How to Use Baby Sunscreen to Protect Your Baby’s Skin

When going out in the sun with your baby, the most important thing is to protect your baby's sensitive skin. Because of your baby's delicate skin, if you don't do whatever it takes to protect their skin from the bright ray's of the sun, they can get a sunburn very quickly. For this reason, you may need to apply baby sunscreen to his or her skin to keep it from getting a sunburn. Although up until a few years ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics, or the AAP, did advise against the use of sunscreen on your baby, they now suggest using some.

You will need to apply a minimal amount of SPF-15 or SPF-30 to 50 of baby sunscreen to your baby's sensitive skin to keep them protected. It is imperative to do this, mainly if you cannot stay in the shade with your baby for some reason. Here is more information on how to use baby sunscreen to protect your baby's skin.

So, just how much of the sunscreen should you apply to your baby's skin? It depends on his or her age.

• Newborns: It used to not be recommended to apply sunscreen of any kind to newborns. However, now the AAP is suggesting you do so if you can't stay in the shade with your infant. Apply a small amount, especially to their face, the back of their hands, and the top of your baby's feet.

• Babies 6-months and older: Apply sunscreen for children to all areas of your baby's body.

• All Babies: For babies from newborn and up, before applying even a small amount to their little bodies, you will need to apply a little tiny bit to a patch of skin and wait for 48 hours before applying more and going out in the sun. Doing this will ensure he or she is not allergic to it.

Make sure you are careful when applying the baby sunscreen to your baby's face. If he or she is squirmy, you will either need to wait until they are calm or try to distract them with a toy or something to get them to calm down. If you get even a tiny amount inside his or her's eyes, you will need to wash it out gently and wipe their hands off with a damp and clean cloth.

Also, applying sunscreen to your baby's body is not limited to the summertime only. You should use it on them any time they are going outside, whether it is winter or summer because the sun is out even in the winter time.

If your baby is six months and older, you can spread about a half of a shot glass worth all over their body. Pay particular attention to their nose and ears. Apply SPF-15 lip balm to their lips. Apply the sunscreen to their body about a half hour before taking them out in the sun.

When your baby is six months and older, try not to skimp on the amount you apply to their skin. However, if they are younger, use a smaller amount to their skin. Make sure to reapply every two hours. Remember that if the baby sunscreen is not waterproof, it will wear off after a while. It will also wear off while they sweat and when they are swimming, even if the sunscreen is waterproof. 

Some types of baby sunscreen are better for them than others. Here are a few tips when choosing the best kind of sunscreen to use on your baby.

• Choose a sunscreen for children and one that is waterproof. You will want the waterproof kind even if you don't plan on taking him or her swimming.

• You will want to prevent rashes on your baby. Choose a type that has hypoallergenic ingredients inside it such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide. Unlike the chemical sunscreens, the ones with these ingredients will sit on top of your baby's skin instead of being absorbed into it.

• Look for a sunscreen that has "broad spectrum" on the label. You want this type of sunscreen because it protects your baby's skin from both UVB and UVA rays.

• Choose a type of sunscreen that has SPF-15, or SPF-30 to 50 may be better. However, anything above SPF-50 and you are not protecting your baby's skin from the sun like you would with anything lower than 50. 

• Don't use any sunscreen that also includes insect repellent. The reason for this is because they are not as effective as those without it. However, if you do need repellent, and your baby is old enough, and his or her doctor says they can wear it, buy one and spray it on after applying the sunscreen. Your baby should be two-months or older to wear insect repellent. 

Applying baby sunscreen is not the only way to keep your baby protected from the sun. Here is more information on how you can protect your baby's skin from the harmful sunshine ray's. 

• Stay inside as much as possible. It is especially best for your baby if you stay indoors during the sun's peak hours, between 10 am to 4 pm.

• Stay in the shade as often as you can, with your baby.

• Cover your baby's skin with loose fitting clothing. However, nothing see-through or the sun can get to your baby's skin and burn it.

• Cover your baby's head with a wide-brimmed hat.

• Protect their eyes with sunglasses, if they will let you.

• Make sure the sunglasses you do put on your baby, if allowed to, will protect against 99.9 percent of UVA and UVB rays.

• Avoid draping a blanket over your baby's face while they are in the stroller. The reason for this is because doing it can cause them to suffocate or overheat. It is better to use the stroller's shade to protect them or add a parasol to the side of the stroller to keep them out of the sun. 

Now that you know how to apply sunscreen to your baby best, how often to reapply, and more tips for keeping your baby protected from the sun, you should also know the best sunscreen to use on your baby. Here are some of the best baby sunscreen's available on the market today. 

Neutrogena Pure and Free Baby SPF 50 isn't just an excellent sunscreen for babies. This sunscreen protects your baby from the sun as well as helps with their sensitive skin. If your baby has eczema, this sunscreen will help with that too. It contains zinc oxide in it that helps protect their delicate, eczema prone skin from the sun.

The Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Baby SPF 30 is a unique type of sunscreen for your baby. What makes this baby sunscreen so unique, and slightly cool, is that the cap turns blue when you are out in harmful UV sunlight. This sunscreen is also waterproof and contains zinc oxide to help protect your baby's skin from the sun. It also includes titanium oxide which helps protect your baby's skin even more from harmful UV sunlight.

The Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 not only contains the zinc oxide for the protection of your baby's skin, but it also has oatmeal in it. Because it contains colloidal oatmeal, it helps keep your baby's skin well-hydrated for even more protection.

Babyganics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is one of the best sunscreens available. Not only will it help protect your baby's skin from the sun, but this sunscreen is also non-allergenic and tear-free. It does all of this without causing any irritation to your baby's delicate and sensitive skin.

The Coola Mineral Baby SPF 50 Unscented Sunscreen Stick is a cute little sunscreen stick that contains organic ingredients. Some of the ingredients include Shea oil and coconut oil. Applying is easy. It is recommended to make four passes on your baby's body back and forth to get enough of the sunscreen on it.

The Promise Organic SPF, 30 Sunscreen Baby Lotion, is another baby sunscreen with zinc oxide in it. It contains essential oils as well as Shea butter. Not only this, but it is waterproof too which is something you need for your baby if they are going to be in the pool or other water areas. The Shea butter and essential oils included in it make it gentle enough for your baby's sensitive skin.

The All Good SPF 30 Kids Sunscreen Lotion is kid-friendly, of course. This sunscreen lotion is also made with chamomile oil, making it gentle enough for your baby's skin. It comes waterproof and comes with non-nano zinc formula. It also comes included with ingredients such as organic green tea and rose hips which help repair damaged skin.

Now that you know all about baby sunscreen, how to apply, how much to use, and how often to apply it, you have the knowledge to be able to protect your baby's sensitive and delicate skin against the sun. Don't forget to reapply every couple of hours even if he or she is not going in the water. Good luck!