15 Best Suncreams to protect children's skin in Summer

Best Suncreams for Children 2023

Protecting children's skin against the harmful damage caused by sun exposure is vital. As babies and children have especially sensitive and delicate skin that is highly susceptible to sun damage - and, not just when on holiday or at the beach, but in the UK also. As according to the NHS, babies and children should wear sunscreen between March and October in the UK.

You should also choose sunscreens especially made for babies and children - as adult sun care and blocks are often packed with chemicals - sunscreens for kids uses minerals to create a physical barrier from the suns rays that is gentle on young skin and eyes, making it a perfect choice for babies and kids.

According to the NHS, babies and children should wear sunscreen between March and October in the UK

The SPF number is the sun protection factor and for children you should never use any lower than 25. Preferably, kids sunscreens should be factor 50+ or higher – as the higher the SPF, the better protection it offers.

15 Best Suncreams for Babies and Children 2023

Junior’s Favourite Sunscreens for Babies and Children - all easy to apply and guaranteed to smell of Summer

Water resistant, anti-sand, anti salt, invisible and non sticky to boot: Comfort Cream SPF50 Anti-Sand & Water Resistant, from £19.50 for 125ml, Lancaster

Very high protection that is excellent for active toddlers and children: Ultra Sun Kids 50+ SPF, £30 for 15oml, Marks & Spencer

The first eco sunscreen for tweens/teens. Protects young skin and sensitive faces against sun damage, without blocking pores and causing blemishes. No nasties means its reef-safe too: Sun Squad Sensitive Skin SPF 30 for Face, £25 for 50ml Spots & Stripes

A super-high sun protection stick for those sensitive face areas in all conditions from the wind, salt water and cold when you’re in the ocean or relaxing on the beach: SeventyOne Percent Sun Stick SPF50 + in Sunset, £14 for 10g, Smallable

Easy Trigger Spray application that immediately protects against sunburn and long-term skin damage: NIVEA SUN Kids Protect & Care Trigger Spray SPF 50, £11 for 270ml, Boots

Dries in under 60 seconds - and the highest UVA rating: Soltan Kids Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF50+ 200ml, £3.89 for 200ml, Boots

Suitable for babies and children from 6 months upwards: Childs Farm, Roll on Sunscreen SPF 50+, £9.99 for 70ml, Boots

A lightweight mousse that quickly soaks into the without leaving the uncomfortable or visible white film: Evy Technology Kids Sunscreen Mousse SPF 50, from £25 for 30ml, EvyUK

Hydrating and specially formulated for children’s sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids Body Lotion SPF50+, £21.25 for 250ml, Ecscentual

This cult suncream that literally smells of summer is vegan, reef-friendly and is water resistant for 80 minutes (so totally for beach bums!): Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion , £17.99 for 237ml, Cult Beauty

A lovely mist especially formulated for children aged 4 to 11 years - plus it smells delicious: OUATE Sun Protection Mist for Face and Body SPF 50, £22 for 150 ml, Smallable

Whipped mousse sunscreen that is enriched with powerful SPF protection: Bioderma Photoderm SPF50+ Kid Foam, from £22for 150ml, OnBuy

With its non-drip tube it allows you to control the dose - and the creamy texture leaves no sticky residue: Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF50+, from £11.50 for 40ml, Feel Unique

This organic easy-to-apply cream is suitable for sensitive skin, prickly heat and is Eczema-friendly: Organic Children Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 £25 for 150ML, Green People

Can be used on the face and body from ages 6 months and older: Vichy Ideal Soleil Children's SPF50+ Gentle Milk For Face & Body, £21 for 300ml, Feel Unique

Five ways to protect children's skin in Summer

1 Time it right

Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are at their most powerful. And, try to apply 15 minutes before going out into the sun. Reapply when in the sun and then every 1-2 hours and always after swimming or towelling down.

2 Remember Slip-Slop-Slap
Follow the famous Aussie rules and just Slip on a shirt, Slop on suncream and Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.

3 Aim high
Opt for a suncream that has a high sun-protection factor (SPF) at least 50+. And remember, apply suncream even when it is cloudy. Apply generously using 1-2 tablespoons full of product for the child's entire body and rub in well.

4 Dress for comfort
Natural fibres, such as cotton, help skin to breathe and help prevent dry skin and heat rash. Look for UV-protected swimwear and don't forget sunglasses are also vital to protect young eyes.

5 Shower after swimming
Chlorine can irritate the skin, so she should hit the shower after a swim.