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Here Comes the Sun: The Best Sunscreens for Babies & Toddlers

Whether you’re looking for a baby sunscreen that’s budget-friendly, cruelty-free or extra gentle for sensitive skin, you’ll find it here. Find your favorite from these popular products from brands like Hello Bello and Baby Bum to Thinkbaby and Blue Lizard.

Sun tips: Pair sunscreen with UPF-rated clothing, limit time in the midday sun, and reapply sunscreen regularly to prevent burning. And remember, no sunscreen before baby is six months old. Instead, keep younger babes out of direct sunlight.

Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Pipette

Finally, a baby-safe, fragrance-free mineral sunscreen that blends in easily and doesn't leave a white cast. This is one you'll be borrowing for yourself. Pipette's sunscreen uses 100% mineral, non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It's reef-friendly and contains plant extracts to moisturize and calm the effects of infrared light, which can heat and irritate a baby's sensitive skin. All of Pipette's formulas are hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, vegan and free of synthetic fragrances, petrolatum, parabens, sulfates, pthalates, talc and more.

Available at pipettebaby.com, $16.50 for 4 fluid ounces.

Zoey Naturals SPF 30 Sunscreen

Zoey Naturals

This cruelty-free, reef-safe sunscreen is hypoallergenic and free of parabens, phthalates and harsh chemicals. In addition to zinc oxide for mineral sunscreen protection, it contains nutrients to soften skin, such as coconut oil, shea butter and sunflower seed oil, and has a soft, yummy scent.

Available at zoey-naturals.com, $12 for 3.4 ounces.

Baby Bum Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray Fragrance Free

Baby Bum

Wiggly littles usually have an easier time with sunscreen spray than lotion. This 100% mineral-based spray from one of our favorite brands, Baby Bum, gets the job done fast with a lightweight, non-greasy spray that melts into skin. The titanium dioxide and zinc oxide formula contains coconut oil, shea butter and cocoa butter to nourish baby's skin, and there's no harsh fragrance to irritate it. Cruelty free, vegan, and free of PABA, gluten, sulfates, parabens, pthalates, petroleum, mineral oil and more, you'll feel good about putting this USA-made sunscreen on your babes.

Available at sunbum.com, $13.99 for 3 ounces.

Puttisu Safe Baby Mild Sun Cushion

Puttisu

As adorable as it is effective, this physical sunscreen (made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide) comes in a compact complete with puff to apply it with. It's small enough to pop in your bag or pocket and so cute, your child might be more receptive to it than to the typical sunscreen. Older kids will love to apply it to themselves, but given the price, you may want to keep an eye on this one.

Available at puttisu-usa.com, $29.99 for .53 ounces.

Hello Bello SPF 50 Sunscreen Mineral Lotion

Hello Bello

Say hello to broad spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection that's reef-friendly and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. The SPF 50 mineral sunscreen contains non-nano zinc oxide, organic shea butter, organic cocoa butter, organic coconut oil, and organic calendula, green tea, avocado and cucumber extracts. And it's free of ingredients you may not want on your baby's skin, including avobenzone, oxybenzone, PABA, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and common allergens (soy, gluten, peanuts).

Available at walmart.com, $8.78 for 3 ounces.

MADE OF Organic Baby Sunscreen SPF 30

MADE OF

Non-nano zinc oxide is the main ingredient of this reef-safe, gluten-free sunscreen, so it physically blocks UVA and UVB rays from reaching your baby. The plant-based formula also contains organic oils including argan, sunflower, raspberry seed and coconut to nourish and soothe skin. 

Available at madeof.com, $17 for 4 ounces.

Tubby Todd PLAY Mineral Sunstick

Tubby Todd Bath Co

You'll feel good about covering baby's sweet face in this natural mineral sunstick. The 30SPF broad spectrum formula contains 20% zinc oxide and comforting organic ingredients including coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, shea butter and aloe vera. Apply the smooth stick and then rub in for 80 minutes of water-resistant coverage. Tubby Todd products are cruelty-free and free of gluten, parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrances and color and BPA. Pop the stick in your diaper bag for outdoor outings. Sticks are great for travel and won't leak in your bag.

Available at tubbytodd.com, $15 for .5 ounces.

VIVAIODAYS Turmuric Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

VIVAIODAYS

Inspired by a seafaring people in Borneo, the Bajou, who use dried turmeric paste to help protect baby skin from the sun's rays, VIVAIODAYS added organic turmeric oil to sunscreen to help protect baby skin from long-term UV damage. The broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen contains 20% non-nano zinc oxide, organic sea buckthorn pulp oil to help strengthen skin immunity, and organic calendula and shea butter for soothing skin. It's cruelty-free and free of gluten, GMOs and synthetic fragrance.

Available at vivaiodays.com, $24 for 3.4 ounces.

Earth Mama Organics Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40

Earth Mama Organics

Earth Mama Organics' SPF 40 mineral sunscreen contains organic calendula, shea butter, red raspberry seed oil and pomegranate seed oil to nourish skin and boost the sunscreen's SPF value. It's free of chemical sunscreens, artificial fragrance and nano particles to protect baby's skin and to avoid harming coral reefs. It's also free of parabens and water resistant for 40 minutes.

Available on earthmamaorganics.com, $14.99 for 3 ounces.

Baby Bum SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Fragrance Free

Baby Bum

Zinc oxide, coconut oil, shea and cocoa butters and other restorative oils combine in this lightweight, non-greasy formula that's super easy to blend into the skin and fragrance-free for even the most sensitive littles. The lotion provides SPF 50 and 80 minutes of sun coverage if swimming or sweating out in the sun.

Available at trustthebum.com, $13.99 for 3 ounces.

Supergoop! Sunnyscreen Lotion, Stick & Spray

Supergoop!

This much-loved brand has branched out into 100% mineral sunscreen products for babies and toddlers (6 months and up). The Supergoop! broad-spectrum sun-care line, Sunnyscreen, is available in three formulas: non-sticky lotion, mess-proof stick and lightweight spray. All three are water-resistant for 80 minutes, as well as pediatrician-tested, hypoallergenic, and free of parabens and synthetic fragrances. In addition to SPF 50, the Sunnyscreen products are full of nourishing ingredients like shea butter, sunflower seed oil, chia seed oil, mango butter and calendula to soothe baby's skin while out in the sun.  

Available at supergoop.com, $24 for the .7-ounce stick and $26 for the 3-ounce lotion and 3.4-ounce spray.

Coppertone Pure & Simple Baby Mineral Based Lotion

Coppertone

A great pick for your everyday sunscreen, Coppertone's mineral-based sunscreen protects baby skin without breaking your budget. The tear-free, SPF 50 zinc oxide sunscreen is hypoallergenic and free from PABA, parabens, sulfates, phthalates, alcohol, fragrances and dyes. It uses natural botanicals including tea leaf, sea kelp and lotus extract to gently soothe baby's skin.

Available at target.com, $9.99 for 6 ounces.

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

The Thinkbaby sunscreen, like its older sibling Thinksport Kids, is a mineral sunscreen, also known as a physical sunscreen. It has the highest level of water resistance, and will maintain its SPF for 80 minutes in the water.

Available at amazon.com, $10.39 for 3 ounces.

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Lotion

Does your baby have eczema-prone skin? This popular drugstore brand features a zinc oxide formula that provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. It's free of fragrance, parabens, dyes, phthalates and chemicals that can irritate sensitive skin.

Available at neutrogena.com, $12.99 for 3 ounces.

Bare Rebublic Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Baby SPF 50

This mineral body lotion contains a zinc oxide formula and is free of chemical sunscreens, preservatives and synthetic fragrances, as well as being cruelty free. It also contains ingredients such as aloe, shea butter and chamomile extract to soothe sensitive baby skin.

Available at gobareoutside.com, $14.99 for 3.4 fluid ounces.

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen -- Baby Sunscreen SPF 30

If you prefer a mineral sunscreen (these block the sun with a physical barrier, not chemicals), Blue Lizard is your best budget-friendly bet. This lotion is top-rated by both consumers and the Environmental Working Group, which reviews sunscreens based on ingredient safety. Fun fact: The bottle turns a pink when UV rays are present to remind you it's time to apply, so it’s great for extended outings in the sun.

Available at amazon.com, $25.99 for 8.75 ounces.

California Baby Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen

Another EWG favorite, California Baby’s mineral sunscreen combines zinc oxide with titanium dioxide and has been a recommended pick from natural-product mavens for years. The allergy-tested formula has no added fragrances, common allergens or irritants that can bother sensitive skin, and it doesn't sting the eyes.

Available at californiababy.com, $39.99 for 6 ounces.

Babyganics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50

Applying an SPF cream to sandy skin can be difficult and even painful, so we love Babyganics Mineral-Based Sunscreen Spray for beach trips. Another plus: You won't find any of the "P" words (PABA, phthalates or parabens) in this formula.

Available at target.com, $9.99 for 6 ounces.

TruKid Sunny Days Sport SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion

Always in and out of the water with your baby? You need a sunblock with robust water resistance, like TruKid Sport. Zinc oxide blocks the rays, while aloe and coconut, jojoba and sunflower oils moisturize that soft baby skin. This formula goes on easily and won't leave a white residue behind. When you're playing in the water, be sure to reapply every 80 minutes or each time you towel off.

Available at amazon.com, $19.99 for 3.4 ounces.

Aveeno Baby Sensitive Skin Facial Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

The Aveeno Baby stick may be small, but it's a must-have in your baby bag. When you're at the playground or on the beach for an extended time, this zinc oxide and titanium dioxide stick is easy to apply and reapply to baby's face (and your own) as needed. Don’t forget those ears!

Available at amazon.com, $8.97 for a .47-ounce stick.

Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream SPF 30

Badger’s zinc oxide sunscreen cream is scented with chamomile and calendula, both known for their soothing properties, so try it on lazy summer days at the park. It scores high on the EWG’s list of sunscreens, and on many mom lists, and is safe for sensitive skin.

Available at amazon.com, $14.44 for 2.9 ounces.

— Eva Ingvarson Cerise, Julie Seguss & Kelly Aiglon

featured image from Pipette

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