New York City-based dermatologist. “Parents are concerned with the use of titanium dioxide in sunscreens for kids, so many of the latest baby sunscreens are zinc-only. Because zinc is an element found naturally in our bodies, it’s safe to use on delicate baby skin.”

This leads us to a frequently asked question: If baby sunblock is so good, can adults use it too? The answer: 100 percent yes. “In fact, I commonly recommend baby sunscreen for adults who have very sensitive skin,” says Zeichner. “Zinc oxide is not irritating; it’s used to help calm inflamed skin.”

That said, not all baby sunblock is the same. There’s sunscreen for babies with eczema and sensitive skin, nifty sticks, thick lotions and, of course, waterproof options too. And for every category of baby sunscreen, there are plenty of products to choose from—which is why we’ve rounded up the best of the best in sunscreen for babies and kids. Consider your child’s needs, and pick a sunblock that works for your little sunshine—because they’re going to need it before they meet the actual sunshine! Below, shop our top picks—plus, read expert advice on how to keep baby super-safe while having fun in the sun.

When Can Babies Wear Sunscreen?

Even if you have the best baby sunscreen at the ready, most dermatologists, including Zeichner, recommend that you avoid using sunscreen on newborns. Instead, the youngest babies should be protected from the sun with umbrellas, breathable blankets and canopies. Once baby is 6 months old, you can start applying sunblock—and look for sunscreen specially formulated for babies.

How to Apply Baby Sunscreen

As it turns out, the rules for sunscreen application are more or less the same for babies, kids and adults. Of course, since babies are smaller, they don’t need quite as much sunscreen. Here are a few tips and tricks to keep in mind when considering how to put sunscreen on baby, courtesy of Zeichner:

• DO apply a nickel-sized amount of sunscreen to baby’s head. If they don’t have hair yet, make sure to cover the scalp with sunscreen.

• DO make sure babies cover up—and accessorize! When in the sun, little ones should wear breathable long-sleeved clothing, hats and even eye protection. (Yes, baby sunglasses! Those little eyes are sensitive.)

• DO reapply sunscreen every two hours or as soon as baby gets out of the water.

• DON’T chase babies and kids when applying sunscreen, especially when it comes to sunscreen sprays. In order for those sprays to be effective, they must be sprayed one inch from the skin. Spray until the skin glistens.

• DON’T be afraid to use sunscreen sticks; just make sure to apply them correctly. You should apply a sunscreen stick back and forth to make sure there’s an adequate amount of sunscreen on the skin. Afterward, you still have to rub the sunscreen in fully.

What To Look For in Baby Sunscreen

According to Dendy Engelman, MD, a Manhattan-based dermatologic surgeon, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide are best for baby. What exactly are mineral sunblocks, you might be wondering? Engelman defines them as physical sunscreens, which sit on top of the skin. Keep in mind: This means that they need to be applied more frequently, especially after swimming or sweating. If you’re looking for longer-lasting protection, opt for a water-resistant formula.

Another top tip from Engelman: “Always over-apply!” Stick to lotions or sticks for initial applications, as they’ll provide the most even coverage. If you’re a fan of sprays, Engelman recommends using it as a second coat following lotion or cream. You’ll also want to consider SPF level before purchasing baby sunscreen. Engelman advises parents to apply SPF 30 for daily use, and SPF 50 or higher for times when your kiddo will be in the sun for long periods.

On the other hand, parents should avoid chemical sunscreens when shopping for their children. Why? In contrast to mineral sunscreens, these formulas “are absorbed into the bloodstream and may present risks, such as allergic reactions and skin irritations,” says Engelman. Moreover, steer clear from any comedogenic products, or those that contain parabens, alcohol, sulfates, dyes and fragrance as these can irritate the skin barrier, she adds.

Types of Baby Sunscreen

Not all baby sunscreen is created equal; there are tons of different formulas out there designed with specific skin types in mind. To help streamline your search, consider these top categories when shopping for baby sunblock:

• Natural sunscreen. We don’t want our babies coming into contact with potentially harmful chemicals, so most of the best baby sunscreen options are crafted from natural ingredients. Still, while many may say “natural” on the label, keep in mind that this term is not regulated. When in doubt, turn to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), which tests just how safe (and effective) various products claim to be. The EWG assesses each product based on its ingredients list, and assigns a numerical score, with 1 being the best rating and 10 being the worst. According to the EWG, “the score reflects both the degree of protection from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation and the hazards of all ingredients on the label.” With this in mind, opt for sunblocks with a score of 1 for the best (and most all-natural!) protection.

• Waterproof sunscreen. On average, sunscreen for infants and tots is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. If your little one loves to splash, choose a product that offers up to 80 minutes of protection for double the fun in the sun.

• Sunscreen for sensitive skin. Babies have delicate skin across the board, but if your little one needs something extra gentle, consider an option designed to protect them from the sun without irritating their soft, vulnerable skin.

• Sunscreen for eczema. If your little love suffers from eczema, you’ll want a workhorse baby sunscreen to keep them safe. Look for sunblocks that have earned the National Eczema Association’s (NEA) Seal of Acceptance, which—after rigorous testing—marks them as the best sunscreen options for babies with eczema. These products are designed to protect baby’s skin without irritating it.

Best Baby Sunscreen Options to Shop

Still not sure where to start? Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here, shop the best baby sunscreen options for every category under the sun, from mineral lotions to all-natural sunblock sticks. For added peace of mind, know that each product we picked has an EWG rating of 1 or 2, so you can ensure you’re getting the safest sunblock for your little love.

How We Chose the Best Baby Sunscreen

To help you choose the best baby sunscreen, we put time into researching tons of products across the board. We did this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing options, such as ease of application, ingredient lists, value and SPF level. To ensure all the sunblocks we’re highlighting are safe, we cross-referenced our picks with the EWG, and only included options with a rating of 1 or 2. What do these ratings mean exactly? The EWG assesses each product based on its ingredients list, and assigns a numerical score, with 1 being the best rating and 10 being the worst. According to the EWG, “the score reflects both the degree of protection from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation and the hazards of all ingredients on the label.”

Moreover, we read user reviews to understand how effective these sunscreens are for real families, and don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. To supplement our findings, we chatted with two dermatologists to understand the ins and outs of baby sunscreen application, plus what to look for (and what to avoid) when shopping. Last but not least, for certain products, we also looked for certifications and seals of approval from key organizations, like the NEA.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

About the experts:

Joshua Zeichner, MD, is an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. He earned his medical degree from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

Dendy Engelman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. She earned her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina, where she also completed her dermatology residency. Engelman is a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, American Society of Dermatologic Surgery and American College of Mohs Surgery.

Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.

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