The Best Sunscreen for Babies and Children

Are you looking for the best sunscreen for your kids?

There are so many sunscreen options out there so how do you know which one to buy for you babies and children? The decision can be overwhelming. We are here to help make that decision easy. 

Children have very soft and sensitive skin. I had eczema-prone skin growing up and I still have skin that is very sensitive to strongly fragranced products. I come from a very large whānau and developed Seasick Sunscreen with children's skin sensitivities in mind.

When searching for a sunscreen for your kids, there are a few key things to keep in mind:

1. Whether a cream, spray or roll-on sunscreen is best
2. What the difference between chemical vs mineral sunscreen is
3. Which sunscreen ingredients are safe for kids
4. The SPF rating and whether the sunscreen is broad spectrum
5. Whether you need a special sunscreen for kids

This blog will explain why each of these factors is important and how to choose the best sunscreen for your kids!

1. Cream, spray or roll-on sunscreen?

Sunscreens come in a variety of product types, ranging from sprays and gels to lotions and creams. Creams and lotions are most effective since they provide the most amount of coverage. Sprays are incredibly wasteful and the airborne particles can be inhaled or end up stinging your eyes so we recommend avoiding sunscreen sprays!

2. Chemical Vs mineral sunscreen

Babies and young children should use mineral-only sunscreen to avoid any potential irritation on their sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens are absorbed into the skin (and bloodstream) and can be more irritating.

3. Which sunscreen ingredients are safe

A general rule of thumb is less is best. Look for sunscreens that are free of both parabens and fragrances, making it a safer bet for kids with sensitive skin. Our Daily Face and Body Sunscreen is made with just 7 naturally-derived ingredients. You can find a full list of our safe sunscreen ingredients and details about each of them on our website.

4. SPF rating and broad spectrum sunscreen

It’s recommended to use sunscreen that is SPF 30 or above while a broad spectrum sunscreen gives protection against both UVA and UVB rays which is important because:

• UVA radiation goes deep into the skin, causing long-term damage such as wrinkles, blotchiness, sagging and skin cancer. We call this UVA for ageing.
• UVB radiation gets into the top layer of skin and can cause sunburn, skin damage and skin cancer. We call this UVB for burning.

Look for sunscreens that meet the AS/NZ 2604:2021 (SPF certification) and ISO 24444:2019 (broad spectrum certification) sunscreen standards.

5. Is a different sunscreen for children needed?

Kids can use the same sunscreen as teens and adults as long as they contain mineral-based formulas with broad spectrum and SPF 30 or higher. Children tend to have really sensitive skin. Read more about choosing a sunscreen for sensitive skin here.

Seasick Sunscreen is suitable for babies and children

Visit our Online Store to Buy Sunscreen Online Now

All of our sunscreens are suitable for babies, children and adults making it suitable for the whole whānau. Our sunscreen is:

• Hypoallergenic

• Fragrance and paraben free

• Made with non-nano zinc oxide which is a mineral/physical UV blocker

• SPF 30 and broad spectrum certified.

Here's what our customers are saying:

"My toddler usually runs away from putting sunscreen on but because this tin and sunscreen looks like face cream she will happily sit still and put it on. My big kids hate swimming with sunscreen because it leaks into their eyes and stings with seasick sunscreen we had none of that. It’s only taken us 9 years to find the right sunscreen for us. Make the switch!" 

- Shani, 5 star review 

Other sun safety tips

• Avoid peak UV hours - Seek shade whenever possible and avoid prolonged sun between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun is strongest.
• Wear protective clothing and accessories - Hats, sunglasses, rash tops and beach ponchos are all great options!
• Ensure there’s always a covered area - Trees or beach cabanas are great options