How to Choose Sunscreen for a Baby

Sunscreen is necessary for everyone, especially babies. Because baby skin is so sensitive, you need to select the most appropriate type of sunscreen for them. The sun's rays can do damage to a child's skin in only a few minutes. Protect your child by always putting sunscreen on them, even if they are just going outside for a short time.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Limit the amount of sun exposure your child gets at all. Babies should be kept out of the sun as much as possible to limit the number of chances their very sensitive skin could be harmed by the sun. When you must have them out in the sun, be proactive in keeping them cool and covered with sunscreen.
2. Select a chemical-free sunscreen for baby. Look for those with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are on the label if they are in the sunscreen.
3. Avoid chemical sunscreens. These can cause irritation. They can also cause allergic reactions in some children. Baby's skin will absorb the active ingredients in sunscreen. While doctors do not say that the products in sunscreen are toxic or even overly dangerous to children, not much is known about how they react on a baby's delicate skin.
4. Keep sun protection factor, or SPF, at least at 15, though babies usually do not need anything over 30. Higher SPFs mean more chemicals without a lot of added protection. You don't have to seek out a specific sunscreen for babies, but look for a good quality adult sunscreen.
5. Do a patch test of a new product on the child's skin. This is very important if you do use a chemical product. Place a small amount of the sunscreen on a small area of the child's skin and monitor for any changes including allergic reactions or redness. A good place to do this is on the inside upper arm.

Tips & Warnings

• Consult your child's doctor if they have any special skin conditions, or if they develop any type of reaction to a sunscreen you place on them.