Sunscreens for Young Children

By Jean Campbell

Days are getting longer, which means more time out in the sun. Time to think kid-friendly sunscreens.

Things to look for that would indicate that you are buying the ‘best sunscreens,’ include that it:

  • Provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
  • Has an SPF of at least 15 to 30.
  • Is water-resistant. Even if you aren’t going swimming, if your child is outside, he will likely be sweating, so a water resistant might provide better protection than a regular sunscreen.
  • Is hypoallergenic and fragrance free, especially if your child has sensitive skin.
  • Is in a form that is easy to use on your child, whether that means it is a stick, gel, lotion, spray, or continuous spray, etc.

Kid-Friendly Sunscreens that you would look for to protect your kids from the sun include:

  • Aveeno Baby Sunblock lotion, SPF 55
  • Badger SPF 30 For Face & Body
  • Badger SPF 30 Unscented Natural Sunscreen
  • Banana Boat Baby Tear-Free Continous Spray Sunblock, SPF 50
  • Banana Boat Baby Tear-Free Sunblock Lotion, SPF 50
  • Banana Boat Baby Faces Sunblock Stick, SPF 50
  • Banana Boat Kids Dri-Blok Sunblock Lotion, SPF 30
  • Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free Sunblock, SPF 50
  • Banana Boat UltraMist Kids Spray, SPF 50
  • Blue Lizard Australian Suncream, SPF 30
  • Bull Frog Kids FastBlast Sunblock Spray, SPF 36
  • California Baby Water Resistant, Hypo-Allergenic Sunscreen, SPF 30+
  • Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
  • Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 50
  • Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray, SPF 70+
  • Coppertone WaterBabies Quick Cover Lotion Spray, SPF 50
  • Coppertone WaterBabies Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
  • Coppertone WaterBabies Sunscreen Lotion Spray, SPF 50
  • Hawaiian Tropic Baby Faces & Tender Places Sunblock Spray, SPF 50+
  • Neutrogena Kids Spray Waterguard Sunblock Mist, SPF 70+
  • Neutrogena Waterguard Kids Sunblock Lotion, SPF 70+
  • Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunblock Lotion, SPF 60+
  • NO-AD Sunblock Lotion, SPF 45
  • Up & Up Sport Continuous Spray SPF 30(Target)
  • Walgreens Sport Continuous Spray SPF 50

Parents should a avoid low SPF sunscreen or suntan lotion, which don’t provide enough sun protection for kids.

Other Sunscreens

In addition to traditional sunscreen creams, lotions, and sprays, you can also get extra sun protection with:

  • Lip balms with sunscreen
  • Sun protection clothing, made with fabric that provides a Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 15 to 50+

Source:

 About.com Pediatrics