What is the Best Sunscreen for Babies in 2023?

It’s so important to protect your baby’s skin from the sun’s harsh rays and so I have done a review of baby sunscreens to find the best ones! Read on to discover my top picks and the best sunscreen for babies in 2023!

Contents hide

1 Introduction

2 Should Babies Under 12 Months Avoid the Direct Sun?

2.1 How can you enjoy the sunshine outdoors with a baby 12 months and under while keeping them safe and protected?

3 At What Age Can Babies Start Wearing Sunscreen?

4 What is Best to Avoid in Baby Sunscreen?

5 Is SPF 30 or 50 better for babies?

6 What are the 7 best options for baby sunscreen in Australia?

6.1 Little Urchin Natural Sunscreen

6.2 Cancer Council SPF 50+ Kids Sunscreen

6.3 WotNot Natural Baby Sunscreen

6.4 Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Sunscreen

6.5 Nivea Kids Roll On Sunscreen 50+

6.6 Kids Liposomal (Cetaphil) Lotion 50+

7 What is the Best Baby Sunscreen?

8 Conclusion

8.1 Reference List:

Introduction

Spend more time playing outside together and less time searching for the perfect SPF for your baby’s delicate skin.

Babies love outdoor play but it’s vital to ensure their skin is protected. Parents want the highest level of protection with baby sunscreen, that like-minded parents have tried and tested. Parents want sunscreen with high SPF (sun protection factor), that is non-toxic, hypoallergenic and has great reviews.

Parents are doing their research, considering the environment, filtering reviews and of course hunting down the healthiest choice for skin care and sun protection. I have cut out the most time-consuming part of the decision-making process – the research – and compiled a list of the top baby sunscreen choices that are Mum and baby-approved. Check out the tried, tested and recommended options listed in this article.

It’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the UV index and apply sun protection when outside, especially when the UV index is 3 or above.

Should Babies Under 12 Months Avoid the Direct Sun?

The Australian sun is hot. And harsh. It’s so important to understand how the sun’s rays can affect our skin, and the difference between both UVA and UVB rays. You can read more about UVA and UVB rays HERE¹, but as a quick summary, UVA rays have a longer wavelength and are associated with skin aging. UVB rays have a shorter wavelength and are associated with skin damage and burning. UVB rays are most intense in the middle of the day, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on the UV index and apply sun protection when outside, especially when the UV index is 3 or above².

Babies 12 months and under have especially delicate and fragile skin more susceptible to burning. Many parents have asked the question, “Should babies under 12 months avoid the direct sun?” Early prevention and protection is the best defense with skin safety starting from birth. The National Cancer Control Policy³ says to avoid direct sun exposure for children twelve months and under when UV levels are at 3 or higher. When your child is 12 months or under indirect sun is still ok, in moderation and with protection.

I am always an advocate for sun protection and awareness of sun safe practices, especially after being diagnosed with skin cancer TWICE! You can read more about Melanoma in Situ in my article HERE and how I had both removed successfully.

“Babies aged under 6 months have highly absorptive skin and the Australasian College of Dermatologists recommends minimising use of sunscreen.” – The Cancer Council

How can you enjoy the sunshine outdoors with a baby 12 months and under while keeping them safe and protected?

Here are a few tips:

● Relax and play in shaded areas – such as under tree branches, large umbrellas and covered picnic areas.

● Wear wide-brimmed hats – Be sure the back of the neck and ears remain protected. Head coverings easily secured with a strap are even better.

● Sparingly use infant-approved sunscreen on small areas of skin. Reapply sunscreen according to the label.

● Wear cool and lightweight clothing that covers skin but is breathable and comfortable – Fabrics that contain 15 – 50 UPF are ideal

● Keep baby’s pram, stroller, and play area in the shade

● Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure in the hot sun during the day

● Keep baby hydrated!

● Don’t forget a pair of stylish baby sunglasses!

At What Age Can Babies Start Wearing Sunscreen?

The suggested age to use sunscreen on babies starts around 6 months and up, when protective coverings and shade is not adequate. The usage of sunscreen on young babies has been contradictory for quite some time, even among the “experts.” No child is the same, no skin type is the same, and therefore, each child’s sunscreen wearability differs. Check out statements from the professionals concerning sunscreen usage with small children.

The Cancer Council⁴ says, “Babies aged under 6 months have highly absorptive skin and the Australasian College of Dermatologists recommends minimising the use of sunscreen. Always usage test any product first on a small area of your baby or child’s skin for any negative reactions and apply sunscreen to those areas of exposed skin that can’t be covered with hats and clothing. If your baby or child reacts to sunscreen, seek advice from your doctor or chemist. ” The Cancer Council recommends using alternative safety measures to keep baby’s skin safe when they are under 6 months, such as loose fitting clothing, hats and shade. However, If sunscreen is to be used, then do so sparingly, and only in areas where protective clothing can not cover.

The Australian College of Dermatologists⁵ says, “Because very young babies (less than six months of age) absorb more of any chemical applied to the skin than adults, the widespread regular use of Chemical sunscreens is not recommended. However, there have been no reports of side-effects occurring as a result of sunscreen absorption in babies to date.”

Pregnancybirthbaby.org.au⁶ says, “Using sunscreen isn’t recommended if your baby is under 6 months old. For older babies, test the sunscreen on a small patch of skin inside the forearm for a few days to check there is no reaction.”

The bottom line for using sunscreen on babies is one of parental judgment while taking into consideration tested research and results. It has been stated numerous times that the use of sunscreen in infants under 6 months of age is to be used with discretion and caution and that all other options are to be utilized first, due to the tender and absorbent nature of infant’s skin. If sunscreen is to be used it is important to look for sensitive, baby and toddler sunscreens. These sunscreens work just as well, but are more gentle than most other sunscreens.

The use of sunscreen in infants under 6 months of age is to be used with discretion and caution and all other options are to be utilized first, due to the tender and absorbent nature of infant’s skin.

What is Best to Avoid in Baby Sunscreen?

It is no secret that there are so many products on the market that claim to be safe, however that is not always the case. When it comes to sunscreen usage in babies, be sure to take extreme caution when selecting a product. It is easy to reach for the most cost-efficient option, but not always ideal when considering safe and approved ingredients.

What should parents avoid while choosing baby sunscreen? Check out the list below for a guide:

● Avoid Fragrances and Dyes

● Avoid PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)

● Avoid Parabens and phthalates

● Avoid Spray (aerosol) Sunscreen: If the spray gets into baby’s eyes, severe irritation and reactions may occur. There have been instances where children breathe in the aerosol spray causing unfavorable respiratory reactions. Sunscreen in a tube or a roll on or a sunscreen stick are better options.

What to Look for in Baby Sunscreen:

● SPF⁷:

SPF 15 when properly applied filters approximately 93% of incoming UV-B rays

SPF 30 when properly applied filters out around 97% of UV-B rays

SPF 50 when properly applied filters out around 98% of UV-B rays

● Broad spectrum sunscreen works to protect skin from both UV-A and UV-B rays

● Water Resistant sunscreen – especially if kids are involved in Water Play.

● BPA & Paraben Free

When looking at sunscreen ingredients, knowing the difference between chemical and mineral filters can make all the difference. Especially if you are looking for an all-natural option.

Chemical sunscreen filters may look like these ingredients:

● Oxybenzone

● Avobenzone

● Octisalate

● Octocrylene

● Homosalate

● Octinoxate

Mineral Sunscreen filters may look as follows:

● Zinc Oxide

● Titanium Dioxide

These filters are more often than not, combined to achieve ultimate protection. The less chemical filters used on infants, the better due to the high sensitivity of their skin.

Is SPF 30 or 50 better for babies?

High SPF, water-resistant and broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is the best choice for baby sunscreen in 2023. It is recommended to use a minimum of 30 SPF⁸ and maximum of 50 SPF. 50 SPF blocks out more UV rays than 30 SPF, however both are adequate and protective. It is best to remember, before slathering sunscreen on your baby to test a small area of skin in case of any allergic reactions.

Check out this Sun Smart Fact Sheet⁹ for more helpful tips.

What are the 7 best options for baby sunscreen in Australia?

Here are a list of the 7 best options for baby sunscreen in Australia, with my pick of the BEST option at the end.

Little Urchin Natural Sunscreen

Little Urchin Natural Sunscreen makes my list of the top baby-approved sunscreens because it is made with all-natural ingredients and is eco-friendly. Parents have left impressive reviews and feedback on their website. Their sunscreen is suitable for babies six months and older, and they have options to keep the whole family covered. Little Urchin Baby Sunscreen¹⁰ is made with soothing and natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin such as green tea, cucumber, aloe vera and rose hip.

● No nano zinc oxide (nano particles)

● Made with soothing, natural ingredients

● Suitable for everyday use

● Reef-friendly

● 30 SPF

● No harmful chemicals

● Mineral-based sunscreen free of synthetic chemicals

● Made in Australia

Cancer Council SPF 50+ Kids Sunscreen

The Cancer Council knows a thing or two when it comes to skin protection, and that is why I recommend their own special blend of Kids 50+ SPF Sunscreen!¹¹ The Cancer Council sunscreen has high ratings and ranks in the top rated sun/skin protection on Amazon.

● 50+ SPF Protection

● BPA & Paraben Free Formula

● Dermatologist approved

● Fragrance Free

● Good for Sensitive Skin

● 4-Hour water resistance

● Made in Australia

● 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon

● UVA & UVB Broad-Spectrum Coverage

● Non-greasy & lightweight

WotNot Natural Baby Sunscreen

WotNot made our list not only for its positive reviews, but for its organic ingredients ideal for sensitive skin prone to Eczema. I love that WotNot Baby Sunscreen¹² is reef friendly¹³! That means it is free of chemicals that have been linked to coral bleaching, which then results in coral stress, disease and destruction. Check out the list below of some more great perks of WotNot Baby Sunscreen:

● 30 SPF

● Gentle on Sensitive Skin, and suitable for 3 months +

● Suitable for most people with Eczema, Psoriasis and other skin conditions

● Natural Zinc-oxide based formula

● UVA & UVB Broad-Spectrum

● Tubes made of recyclable material

● Made with natural and certified organic ingredients

Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Sunscreen

Aveeno kids continuous protection sunscreen has made my list of top recommended sunscreens because it is pediatrician recommended, and has heaps of positive reviews from happy customers. This sunscreen offers extra protection not only against water and sun but is also sweat-resistant. Aveeno Kids Continous sunscreen¹⁴ is:

● Zinc Oxide based formula

● Suitable for sensitive skin

● Tear-Free

● Hypoallergenic

● Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen

● 50 SPF

● Non-greasy

● Paraben & Phthalate free

● Fragrance free

● Suitable for everyday outdoor use

Nivea Kids Roll On Sunscreen 50+

Nivea Kids Roll on sunscreen¹⁵ rated 4.9 stars out of 5 on Amazon with stellar reviews and a thorough list of perks! Parents love how easy it is to apply this kid-friendly sunscreen and how gentle it is on young skin. Nivea Kids Roll on sunscreen:

● SPF 50

● Easy Roll-on Application

● Compact Size

● 4-hour water resistant

● Gentle on skin

● Made in Australia

● UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Protection

● Non-greasy

● Moisturizes with Vitamin E

● Fragrance-free

● Dermatologist approved

● Mineral (Zinc based) Formula

Kids Liposomal (Cetaphil) Lotion 50+

Cetaphil’s kids Liposomal Lotion¹⁶ has an SPF of 50+ and is formulated with children’s sensitive skin types in mind. One customer review on the website says, “This is the only product in Australia, which is easily available at a reasonable price, does not leave a white shield, does not irritate eyes and uses the most prominent ingredient.”

● 50 SPF

● Made for sensitive skin

● 4 hour protection

● Water resistant

● Non-greasy

● Fragrance Free

● Paraben Free

● Hypoallergenic

● Safe for face & Full- body application

What is the Best Baby Sunscreen?

There is no one size fits all when it comes to sunscreen, however my pick for the best baby sunscreen of 2023 is Thinkbaby¹⁷! Thinkbaby sunscreen is an organic and mineral-based sunscreen free of additives and has astounding reviews, which is why it ranks as my number one best baby sunscreen of 2023. Thinkbaby is perfect for everyday use, and of course for fun in the sun! Below you will find an extensive list as to why Thinkbaby sunscreen is my #1 pick for the best baby sunscreen of 2023!

thinkbaby sunscreen, best sunscreen for babies,

● Affordable

● Thousands of five-star reviews on Amazon

● Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB Protection

● Vegan Mineral Sun Formula

● SPF 50+

● Gentle on sensitive skin

● Hydrating

● Non-greasy/Oily

● Water-resistant

● Re-apply after 80 minutes

● Reef Friendly

● BPA & Paraben Free

● Pediatrician and dermatologist tested

● Non-aerosol formula

● Free of toxic chemicals

● Environmentally friendly packaging

● Zinc Oxide (non-nano) 20%

● Okay for babies over 6 months of age

● Easy to apply

● Easily absorbed

● Parent approved

● High reviews¹⁸ and recommendations from all over the globe

Conclusion

In conclusion, the best sunscreen option for your baby comes down to parent judgment, alongside tried and trusted research. In my opinion, Thinkbaby sunscreen is the best choice for babies in 2023. Ultimately, parents know what is best for their baby, and their baby’s skin. With that being said, I have offered to you the best-rated, the best-reviewed and generally the most skin and eco-friendly options available on the market. Hopefully, this article has eased the burden of scouring and researching the online market.

Do you have a baby sunscreen you have used and would recommend? Let me know!