Best Sunscreen for Toddlers

I've been using California Baby sunblock stick...it won't run into my girls' eyes and it's easy to apply on a moving target. It's well reviewed for minimal harsh chemicals on environmental working groups site. I also use the regular California Baby sunscreen lotion on the rest of their bodies. The combo works well especially using the sunscreen stick on their faces.

My daughter has fairly sensitive skin, so we use California Baby Fragrance Free Sunscreen. It does take a little work to rub it in, but it doesn't irritate her eyes at all and a little goes a long way!

I love the Neutrogena face stick, it's SPF 60, goes on easy, and won't get in their little eyes (because no matter how 'non eye irritating' sunscreens claim to be, LOs will whine about it). It's small which is nice too, you can throw it in your purse or diaper bag to always have it on hand for those times you didn't think you'd need it :)

I use either water-babies sunscreen or sport sunscreen. I have recently learned that there really isn't a difference between baby and adult sunscreen. If I am wrong, someone please correct me. When I put it on my babies face I put it on the forhead, cheeks, nose and chin. I avoid the eyes and really rub it in. I also encourage my little guy to wear his sunglasses and sunhat/fishing style hat or baseball cap to add extra protection to his eyes, face, and neck. If necessary, reapply on the face if the baby is sweaty or playing in the water and washing it off.

Definitely check the EWG link someone else posted. They test all the sunscreens (and all sorts of other stuff) and rate them based on how toxic the ingredients are. Many of the sunscreens out there are so full of carcinogenic chemicals and hormone disrupters it is horrible to think we are slathering our kids and ourselves with them.

On DD's face I try to avoid the eye area. It's tough. They tend not to be all that compliant and even when I am putting it on myself it sometimes melts into my eyes. Also I've tried some sunscreens that were just so thick that it made it all the more difficult.

I also try to use the bare minimum of sunscreen and use hats and clothes with SPF, makes it much easier on me since DD hates the sunscreen and much less a dose of chemicals on a regular basis.

We use Neutrogena Baby Pure and Free. Its in a pink and white bottle. My daughter has eczema and its the only thing that doesnt break her out, AND it doesnt burn the eyes!!

http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/sunscreens-expo...

Based on the recommendation of our pediatrician we only use a zinc oxide based sunscreen. I used it all weekend with my toddler and he never complained about it burning his eyes.

We use zinc based sunscreen too.

Loving Naturals. http://www.lovingnaturals.com/ You can find it online, it's the best I've found yet. Not bad for them like so many other sunscreens and they have a sunscreen stick for their faces as well. http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/

For sure, use any sunscreen for kids that comes in a stick form. It kind of looks like a really big chapstick. Best invention ever, that and spray on sunscreen!

I got a stick sunscreen this weekend for my son, and it was very easy to use. I felt like he wouldn't let me rub a cream into his face since he's so "on the go" but the stick was easy and quick to swipe on and then he could keep running!

Hi Michelle,

We use Sun Shades that is a patented micro-fine zinc oxide. It rubs in clear and stays on a long time. I normally don't have to apply it more than once for myself but with a baby it would be wise. If you let it dry completely then it normally won't get on baby's hands so it won't get in the eyes...I also agree strongly with the hat idea. I've even heard it's illegal to go to the Australian beaches without one... :)

M.

We use Neutrogena for babies. The one that is scent/dye free.

I agree that there's really no difference between baby and adult sunscreen...however, I usually buy the generic Target stuff for my husband and I. I love the spray kind...it is so fast and easy and I think it rocks! However, after I started putting it (the adult stuff) on my daughter she compalined about the smell! I have to admit that is does have sort of a bad smell when you spray it on (it goes away once it dries) so I did resort back to buying the baby stuff for the kids b/c it smelled better!

Anyway, what I do is spray some of the spray kind in my hands and rub it on my kids' faces. I've never had a problem with it and they've never gotten burned or complained about it getting in their eyes. I've heard people like those sticks too but the less I have to schlep the better, so I stick with one thing that can be applied everywhere!

Just answered similiar question for someone else. We use Melaleuca's Sun Shades for the whole family. I use 30 SPF lotion, my husband uses 45 SPF spray, my kids use either. Both are effective, non-greasy, and blocks both UVA and UVB rays and do not contain the harsh chemicals that others do. I actually don't even have to typically reapply and it still works (and my daughter will spend hours in the pool).

I use Banana Boat kids. I can't remember the exact name. But, I don't put sunscreen on my kids hands. My little one sucks her thumb and my older one is constantly rubbing at her eyes. For some reason their hands never seem to get burnt either. When I apply it to their faces, I make sure that their eyes and mouth are shut tight. Then I make little dots on their nose, cheeks and chin then rub it in. We don't have any problems with them getting it in their eyes. You could also look for hats to keep the sun off of her face.

Water Babies Pure and Simple is tear free....it works well!