5 Things to Look For When Choosing A Baby Sunscreen

The spring sunshine is in full swing, and it’s time to ramp up the sun protection for our little ones’ delicate skin! For those of us who are mindful of what we put on our children's skin, choosing a baby sunscreen that is both gentle and effective can feel like a big decision. With so many options on the market, we wanted to share five essential things to look for when choosing a baby sunscreen for your little one.

Why Is Sun Protection So Important For Babies?

Sun protection is recommended whenever the UV rating reaches three or above, which is common all year round here in Australia - not just in the warmer months.

Protecting little skin from the sun is especially important, as babies and toddlers under four have lower levels of melanin (the pigment that protects skin from UV damage), and thinner outer skin. This can make them particularly vulnerable to sun damage, and the more sun exposure they have during childhood, the higher their risk of developing skin cancer later in life. The Cancer Council recommends that babies under 12 months are not exposed to direct sunlight when the UV reaches three or above.

The first line of sun protection for babies should be to keep them in the shade and out of direct sunlight as much as possible and ensure they wear protective clothing, sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat to shield their skin. Depending on your little one’s age, a gentle, broad-spectrum, water-resistant and SPF50 or more baby sunscreen is another way to protect their delicate skin.

5 Things to Look For When Choosing A Baby Sunscreen

 1. A high SPF rating of SPF50 or more

The Cancer Council recommends using sunscreen with an SPF50 or SPF50+ rating. SPF stands for ‘sun protection factor’ and tells you the amount of UVB radiation that potentially reaches the skin when the sunscreen is applied correctly. For example, an SPF50 sunscreen filters 98% of UVB radiation with 2% reaching the skin.

Remember that you need to apply the right amount of sunscreen to receive the level of protection noted on the label and should reapply at least every two hours (or more often if it is wiped/rubbed off or your little one has been in the water or is sweating). Sunscreen also doesn’t completely block all UVB radiation, so it should always be used with other forms of sun protection.

The SPF in sunscreen refers to UVB protection only (the main cause of skin damage and skin cancer), so selecting a broad-spectrum sunscreen is essential.

2. Broad-spectrum protection

A broad-spectrum sunscreen offers a level of protection from both UVA and UVB radiation. UVB is the main cause of skin cancer and skin damage, while UVA contributes to skin aging and can also cause skin cancer. When looking for a baby sunscreen, choose one that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB radiation and a high SPF rating.

3. A water-resistant formula

Choosing a water-resistant sunscreen is especially important for days spent in and around water or if they’re sweating. Different sunscreens offer different levels of water resistance - so remember to read the label and reapply as recommended. Our Natural Sunscreen SPF50 is 80 minutes water resistant.

4. Gentle ingredients

Mineral sunscreens with active ingredients like zinc oxide (like Itchy Baby Co. Natural Sunscreen SPF50) are usually a gentler option for delicate baby skin. Chemical sunscreens can contain harsher ingredients that can irritate a baby’s sensitive skin (you can learn more about the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens here). If you can, look for a mineral sunscreen that’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.

Always patch-test your sunscreen on a small area of your little one’s skin before full application to check for any reactions or allergies. You should stop using it and seek medical advice if they have an adverse reaction.

5. A cream that’s easy to apply

We all know the challenges of getting sunscreen on our wiggly little ones! Choose a smooth, easy-to-apply formula that melts into the skin easily. This will make it much more enjoyable to use and reapply as needed throughout the day. Always apply sunscreen in generous amounts at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply frequently (every two hours or more often if it gets wiped or rubbed off, or your little one has been in the water or is sweating).

We hope this post is helpful in your search for a baby sunscreen that works for your little one! Itchy Baby Co. Natural Sunscreen SPF50 is a gentle choice for sensitive baby skin, with zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection for little ones 3 months and up. The fragrance-free, easy-to-apply cream melts into the skin and is 80 minutes water resistant.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Reapply frequently and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection - also seek shade and wear a hat, sunglasses and protective clothing.

Disclaimer: Information provided is of a general nature only, and you should always consult your medical professional.