Keeping your baby’s soft and delicate skin safe when they’re outside is essential, meaning that baby-safe sunscreen is something of a non-negotiable. No matter what age you are, sunscreen is something that you need in order to get the reassurance of knowing you’re protected. However, that counts double when talking about babies, so understanding baby SPF products is paramount.
In this blog, we look at what parents need to know when buying sunscreen for their little ones. So, if you’re ready, let’s begin.
Baby-Safe Sunscreen is Formulated for Gentleness
First and foremost, the most important part of choosing the right baby-safe sunscreen is knowing what terminology you’re likely to see in the product’s advertising. You should be looking for sunscreens labelled as ‘gentle’, ‘baby’ or, of course, ‘baby-safe’. As such, it’s essential to check the table of ingredients to ensure that you’re buying the right option.
Generally speaking, you want to choose the most gentle options on the market, which typically means mineral sunscreen. In these types of products, you’ll find that the active ingredient is either zinc oxide or titanium oxide – both of which sit on the surface of the skin rather than being absorbed.
This fact alone makes them more gentle than chemical brands, as it means they don’t need to enter into the skin. As such, they’re easier on the skin and are far less likely to lead to allergic reactions or irritation.
Look For an SPF of at Least 30
There’s a reason that the majority of baby sunscreen products offer a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. It’s because that’s the minimum level of protection that young skin needs. Plus, settle for nothing less than broad-spectrum products, as otherwise, your kids won’t be safeguarded from both UVA and UVB rays. To be honest, it’s a little nonsensical that some products don’t protect against both.
It’s super important, too, as failure to get adequate protection can result in long-term damage to your child’s skin – a real tragedy for any kid. Also, when applying, you should be sure to cover all areas of the skin – not forgetting the face, ears, neck, legs and arms – as they’re often missed.
Other things to know are to be gentle but thorough, making sure not to get any of the product in the mouth or eyes. Additionally, reapplication every 2 hours, particularly after swimming, towel drying or profuse sweating, is advisable.
Baby-Safe Sunscreen Doesn’t Have to Be Complex
The important thing to remember is that sunscreen for your precious kids is simple, so long as you focus on what’s important. Over and above what we’ve covered, be sure to avoid unnecessary fragrances and dyes and opt for a lightweight formula that could potentially irritate.
If you’re unsure at any point or your child has ever had a reaction or allergy to any kind of product, carry out a patch test to be certain. Couple this approach with some long-sleeved clothing, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat, and your little one should have no problems.
