Sunscreen for kids: best practices and easy tips for a carefree summer
Warm sunny days are perfect for outdoor adventures with your little ones. While enjoyable, the sun’s powerful UV rays can be harmful in the summer months, especially for little humans with sensitive skin. That’s why sun safety for kids is essential. To help keep kids safe, we’ve put together practical sun safety tips, including how to choose the best sunscreen for kids, apply it correctly, and stay cool during the summer heat.
Why sunscreen is essential for kids
Your little ones have delicate skin, making them more vulnerable to sunburns. That’s why sun protection for children is so important, especially in the summer months when the sun is at its strongest.
How to choose the best sunscreen for kids
Not all sunscreens are created equal, especially when it comes to protecting your little one’s skin. These are key features to look for in a sunscreen:
Broad-spectrum protection: This shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
SPF 30 or higher: Higher SPF provides longer protection but still needs reapplication.
Water-resistant formulas: Ideal for pool and beach days or active play.
Mineral-based sunscreens: These often contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and are less likely to cause irritation. Great for sensitive skin.
Note that while higher SPF gives longer protection, it also contains higher concentrations of the chemicals some researchers say are potentially harmful. Since it should be reapplied at least every 2 hours anyway, many dermatologists say that using anything higher than 30 SPF is not much safer.” —Doona’s Pediatric Medical Advisor, Dr. Ben P. MD.
Tips for applying sunscreen effectively
Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you plan to be in the sun. The easiest way to do this with little kids is to apply sunscreen while they’re getting dressed.
Be thorough and apply generously. The more area you cover, the more you can guarantee protection. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on the lips, feet, and ears!
Reapply SPF every 2 hours, especially after your little one has been sweating or swimming.
Teach children how to apply SPF themselves. The solid sticks are great for this, they’re easy for them to use on their faces and convenient to bring with you on the go.
Sun protection for babies under 6 months
Keep babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight. Place them in the shade under an umbrella, a tree, or a stroller with a sun canopy or sunshade extension. Also make sure to dress them in sun-protective clothing that is breathable so they don’t get too hot, and a wide-rimmed hat to protect their face, head, and neck from sun exposure.
“It is highly recommended to use mineral sunscreen for kids, especially for babies. Not only is it more protective and durable, it also does not contain any harmful chemicals that can be absorbed into the bloodstream like in the high-SPF chemical creams.” —Doona’s Pediatric Medical Advisor, Dr. Ben P. MD.
Additional summer safety tips
Avoid peak sun hours (10:00 AM - 3:00 PM) to minimize UV exposure. If you can’t avoid these times, find a shady area for your kids to play in. It's much safer to get your sun when the UV index is low.
Use the weather app on your phone to gauge the UV index. When the UV index is 2 or less, it's ok to expose your unprotected skin—it’s even beneficial to your overall health. When it's 3 and above, use protection.
Always check your child’s medications. Some antibiotics or supplements can make your child more sensitive to the sun.
Do not store your sunscreen in the car, and keep it out of direct sunlight. Sunscreens, especially chemical formulas, degrade over time (especially in extreme heat). If you have sunscreen leftover from last summer, throw it away and buy a new one.
Model the sun safety habits you want your child to adopt. If your little ones see you wearing sunscreen, they will be more likely to learn and maintain healthy sun safety habits as they grow.
For more sun safety tips, check out the blog How to keep kids hydrated, healthy, and happy all summer long. For engaging indoor experiences to share with your little ones, check out 6 indoor summer experiences for kids and babies.
At Doona, we’re committed to making parenting simple for every family. That's why we’ve created our innovative and revolutionary Doona Car Seat and Stroller, transforming from car seat to a stroller in seconds; and Liki Trike — the most compact folding toddler trike on the market that grows alongside your toddler from 10-36 months.
