Sunscreen For Infants/Babies

Sunscreen for infants is mostly referred to as baby sunscreen. Because the skin of infants is sensitive, the same sunscreen used to protect adults cannot be used for their skin. Babies have a proportionately more skin on their bodies than adults. This is more reason for specifically formulated sunscreen. There is more contact with the chemicals, therefore more absorption of these very chemicals.

The main ingredients in sunscreen for infants are most often zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These sunscreens sit on top of the skin and form a barrier to the harmful rays of the sun. Sunscreens using these ingredients begin to work as soon as you put them on while chemical sunscreens take upwards of twenty minutes to begin protection.

In previous years, sunscreen was not advised for infants less than six months of age because of the fear of harm. More recently, though the American Academy of Pediatrics has deemed it safe to use when used on small areas of skin including the hands and face. It is highly recommended that children this age and younger should have sun exposure kept to a minimum. When that is not possible, sunscreen is safe to use.

Some useful tips regarding sunscreen for infants are: use a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least fifteen, yet a SPF of thirty is recommended to optimum protection, use a hypoallergenic and fragrance free sunscreen that comes in a form that is easy to apply, choose a water resistant sunscreen for more coverage. Make sure to apply sunscreen to their skin as often as needed. Read the label of your favorite baby sunscreen for details specific to your particular sunscreen.

Should your child be sensitive to most sunscreens, a biodegradable, organic, or natural sunscreen may be needed. These have less harmful chemical irritants and are more apt for sensitive skin. Some parents have even been known to use mineral make up on their children for protection. Whichever sunscreen option you choose for your child, make sure to test a small amount on their skin for a reaction. If your baby does get an allergic reaction to the sunscreen, rinse it off of the skin and allow the area to heal before trying another sunscreen.

The best sunscreen for a baby is minimum exposure to the sun. This is not realistic for most families, however. Topical sunscreen and protective clothing are the next best forms of protection for your baby. Choose a sunscreen that is safe and provides no allergic reaction. Just keep in mind the sensitive nature of their young skin.