best baby safe sunscreens

Being out in the sun with your baby is so fun, but can bring about a lot of anxieties for parents. Let’s put those worries to rest and fill your mind with all of the positive ways to make fun in the sun— well, fun!

Sun exposure + babies

The AAP currently recommends using physical barriers above sunscreen for babies less than 6 months old. Physical barriers include shading objects like tents/umbrellas, stroller shades, rash guards, hats, sunglasses, etc. HERE are some of my favorite options for physical barriers! However, per the AAP, it’s better to use little sunscreen than none at all with direct sunlight exposure, even at less than 6 months.

Babies over 6 months can use sunscreen. It’s best to use a mineral based sunscreen with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These typically don’t contain harmful chemicals (esp oxybenzone) and provide a physical barrier to block sun from penetrating baby’s skin. UVA/UVB protection is offered with these too.

Here are some things I look for (and the AAP + AAD recommends!) in my babies’ sunscreen:

Broad Spectrum (UVA/ UVB protection)
Water resistant
SPF 30-50
Mineral based (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide)
Not irritating to your baby’s skin (test a small patch on the back of their arm first to test!)

Make sure you reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or more frequently if baby has been in the water or you start noticing redness! Try to avoid near the eyes or too much on the hands (as baby rubs their eyes and chews on their hands often based on age!). I also prefer cream/face stick for babies, as it’s more likely to get good coverage and it prevents inhalation (we can’t tell baby “hold your breath while I spray you!” like we can with older kiddos).

a FEW things to remember

First, there are 2 different types of sunscreen — chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens start working immediately upon application. They are typically what is recommended for babies, as there isn’t system absorption with mineral based sunscreen (unlike chemical sunscreens). They are made with zinc + work by providing a barrier on top of the skin. Because of this, they are usually thicker and white. The point of these sunscreens is not to absorb into the skin systemically, but to sit on top of it as a “physical barrier” like a shield on the skin.

If I am being completely honest, it’s very difficult to find a baby-safe/non toxic sunscreen that won’t leave ANY white cast. Some are for sure better about this than others, but when you’re using a mineral sunscreen and want “safer” (less ingredients), you’re not typically going to have a completely sheer option without adding in more ingredients.

Most of the sunscreens listed below are “reef safe” and made with non-nano zinc oxide. Both of these terms aren’t “regulated”, but here is what they mean:

Reef-safe: safest option for marine life and coral reefs, since Zinc Oxide in its Non-Nano form has been shown not to harm marine wildlife

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide: particles are larger than 100nm (therefore won't penetrate your skin) + marine safe

why MINERAL sunscreens?

They offer broad spectrum protection— prevents penetration from both UVA and UVB rays
Work immediately— mineral based sunscreens work immediately upon application since they work as a sheild/physical barrier
Reef Safe— Mineral sunscreens are generally considered safer for marine life and coral reefs. Chemical sunscreens often contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can lead to coral bleaching and harm marine life/ecosystems
Stability in the Sun— don’t break down due to sun exposure
Great for Sensitive Skin— less likely to cause skin irritation or allergic reactions (esp in babies with delicate and sensitive skin!)
Doesn’t Penetrate Skin— sits on top like a shield to form a protective barrier rather than absorbing
Longer Shelf Life— with a stable composition, these typically have a longer shelf life
Simple Ingredients— The active ingredients in mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) are straightforward and easy to identify, making it easy for people to know what they’re applying to their baby’s skin

Here are my fave BABY/ kid-safe sunscreens

CReam/lotion sunscreens

This is typically my preference for babies. I want them to be as coated as possible so they don’t burn (don’t want to miss a spot!), and I don’t want them breathing in sprays on accident (esp on windy days!). This is just a personal preference for me!

You all know we love this stuff! I love using the cream/lotion on my babies and the spray (below) on my older kids! It does go on white, but rubs in well and doesn’t feel “greasy” either! I always have one tube in my bag!

This is a really great option for the entire family, especially young babies. The ingredients are plant based and safe for babies and kids. It’s also “EWG verified”.

This sunscreen is safe for sensitive skin and made with clean ingredients. It’s a super nice option, not too greasy, and rubs in pretty well.

I really love this sunscreen! This one smells sooooo good! It’s made with non-synthetic fragrance, but if you’re needing non-scented, I probably wouldn’t choose this one specifically. This sunscreen does go on white, but rubs in well— it’s “clear zinc”! I would consider it “semi-sheer” if that makes sense. I really love it! Safe and Effective.

I am shocked by how well this one blends! It goes on really beautifully, BUT it is not water-resistant, which is a huge con for me! If you’re just going to the park or zoo with your baby, this is a fab option for both you and them! However, if you’re doing anything with water, I’d choose something else!

We have used this one a lot too! This one rubs in nicely and feels super lightweight and moisturizing. It’s also a bit easier to clean off at the end of the day versus some of the other options out there! Very safe and effective!

babo botanicals zinc sunscreen for babies.png

hello bello mineral sunscreen lotion.png

thinkbaby zinc oxide sunscreen for babies.png

tubby todd mineral sunscreen for babies.png

tubby todd mineral sunscreen for toddlers.png

spray sunscreens

I love spray sunscreens for my “I’m too busy/need to get in the water ASAP” toddler and older kids! It’s quick and easy + my olders can do it themselves, which is always awesome!

This is a really nice option for sensitive skin— it checks all the boxes for protection and is hypoallergenic as well. The spray does go on white (as do most mineral based sunscreens), but does rub in decently.

I always have one of these for my older kids. I feel okay using on my baby when needed too, as it is non-aerosol (less inhalation risk, etc), but usually still opt for the cream/lotion for my little babies. For my older/ can’t wait/want to jump in the water ASAP kids, I love spraying them down with this to make things easier on us all. We just used this for a zoo trip and it was PERFECT. We have used since they came out with it! It sprays on white, rubs in well. I also love that it “locks” closed so I can throw it in my bag without worry!

Another nice spray option. Goes on white, rubs in decently, pretty blendable. I typically don’t use sprays on my babies, but this is a nice option for toddlers/older kids. Also, Pipette contains squalene, which is part of VERNIX! Yes, the white “lotion” many babies are born with on their skin. Their solution is incredibly moisturizing and great for their sensitive delicate skin.

Another safe and effective option! It does leave a bit more of a white cast than some of the other options, but clean ingredients and effective!

all good kids mineral sunscreen spray.png

babo botanicals zinc sunscreen fo babies.png

tubby todd mineral sunscreen for kids.png

face stick sunscreens

I really love these for “on the go” situations! It’s nice to just always have a sunstick in your bag just in case. I do find that it’s easier to apply some of the ones that are a bit wider because you get more surface area covered more quickly!

I really like this option for the face! I love the shape of it (goes on easily trying to get under a squirmy baby/toddler’s eyes and all over face). I also love that it actually goes on semi-sheer. After using, my son’s skin was super soft as well, it's incredibly nourishing! Probably my favorite “face stick” because it’s easy to reapply for both me and my baby/kids, easy to blend, and doesn’t leave a huge white cast.

This is another awesome stick option! It’s technically a “face and body” stick so it is larger— which means you can apply with less swipes since it covers more surface area (and that matters on a squirmy baby/toddler!). I also love that you could throw this in your bag and go— it’s super small and convenient, but works for all over in a pinch! It does go on white, but rubs in decently.

The face stick is incredibly effective! Can sometimes be a bit harder to rub in, but does with some effort (can be hard with squirmy little ones!)— I do wish it was a little bit wider for easier application! Super effective.

This is a REALLY nice face stick option (that can be used for both you and baby!). This one IS water-resistant too, which is great (um, hello sweat too!). It goes on pretty sheer and blends well.

babo botanicals zinc face sunscreen for babies.png

hello bello face and body sunscreen stick.png

tubby todd mineral sunscreen for face.png

washing OFF at the end of day

It is important to wash sunscreen off at the end of the day. With mineral sunscreens, reapplying multiple times/multiple days in a row can be very drying for baby’s skin! Remove when you get back from your sun-filled day (I’ll share a little hack for getting this off easily soon!), cleanse their skin and apply some lotion after bathtime!

sunburn

Okay, what if the dreaded sunburn happens? Maybe we forgot the sunscreen or didn’t reapply as often as we should have? It’s okay, it happens- take a breath mama! It’s a lesson to learn from and I promise we will not forget next time!

First, it’s a great idea to call their pediatrician and give them a heads up! Next, it’s important to replace lost fluids with water, breastmilk, or formula. Cool water is comforting on their skin- a cool bath can feel nice. You can give OTC medications for pain relief (Acetaminophen if under 6 months, Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen if over 6 months), and of course keep baby out of the sun until the sunburn has healed. You got this!

Sun exposure + babies

a FEW things to remember

why MINERAL sunscreens?

Here are my fave BABY/ kid-safe sunscreens

CReam/lotion sunscreens

spray sunscreens

face stick sunscreens

washing OFF at the end of day

sunburn

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