Baby Sun Cream: What Protection is Necessary?

Can my baby go out in the sun yet? And which baby sun cream offers the best protection? We answer all questions about sun protection for your child!

Am I even allowed to cream my baby?

The skin of babies and toddlers is much more sensitive than that of adults – which is why it must be particularly well protected. At best, babies under one year of age should not be rubbed with sun cream. Various chemicals can easily penetrate the cream through the enlarged skin surface in babies. In addition, babies cannot yet regulate their own body temperature – and the sun cream inhibits sweating even more.

Of course, it is not always possible to provide your child with complete sun protection – especially in summer. However, a baby should never spend more than ten to fifteen minutes in the sun without protection, as sensitive skin can burn very quickly. At midday in particular, it is better for the child to play indoors or at least in the shade – there too, the important vitamin D formation is stimulated.

Which baby sun cream is the right one?

If there is no other way, unprotected skin areas should be rubbed with a sun cream that is especially for children. Most often they use a mineral filter that reflects UV rays and prevents potentially dangerous chemical ingredients (e.g. fragrances) from penetrating the skin.

A high sun protection factor (SPF) is also essential. The cream should have at least SPF 30, very light skin types use SPF 50, and you should not buy sunscreen that contains alcohol.

Tips for parents: The best sun protection for kids

So that the kids are safe all around, parents should consider the following things:

• Apply in advance: It is best to cream the kids 30 minutes before going out into the sun. Distribute the sun cream evenly.
• Do not release anything: There are many parts of the skin on the body that you like to forget – for example the back of the ears, feet and hands or the face.
• Apply more cream: The child should be reapplied every two hours. If it has been in water, immediately after it has dried.
• Pampering: In the evening, the skin is best treated with after-sun lotion or a good moisturizer.

What protection do the little ones need besides sun lotion?

In addition to sunscreen, we have other options to protect the child from sunburn. These include:

• Always use a sun hat with neck protection
• Use clothing with UV protection (pay attention to the labeling, the UV-801 standard is best), preferably long shirts and trousers made of thin fabric
• Do not do without shoes and socks
• Let the child wear sunglasses if possible
• Protect the stroller from overheating
• Never leave the child alone in strong sunlight (especially not in the car)