15 Best Suncreams to protect children’s skin in Summer
We reveal the best suncreams for babies and children and 5 tips to ensure your brood's baby soft skin stays that way in the heat!
Published:
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.
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.
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.
15 Best Suncreams for Babies and Children 2021
Junior’s Favourite Sunscreens for Babies and Children – all easy to apply and guaranteed to smell of Summer
Dries in under 60 seconds – and is sand resistant: Soltan Kids Anti-Sand Protect Lotion SPF50+, £3.25 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 £26 for 30ml, Space NK
Hydrating and specially formulated for children’s sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids Body Lotion SPF50+, £22 for 250ml, Look Fantastic
Non-allergenic, tear free and made with Babyganics’ NeoNourish natural seed oil blend: b Kids SPF 50+ non-aerosol sunscreen spray, from a selection at Babyganics
Water resistant, anti-sand, anti salt, invisible and non sticky to boot: Comfort Cream SPF50 Anti-Sand & Water Resistant, £21 for 125ml, Lancaster
Very high protection that is excellent for active toddlers and children: Ultra Sun Kids 50+ SPF, £28 for 15oml, JoJo Maman Bébé
An easy to apply roll-on that is water resistant for 4 hours: Sunsense Kids Roll On SPF 50+, £10 for 50ML, JoJo Maman Bébé
This ultra-gentle, organic mineral SPF sunscreen is ideal for babies 6 months and older: COOLA Organic Baby Unscented Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, £23 for 90ml, A Little Find
Easy Trigger Spray application that immediately protects against sunburn and long-term skin damage: NIVEA SUN Kids Protect & Care Trigger Spray SPF 50, £15.99 for 300ml, Nivea
100% Mineral Screen milk that is easy to rub in and smells delicious: Clarins Sun Care Milk For Children, SPF 50+, £24.99 for 150ml, Amazon
Whipped mousse sunscreen that is enriched with powerful SPF protection: Bioderma Photoderm SPF50+ Kid Foam, £15 for 150ml, Look Fantastic
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+, £16.95 for 100ml, 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 £21 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, £9.50 for 300ml, Feel Unique