11 Safest Sunscreens for Babies and Kids | Non-Toxic & Organic

Why is it important to choose non-toxic & organic sunscreen for babies and kids?

Babies have much more sensitive skin than adults, and chemical sunscreens that absorb into the skin can sometimes cause irritation or even allergic reactions. Organic, mineral-based sunscreens, on the other hand, tend to be gentler on sensitive skin.

Avoiding Health Harming Chemicals

But the concerns with chemical sunscreens go beyond just skin irritation. Some studies have raised red flags about the safety of certain chemicals commonly found in traditional sunscreens. These chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream, and there’s limited research on their long-term effects, especially on young children whose bodies are still developing.

So, what are the most dangerous chemicals to watch out for? 

• Oxybenzone, this hormone disruptor can absorb into the skin and accumulate in the body over time, potentially impacting children’s health and development.

• Octinoxate is another big no-no, as it’s highly toxic to both humans and the environment.

• Retinyl palmitate (a form of vitamin A) is also concerning, as it may actually speed up the development of skin tumors and lesions when used on sun-exposed skin. 

• Synthetic Fragrances: And let’s not forget about synthetic fragrances, which often contain phthalates – another class of hormone disruptors that may cause reproductive and developmental harm.

Babies and Kids are More Vulnerable 

Now, you might be thinking – why are these chemicals so concerning for babies and kids specifically? Well, children’s bodies, organs, and hormones are still developing, which makes them more vulnerable to the effects of toxins.

Exposure to hormone disruptors and potentially carcinogenic chemicals during these early years can have lasting impacts on their health.

So, what’s a conscientious parent to do? The safest bet is to opt for mineral sunscreens that use non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. These provide broad-spectrum protection without absorbing into the skin, making them a much safer choice for your little ones.

Why is sun protection so important for babies and kids? 

Young skin is much more vulnerable to UV damage than adults. 

Our children’s skin is thinner and produces less melanin (that’s the protective pigment that gives skin its color). This means UV rays can penetrate deeper into their skin, causing DNA damage.

And here’s the real scary part, this damage during the first 15 years of life greatly increases the risk of skin cancer down the road. Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is actually one of the most common cancers for young adults aged 15-29.

The Cancer Council recommends keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight altogether, dressing them in lightweight, protective clothing, and using shade whenever possible. 

For older kids, sunscreen should be used on all exposed skin, with a broad-spectrum SPF of at least 30.

How UV rays affect young skin

There are two main types of UV rays: 1) UVA and 2) UVB. 

• UVA rays are the sneaky ones that penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term damage and premature aging. UVA rays are present year-round and can even pass through clouds and glass. 

• UVB rays, on the other hand, primarily affect the skin’s outer layer and are the culprits behind those painful sunburns. Their intensity varies depending on the season, location, and time of day.

While there might be slight differences, both UVA and UVB rays can lead to skin cancer if your little one is exposed to too much of them, especially during early childhood.

At what age can I start using sunscreen on my baby?

As a new parent, it’s natural to want to protect your baby’s delicate skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But when it comes to sunscreen, it’s important to know that the recommendations vary depending on your little one’s age.

Babies Under 6 Months: Keep Them Shaded

For babies under 6 months old, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends keeping them out of direct sunlight as much as possible. At this age, a baby’s skin is incredibly sensitive and thin, making it more susceptible to sun damage and irritation from sunscreen ingredients.

If you can’t avoid sun exposure completely, the AAP suggests dressing your baby in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. If there’s no shade or protective clothing available, you can apply a small amount of mineral sunscreen (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) to small areas like the face, back of the hands, and tops of the feet. Just remember, sunscreen should be a last resort for this age group.

6 Months and Older: Time for Sunscreen

Once your baby hits the 6-month mark, it’s time to start incorporating sunscreen into their sun protection routine. Look for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula with an SPF of at least 30. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are still the safest choice for young skin.

Apply the sunscreen liberally to all exposed areas of your baby’s skin at least 15-30 minutes before going outside. Don’t forget often-missed spots like the ears, neck, hands, and feet. Reapply every 2 hours, or more frequently if your baby is swimming or sweating a lot.

Shade and Clothing are Still Key

Even when your baby is old enough for sunscreen, it shouldn’t be your only line of defense against the sun. Whenever possible, keep your little one in the shade, especially during peak sun hours of 10am-4pm. Dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses with UV protection.

Remember, sunscreen should be used in combination with these other sun safety strategies, not as a replacement for them. By starting early with these healthy habits, you’ll help protect your baby’s delicate skin and set them up for a lifetime of sun safety.

How much sunscreen should I use on my child?

When it comes to sunscreen, more is definitely better. But how much is enough to keep your child’s delicate skin protected from the sun’s harmful rays? Here’s a breakdown based on age.

For Babies 6 Months and Older: Don’t Skimp!

Once your baby is old enough for regular sunscreen use (6 months and up), it’s important to apply it liberally. A good rule of thumb is to use about half a shot glass worth of sunscreen to cover all exposed areas of your child’s body. This might seem like a lot, but it’s necessary to ensure adequate protection.

Apply the sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before going outside, and don’t forget to reapply every two hours (or more often if your child is swimming or sweating a lot). Even if the sunscreen is labeled as “waterproof,” it can still wear off after swimming or sweating, so reapplication is key.

For Babies Under 6 Months: A Little Goes a Long Way

For babies under 6 months old, sunscreen should be used sparingly and only on small, exposed areas like the face, back of the hands, and tops of the feet. A little bit of sunscreen goes a long way on a baby’s delicate skin.

When applying sunscreen to your baby’s face, be extra careful around sensitive areas like the nose, ears, and lips. A lip balm with SPF 15 or higher can be used to protect your baby’s delicate lips.

Don’t Forget the Other Sun Safety Strategies

While sunscreen is an important tool in your sun protection arsenal, it shouldn’t be the only one. The best way to keep your baby safe from the sun is to:

• Keep them in the shade as much as possible, especially during peak sun hours (10am-4pm)
• Dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing and wide-brimmed hats
• Protect their eyes with sunglasses that have UV protection
• Use sunscreen in combination with these other methods, not as a replacement for them