5 Pediatrician-Approved Tips for Choosing the Best Sunscreen for Kids
Sun Safety Starts with Smart Sunscreen Choices
It’s officially sunshine season here in South Florida, and while outdoor play is great for kids, protecting their skin is a must. As a pediatrician (and beach lover), I know just how overwhelming the sunscreen aisle can be. Mineral? Chemical? SPF 30 or 50? Water-resistant? Fragrance-free?
Here are my top 5 pediatrician-approved sunscreen buying tips to keep your little ones safe while they soak up the sun.
1. Choose Mineral Over Chemical Sunscreen
Look for “mineral” or “physical” sunscreens, which contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on top of the skin and physically block the sun’s rays, like a shield.
Mineral sunscreens are less likely to irritate sensitive skin and don’t absorb into skin like some chemical filters do.
Pro Tip: On the ingredient label, you want to see only zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide listed as the active ingredients.
2. Skip the Sprays — Go With Lotion or Stick
Spray sunscreens are convenient, but they can be easy to inhale and often don’t provide even coverage.
For babies and toddlers, I always recommend:
Lotion for full-body coverage
Stick sunscreens for the face, ears, and back of the neck
They take a little longer to apply, but offer better protection, especially for wriggly kiddos.
3. Look for “Broad Spectrum” Protection and SPF 30 or higher
Always choose a sunscreen labeled “Broad Spectrum”, which means it protects against both:
UVA rays (which cause aging and long-term skin damage)
UVB rays (which cause sunburn and play a key role in developing skin cancer)
This is the kind of full-spectrum defense your child’s skin needs, even on cloudy days.
SPF, or sun protecting factor, refers mainly to how much UVB protection a sunscreen provides. SPF 15 blocks 93.3% of UVB rays; SPF 30 block 96.7% of UVB rays; and SPF 50 block 98% of UVB rays. While it may not seem like a lot, SPF 15 is letting twice as much UVB radiation onto your skin. So, don’t go lower than SPF 30.
4. Make Sure It’s Water-Resistant
Whether your child is swimming, sweating, or just running through sprinklers, their sunscreen needs to stay put.
Look for labels that say:
“Water resistant 40 minutes” OR
“Water resistant 80 minutes”
Important: Water-resistant ≠ waterproof! You still need to reapply every 2 hours, or after water play and towel-drying.
5. Check That It’s Fragrance-Free and Safe for Babies
Babies have extra-sensitive skin, so it's best to choose sunscreens that are:
Fragrance-free
Hypoallergenic
Formulated specifically for infants or young children
But here’s the key: for babies under 6 months, sunscreen isn’t the first line of defense.
Instead, focus on shade, protective clothing (like UPF-rated onesies and wide-brimmed hats), and avoiding direct sun exposure, especially during peak hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
The reason sunscreen labels often say “not recommended for infants under 6 months” isn’t because it’s harmful — it’s because young babies shouldn’t be in direct sunlight for extended periods in the first place.
Younger infants also have a higher surface area to body weight ratio, which means they can lose fluids faster and dehydrate or overheat more easily.
That said, if your baby will be outside and there’s no way to avoid sun exposure for a short period (like at a family gathering or outdoor event), it’s safer to apply a small amount of mineral sunscreen to exposed areas like the face, backs of hands, or feet rather than risk sunburn or long-term skin damage.
Quick Recap: What to Look for on the Label
Here’s a handy checklist to bring with you next time you're shopping for sunscreen:
✅ Mineral (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide)
✅ Broad spectrum protection
✅ SPF 30 or higher
✅ Water-resistant (40–80 minutes)
✅ Fragrance-free
✅ Stick or lotion form for better coverage
Ask Dr. Alex: My Favorite Sunscreen Brands
While I don’t have official endorsements, here are a few pediatrician-approved sunscreen brands I trust and recommend:
Sun Bum or Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen
Thinkbaby or Thinkkids
Blue Lizard
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby or Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Kids
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
No matter the brand, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use consistently.
Pediatric Care That Goes Beyond the Basics
At Curitas Pediatrics, we believe in preventive care and practical guidance that fits real family life. Whether you're prepping for a beach day or just wondering what's safe for your baby’s skin, I’m here to help.
Need personalized care or product recommendations? That’s what a concierge pediatrician is for — just text me!
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