Best SPF for babies

Summer calls for scenic walks and fun play dates in the sunshine, but your little ones must be protected while they enjoy the beautiful weather. Having the best SPF for babies to hand will ensure they can play safely. One common issue I’ve often encountered with sunscreens is the tacky feeling it leaves on the skin and the white cast it leaves behind.

I’ve made it my mission to find SPF’s that glide and absorb into the skin without leaving you feeling the need to pop your bubs in the bath after. It’s important to note that parents of bubs with darker skin like mine should also apply an SPF to protect against the UVA and UVB rays. Take a look at our pick of the best SPF for babies.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune SPF 50+

This water, sweat and sand-resistant lotion will have your little ones protected whether you’re out and about for the day or on your summer holiday. The non-perfumed formula is perfect for sensitive skin, plus it’s non-sticky.

Eucerin Sun Kids Gel Cream SPF50+

This gel cream offers high protection and also caters to sensitive skin. The perfume-free formula reduces any risk of irritation or allergic reactions, and it has a non-greasy feel, so you won’t have to worry about any tackiness on the skin. If you’re planning on splashing around with your little bub outdoors, this is extra water resistant.

Childs Farm Kids & Baby Sun Cream SPF 50+

Suitable for both dry and sensitive skin, this offering from Childs Farm glides on the skin and absorbs with ease without any white marks or stickiness. This cream has five-star UVA protection and is fragrance-free as well as water-resistant.

NIVEA SUN Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect Sun Cream SPF 50

We know that applying cream to your little one’s skin may be tricky, particularly if they won’t stay still. A spray can offer a quick and easy way to ensure they’re protected against the sun’s rays. Nivea’s sensitive protect sun cream provides immediate protection against UVA and UVB rays plus, it’s water resistant.

Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Sensitive Advanced Kids Sun Cream

A pick that won’t break the bank, this cream from Garnier is perfect for days on the beach thanks to its resistance to sand, salt, chlorine and sweat. This provides five-star UVA protection and has a non-sticky formula that’s perfect for sensitive skin.

Green People – Organic Children Sun Cream SPF30

This natural, scent-free sunscreen is eczema-friendly and doesn’t leave any stickiness as well as white marks. The silicone-free formula contains aloe vera, green tea, and edelweiss to nourish the skin.

E45 Kids and Baby Sunscreen SPF50+

Suitable for eczema-prone skin, this spray from E45 hydrates and nourishes the skin while providing high protection. This light formula is non-greasy and does not leave any residue. The addition of avocado oil also ensures that your little one skins is cared for and left feeling smooth.

SPF for Mama

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF50+

This sunscreen is perfect for applying throughout the day thanks to the spray applicator, which will have you topping up with ease. You can rest assured that your skin will be left feeling smooth without any unwanted tackiness or white marks.

How often should sunscreen be applied?

The NHS advises that sunscreen should be applied twice before going out, 30 minutes before going out and just before leaving. Sunscreen should be applied to all exposed areas of the skin and reapplied liberally and frequently as advised by the manufacturer.

Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours due to creams drying out on the skin.

Children and UV rays

Children’s skin is more sensitive than adults’, the NHS advise that extra care is taken to protect their skin. Babies under 6 months old should be kept out of any direct sunlight. The NHS say that from March to October in the UK, ‘children should spend time in the shade from 11 am- 3pm, cover up in suitable clothing and wear at least SPF30 sunscreen’.