Published on April 02, 2026

Calling all parents! Get the lowdown on sunscreen.

person putting on sunscreen

There are tons of sunscreens out there to choose from, so where do you start as a parent to ensure your child is protected?

The Key

The key thing to watch for is how well it protects your child's skin from UV rays. When choosing a sunscreen, check the label for:

  1. Water-Resistant: this will protect your kids while they're in the water for 40-80 minutes

  2. SPF: ensure the sunscreen is between SPF 30-50 for daily use

  3. UVA & UVB Rays: ensure it protects against both types of UV rays, which will usually be known as broad-spectrum sunscreen

  4. Ingredients: sunscreens with 15-20% zinc oxide and titanium dioxide clearly listed as "active ingredients" a.k.a. mineral sunscreens, are great for children & babies.

  5. Sprays: most often these are made with chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, homsalate, and others, that can be absorbed through the skin and be irritating for babies and children.

There are a variety of sunscreens on store shelves, so it can be confusing to know which one is best for your child. At the end of the day, any kind of sunscreen is better than none at all to protect against sunburns and decrease the risk of skin cancer. We recommend asking your pediatrician for recommendations on what sunscreen to use for your child if you are unsure.

Using Correctly

To keep your child as protected as possible from the sun's UV rays, follow these steps to ensure you are applying sunscreen correctly.

  1. Apply sunscreen about 15-30 minutes before your child goes outside.

  2. Remember to apply to areas that are often forgotten about, such as ears, feet, and hands. You can also protect their lips by getting lip balm with SPF in it.

  3. Appy sunscreen generously and reapply about every 2 hours or after your child has been sweating or swimming.

  4. If your sunscreen is past its expiration date or you've had for 3 years or longer, throw it out.

Is my child too young for sunscreen?

If your baby is 6 months old or younger, we recommend keeping them out of the sun and asking your doctor for recommendations if you must take them outside during peak sun hours. If your child is older than 6 months, it is safe for them to use sunscreen.

Here For You

Our pediatric providers, Dr. Samantha Rohe and Kayla Daniels, PA-C, are here to answer any questions you have about sun safety. Make an appointment with them today to talk more about your child's health and growth.

Source: HealthyChildren.org