The Best Baby Suncreams for 2024

Finding a sunscreen that is suitably tailored to your little one’s needs is so important. But, with a huge selection of sun protection formulas for the face and body to choose from, narrowing down the ideal baby suncream can feel daunting. If you're feeling baffled as to what you need to be putting on your baby’s skin, then you're certainly not the only parent out there.

Of course, the best way to protect that delicate skin of theirs is to limit the time spent in the sun as much as possible, but on a family holiday that is usually easier said than done. With the NHS advising that young infants and babies should be wearing sunscreen between March and October in the UK, you may want to start researching the best baby sunscreens for your little ones. But which formula won’t upset that gentle baby skin, or aggravate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis?

We’ve found the best baby sunscreens that'll keep your baba’s skin looking and feeling as soft as, well, a baby’s bottom. Step outside safe in the knowledge that your precious little one’s skin is fully protected and ready to take on the day with our round-up of the best baby suncreams on the market.

1. Avène Very High Protection Spray For Children SPF 50

Avène is a great brand to lean on when you're looking for high-grade body care. But did you know that they also offer an array of gentle sunscreens that are suitable for your baby too? Don't let unwanted sunburn ruin your little one's holiday this year; instead, use the Avène Very High Protection Spray For Children to protect your kid's sensitive skin. This factor 50 SPF protects against UVA and UVB rays, preventing the likes of sun damage and prickly heat reactions. This SPF is also waterproof, so when your kiddos are splashing about on the beach or in the pool, you know they're still protected from the sun's rays.

2. Heliocare 360 Pediatric Mineral SPF 50+

For use on babies and children from 6 months old on the face and body, this light, hydrating fluid from Heliocare is easy to apply and leaves skin feeling silky without any white residue. It is suitable for sensitive and atopic skin, and for use around sensitive eyes. It is sand resistant (which means protection doesn’t rub off on contact with sand) and very water resistant, just what you need to protect your child!

3. Uriage Bariesun SPF 50+ Kids Spray

Another sunscreen ideal for little ones with dry skin is this lightweight baby sunscreen from Uriage that sinks quickly into the skin. It can be used on the face and the body, for top-to-toe protection. Uriage recommends applying a generous layer of this SPF on this skin prior to entering a sunny environment, for peace of mind that your baby is protected.

4. Calypso Sun Lotion Kids Water Resistant SPF 50

Getting kids out of the pool for suncream reapplication could be the cause of a meltdown. For kids that love to have fun in the sun, you can get long-lasting high protection from this sunscreen spray from Calypso. With SPF50 and a water resistant formula, relax knowing your little one is protected for as long as they're splashing around.

5. Riemann P20 Sun Protection Kids SPF 50+

This hypoallergenic, gentle cream formula provides high UVA/UVB protection for up to ten hours and is even water resistant for up to three hours, perfect for pool- and sea-side holidays. And with its fast absorption and easy application, it's ideal for wriggly kiddies impatient to start playing in the sun.

6. Heliocare 360 Pediatric Atopic Lotion Spray SPF 50

Providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection suitable for Fitzpatrick skin types I - V, this gentle formula from Heliocare 360 is one you need to add to your beach bag. Suitable for young ones aged 6 months and over, it's fragrance-free and features a handy spray nozzle for easy application. This Atopic Lotion Spray will cover all bases when it comes to providing the ultimate SPF protection for your kids.

7. Malibu Kids Sun Lotion Spray

An oldie but goldie. Malibu is a staple name when it comes to summer beauty routines, and their sun protection spray is great for kids. As well as having high protection against UVA and UVB, it's also clinically proven to be kind to skin. Little ones can enjoy the sun without compromising their complexion.

Found the best baby suncream for your child? Now it's your turn! It's equally as important to make sure your skin is protected from those harmful rays, too. So why not check out The Top 5 Pro-Ocean Sun Lotions and The Best After Sun Products?

Sun Protection for Kids FAQs

What is the best sun cream for kids?

Various brands tailor specific formulas purposely designed for children. SPF ratings of 50 and 30 cater to all skin types, tones and ages, catering to the pale skin of a six-year-old or the dark complexion of a teenager.

La Roche-Posay, Bioderma and Calypso offer powerful sun protection for children of all ages. Two bottles should last one child for a week-long holiday.

Can you use sun cream on a baby?

You should never use sun cream on a baby less than six months old. Ideally, you want to keep your baby out of direct sunlight for the first six months, otherwise their sensitive skin is exposed to the harmful UV rays of the sun. Baby skin doesn't fully mature until its 32 weeks old, which means its particularly susceptible to burning and damage to the skin.

Obviously, you don't want your child to spend its first six months permanently stuck inside. It's best to take your child out with a pram fully covering its body, and doing so on a cloudy or overcast day. If the sun comes out during the day, make sure your child is fully covered and wearing a sun hat if necessary.

When your child reaches six months or older, you can now apply sun cream of a high rating. We suggest SPF30 and a lotion that is rich in minerals to nourish and soothe your child's skin whilst simultaneously protecting it.

What factor sun cream should my child use?

With so much information online about the damage of harmful UV rays and which sun protection lotion you should use, it's hard to know what to believe. Whilst we're no dermatology experts here at Cosmetify, we do know that when it comes to sun protection, it's better to be safe than sorry.

When it comes to choosing which sun protection product to buy, there are two elements to consider: SPF and UVA Star Rating. SPF relates to protecting against UV rays, whereas UVA measures the amount of UVA radiation protection. Your child's skin is likely to be more sensitive and prone to burning, therefore we recommend using a SPF rating of 50 to fully prevent UV rays from penetrating their skin. The UVA rating is typically placed on the back of the bottle - a rating of four or five stars represents the best value.

If your child is a touch older, around the mid teens or older, and has darker skin, then they can usually get away with using SPF30, though it's best to have another bottle of factor 50 just in case.

Can I use adult sun cream on a child?

Children have more sensitive skin than adults, therefore the sun cream they need has to be tailored towards sensitive skin, otherwise it will lead to irritation, redness and bumps. Most child sun cream contains more minerals, which produce a calming and soothing effect on your child's skin. If you've run out of child sun cream and you only have adult sun cream left, then that's better than no sun cream at all, however, it may lead to irritation on your child's skin.

Many brands now cater to children, offering specific formulas that are purposely designed to nourish and protect their skin. Your child is unlikely to pay too much attention to their sun protection bottle, so you may have to constantly remind them to reapply, or just do it yourself.

Make sure you use a thick layer of sun cream each time, especially on particularly sunny and warm days. Sweat dissolves sun protection potently, so a thick layer will last for longer.