When you look down the skin care products aisle at your local drug store, you are sure to be surrounded by lots of sunscreens for kids, such as formulas that are waterproof, formulas that are especially for sensitive skin, lotions that smell like fruit, and lotions that fade in color when the active ingredient takes effect. Most of these sunscreen options are safe for kids, but carefully read the label before you use a product on your child's skin.
Choosing a Sunscreen
Choose a sunscreen of at least SPF 15 that is labeled "broad-spectrum," meaning it will protect your child's skin against UVA and UVB rays, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. The higher the SPF number, the more it will protect against UVB rays. The amount of UVA "stars" on the bottle rating coincides with how much it will protect your child's skin from UVA rays. Four UVA stars is the highest protection from an over-the-counter sunscreen, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Avoid potential skin allergies by buying a sunscreen that doesn't contain an ingredient called PABA, suggests KidsHealth.
Sunscreen for Babies and Young Children
Look for the same SPF or higher, broad-spectrum sunscreen for your baby, but also use a chemical-free sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, recommends Patricia Treadwell, a pediatric dermatologist with BabyCenter.com. This type of sunscreen will be less likely to irritate a baby's sensitive skin. It is also safer for sensitive areas of any child's body, including the nose, cheeks, ear tips and shoulders, says KidsHealth.
Applying Sunscreen to Babies
Whenever possible, keep any baby under 6 months out of the sun by shading her with an umbrella, canopy or tree, and put her in protective clothing rather than using sunscreen on her body. However, if necessary, use sunscreen only on small areas of her body, such as her face and the back part of her hands, says the American Academy of Pediatrics. Although you can be more liberal with applying sunscreen to an older baby or young child, be especially careful around the eyes to reduce chances of the child getting the sunscreen in her eyes.
Applying Sunscreen to Older Children
For older babies and children, lather plenty of sunscreen to any exposed areas, particularly the face, nose, ears, hands and feet, 30 minutes before you plan to go outside. One ounce, about the amount that would fill a shot glass, is the amount needed to cover your child's exposed areas, says the American Academy of Dermatology. Apply more sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating, says the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Sun Protection Tips
Whenever possible, dress your child in lightweight but tightly woven clothing, UV-protection sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats to protect his skin and eyes from the sun's rays, suggests the American Academy of Pediatrics. Protect your child's lips with lip balm that contains SPF of 30 or higher. Also, limit his sun exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., which is when the sun is at its strongest.
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