How to choose sunscreen for your child
This post will suggest the 5 best sunscreens for kids. It will help you determine how to choose a sunscreen for your child.
We will take a look at
- Allergic reactions to sunscreen
- Different Methods of sunscreen application
- 5 Sunscreen brands for kids
Has your child had an allergic reaction to sunscreen?
Most parents who notice that their child has a reaction to sunscreen have no idea what could be causing the issue. The truth of the matter is that because sunscreen often uses food based ingredients that could be the cause. The best sunscreens for kids are ones that work and do not make them feel sick or irritated.
If your child has allergies to any of these foods this may be causing a reaction:
- Coconut
- Peanut
- Any tree nuts
- Any stone fruit
- Any tropical fruits
- Fish
This alone may not be causing an allergic reaction. Your child may also be allergic to the fragrances used in the sunscreen. When considering how to choose a sunscreen for your child make sure you are mindful of what they are allergic to. Read more about allergy free sunscreens over at eightymphmom.
If you find that your child does have food allergies or allergic reactions to sunscreen that are commonly used, switch to a mineral sunscreen. I will share some below when I identify my 5 best sunscreens for kids.
You can also read about some gluten free vegan snacks on the blog.
Forms of sunscreen
Luckily for us sunscreen is sold in many different forms these days. Everyone has a different lifestyle and more activities are available to us. There is just about every application of sunscreen for kids available to you now in stores.
Most brands now offer sunscreen for kids in these forms:
Stick
Cream
Spray
Aerosol spray
Roll on
My favorite method of application is the stick. The main drawback is that this is not very sanitary for sharing.
Cream is tried and true. Easy to share and will last the day. This is hands down the best way to make sure that you are applying enough sunscreen. It’s easy to see how much you are applying every time. This is a must have for family beach vacations.
Spray sunscreen is super easy to apply but everyone sprays differently. This is not my most favorite sunscreen because it is difficult to measure if you are using enough. It’s also not something you can easily travel with if it is in aerosol form.
Roll on sunscreen is less common but will be in an applicator similar to a depilatory cream or deodorant. If you find this method of application available in a sunscreen form keep in mind it will not be the most sanitary after a few uses.
Now for the 5 best sunscreens for kids!
In no particular order I am suggesting these 5 as the best 5 sunscreens for kids because of the reasons listed under each. Please be sure to check with your retailer and keep your receipt after purchase. Most retailers allow you to return sunscreen if there is an allergic reaction or if you are not 100% pleased.
Coppertone Water Babies 50 Spray
A well known brand for over 30 years. Coppertone is the number one pediatrician recommended brand. This spray is hypoallergenic. It is also enriched with vitamin E. Please try this brand if you are looking for something that is oxybenzone, octinoxate and PABA free. There are no dyes in this product.
Banana Boat Kids Mineral 50 Spray
I have used this on the entire family! A really good basic, Banana Boat is a very well known brand. This spray is water resistant and will not run into kids’ eyes. This sunscreen is also available in a cream.
Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Cream
This sunscreen is 3% titanium dioxide and 12% zinc oxide.It rubs quickly and easily. This cream is dermatologist tested to be non allergenic! I love this packaging and it comes in a little tube that can easily travel. The most common size of this product is the 6oz tube.
Eucerin Baby Sensitive Mineral 50 cream
This sunscreen was developed with dermatologists. It’s new on the market but is a great travel or purse size at 4oz. The label describes this cream as hypoallergenic as well as fragrance and tear free. Please be sure to thoroughly read all labels. Get Eucerin Baby Sensitive Mineral 50 cream.
At one time we thought that hypoallergenic meant allergy free. That is not the case. Water resistant up to 80 minutes I would try this sunscreen for my children. No oxybenzone, parabens, dye, PABA are in this sunscreen.
Baby Bum Mineral 50 cream
This sunscreen is water resistant. Allergy free, vegan and safe for gentle skin. This cream is 20% zinc oxide. Please be aware that even though this is a mineral sunscreen there is coconut nucifera in this product. It also has cocoa butter. Two ingredients which may trigger an allergic reaction. Baby bum also makes their sunscreen in stick form. I would get both versions just to see which application you prefer as well as which lasts longer.
The only drawback is Baby Bum usually makes very small portions. This cream comes in an average size of 3oz. Unless you are trying to get it in your carry on this will not be enough for 4 weekends at the beach. A pro tip is sunscreens rarely have a short expiration date. I would try to catch a sale and stock up or see if you can get some in September.
I hope you enjoyed my list of 5 best sunscreens for kids.
Please follow at www.tarakamiya.com where I blog about homeschool and lifestyle topics.
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