Safest Sunscreens for babies and toddlers

There is nothing worse than a sunburn, and nothing worse than when your child has a sunburn. They are in pain, irritable and uncomfortable. And, even one bad, blistering sunburn in childhood can increase the risk of developing skin cancer. Read on to learn more about the safest sunscreens for babies.

Safest Sunscreens for Babies

Many beauty products and some of the most popular sunscreens on the market contain chemicals including phthalates, parabens, octinoxate and oxybenzone which our toxic to our bodies, and even cause endocrine disruption. Some of these chemicals have also been found to damage our earth’s coral reefs and effect marine life.

Mama Nurse has found some of the safest and cleanest sunscreens for babies that will protect your child’s skin when you are out and about this summer. These sunscreens are clean, meaning they are free from harmful chemicals and toxins and are “Reef friendly.”

Sunscreen early and often

You should put sunscreen on your kids at least 30 mins prior to getting in the water so it doesn’t wash off. If a child is in the water, sunscreen should be replaced at least every 2 hours to dry skin (to remind yourself about water safety, click here). Ideally, children should again be out of the water for 30 mins to wait for the sunscreen to dry before getting back in the water. That’s a great time for everyone to dry off, have a snack, and go back in.

What sunscreen is best for babies?

Of course, the easiest sunscreen to apply are any of the aerosol sprays, but those are not good to inhale or for the environment. And remember – sunscreen is not the only line of defense against the sun. Remember to use protective clothing and hats too!

You will notice that the sunscreens below are mostly mineral and zinc sunscreens – which mean they make a protective layer against the skin and the sun, protecting it from burns. These sunscreens are great for babies, but can be used on kids of all ages, and even adults too!

Here is a short list of clean, safe and effective sunscreens for your little one:

1. Attitude Mineral Stick. I love that it comes in a stick and easy to apply to faces and little bodies.

2. Babo Botanicals Mineral Sunscreen. Comes in an easy to spray bottle without the aerosol. Lasts up to 80 minutes in the water too!

3. For kids with sensitive skin and eczema, this line from Tru Kid offers a sensitive skin friendly line. With this one you need to apply more often, every 45-60 minutes while in the sun.

4. Think Kids Water Resistant Sun Cream Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB is water resistant up to 80 minutes!

5. Earth Mama Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40. Like all the others, Earth Mama maintains high quality, clean product

6. Badger Baby Mineral Sunscreen. Another great option with clear zinc and also great for sensitive skin.

7. Tubby Todd Bath Co Baby Mineral Sunstick, SPF 30. Easy to apply and many options for creams and lotions.