Baby Sunscreen Guide ☀️👶
What I actually use and recommend as a pediatric dermatologist + mom
Hi, I’m Dr. Anne Allen — a board-certified dermatologist, fellowship-trained pediatric dermatologist, and mom. I made this guide because choosing sunscreen for your baby should not feel overwhelming. Here’s what I actually look for when choosing sunscreen for my own family.
Transparency note: These sunscreen recommendations are based on my personal and professional opinion. I do not have a paid partnership with the sunscreen brands listed.
In A Hurry?
👶 Babies under 6 months
Shade first
Hats
Clothing
Mineral sunscreen only if necessary
👦 Baby/Sensitive Skin
Blue Lizard
Thinkbaby
Babo
Mustela
🏖️ Older Kids
Coppertone WaterBabies
Anthelios
Banana Boat Light As Air
How I Choose Sunscreens
What I look for
✔ Broad spectrum
✔ SPF 50+
✔ Zinc oxide
✔ Water resistant
✔ Fragrance-free
Patients LOVE learning how experts think.
☀️ Sunscreen Recommendations
👶 Baby / sensitive skin mineral sunscreens
☀️ Blue Lizard Baby Mineral SPF 50
• Zinc oxide 20%
• Fragrance-free
• Water resistant (80 minutes)
☀️ Thinkbaby SPF 50+
• Zinc oxide 20%
• Water resistant (80 minutes)
• Thicker formula (not always a bad thing!)
☀️ Badger Baby Mineral SPF 40
• Zinc oxide 22.5%
• Very simple formula
• Water resistant (40 minutes)
☀️ Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral SPF 50
• Zinc oxide 20%
• Fragrance-free
• Water resistant (80 minutes)
☀️ Mustela Mineral Baby SPF 50
• Zinc oxide-based
• Fragrance-free
• Nice option for daily use
🌊 Pool / beach / high UV days
For older babies and kids where irritation isn’t an issue:
☀️ Coppertone WaterBabies SPF 50
• Lightweight traditional sunscreen filter option
• Easier application can help families use enough
• Great option for active kids, swimming, and long outdoor days
👧 Older kids who hate thick mineral sunscreens
☀️ La Roche-Posay Anthelios options
☀️ Neutrogena Beach Defense Kids
☀️ Banana Boat Light As Air
Sometimes the “best” sunscreen is the one your child will actually let you apply enough of 😂
My favorite sun protection investments:
👒 Wide-brim hats
👕 UPF clothing
🌳 Shade
No sunscreen is perfect — but good sun habits matter more than finding the perfect bottle 🤍
— Anne Allen, MD
Board-Certified Dermatologist
Pediatric Dermatologist
Frequently Asked Questions
When can babies start wearing sunscreen?
For babies younger than 6 months, the primary recommendation is shade, protective clothing, and hats. If adequate sun protection isn't possible, a small amount of mineral sunscreen can be applied to exposed areas.
Is mineral sunscreen better than chemical sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) are generally my first choice for babies and children with sensitive skin because they're less likely to sting the eyes or irritate the skin. However, for older children who dislike thicker mineral formulas, a chemical sunscreen that they'll wear consistently is often the better choice.
What SPF should my child use?
I generally recommend a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. For long days outdoors, swimming, or the beach, I usually prefer SPF 50 or higher.
How often should sunscreen be reapplied?
Reapply sunscreen every two hours while outdoors and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying—even if the sunscreen is labeled water resistant.
What does "water resistant" mean?
Water-resistant sunscreen continues to provide protection while swimming or sweating for either 40 or 80 minutes, depending on the label. It should still be reapplied after that time.
Can babies use spray sunscreen?
I generally prefer lotions or creams for babies and toddlers because they're easier to apply evenly. If using a spray sunscreen on older children, spray it into your hands first and then apply it to the skin rather than spraying directly onto the face.
Should children wear sunscreen every day?
Yes. Whenever children spend time outdoors, daily sunscreen is an important part of sun protection—even on cloudy days. I also recommend hats, UPF clothing, sunglasses, and seeking shade whenever possible.
How much sunscreen should I apply?
Most people don't use enough sunscreen. Apply a generous layer to all exposed skin and don't forget commonly missed areas such as the ears, back of the neck, tops of the feet, and scalp where hair is thin.
References
American Academy of Dermatology. How to Select and Use Sunscreen.
American Academy of Pediatrics. Sun Safety: Information for Parents.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sun Safety.
Skin Cancer Foundation. Sunscreen and Sun Protection Guidelines.
About Dr. Anne Allen
Anne Allen, MD is a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained, board-certified pediatric dermatologist. As both a pediatric dermatologist and a mom, she combines the latest medical evidence with practical, real-world advice to help families care for their skin with confidence.
More evidence-based skin tips:
Follow @anneallenmd
Need help with a skin concern?
I see children and adults online for acne, eczema, rashes, hair loss, and other dermatology concerns.
This guide is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Product recommendations are based on my personal/professional opinions and are not sponsored.