Fave products (sun protection)

What products should you have to make sure your child stays safe in the sun?

Here are my top tips on everything from sunscreen to UPF clothing to hats!

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Note: Because things change all the time, make sure you double-check recall lists before you buy any products for your child, including those products and brands recommended or discussed by ThePediatricianMom. At the time this post was written, there were no active alerts or concerns for any of these products. Although I make every effort to keep this page up to date, it is your responsibility to make sure products you use for your child are safe.

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Sunscreen

For general information on sunscreen, including when to use it, and what to know about it, check out this post.

• Guidelines:

  • minimum SPF 30

  • water-resistant

  • broad spectrum (protects against UVA and UVB radiation)

  • mineral-based > chemical

  • reapply frequently (at least every 2h and after being in water).

  • for kids with sensitive skin, look for the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
    

• Products I use can be found on my Amazon affiliate page - remember, if you click on this, I earn a commission (for those who’d prefer not to, I’m listing the products below). None of these product recommendations are sponsored.

  • Thinkbaby and Thinksport

    • These are now available in stick form, which is so much easier for on-the-go!

  • Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby

    • Also available in stick form!

  • Elta MD UV Pure

    • A dermatologist favorite, but much more expensive

    • For teens/tweens who are prone to acne, this one may be a good option.

  • Blue Lizard

    • Some versions come in "smart packaging" that changes color when exposed to UV light

  • Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection

    • Also available in stick form!

    • Can be a little thicker and goopier to apply.

Clothing

Bottom line for those who don’t want to read: Pick darker/brighter, long-sleeved clothing made of a tighter-weave fabric with a minimum UPF 30.

• Coverage

  • Pick clothing that covers as much of the skin surface as possible (longer-sleeved rash guards, pants, etc).

• UPF

  • Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) number tells you how much UVA and UVB radiation a fabric allows to get through to skin.

  • UPF 30+ is okay, 50+ is ideal

• Color

  • Brighter and darker colors absorb more UV rays (which means fewer rays reach the skin).

• Fabric and fit

  • Fabric with a tighter weave allows fewer UV rays through. Remember that when clothing stretches or gets wet, the amount of protection it offers will decrease slightly.

    source: skincancer.org

The Pediatrician Mom Tip: you can check how sun-safe a fabric is by holding it up to the light. If you can see through, it likely will also let UV radiation through.

Some great brands for UPF clothing are Green Sprouts, Coolibar, SwimZip, Nozone, and Roxy.

Hats

When you’re picking a hat, keep these things in mind.

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• Wide brim (goal is to provide shade that protects the ears, nose and some of the neck)

• Neck protection

• UPF rating

• Chin strap (this always makes mea slightly nervous but it can be helpful for children who immediately rip off the hat the moment you put it on. If you go for a hat with a chin strap, make sure it is a break-away strip and supervise closely.,

• Some of my favorite hats are made by Green Sprouts, SwimZip, Sunday Afternoon, and Coolibar (this last one has some especially cute options for older kids).
  

What about sunglasses?

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My kids enjoy sunglasses, but not all do. They can be helpful to protect eyes, but - as in all things with parenting - pick your battles.

Hats, sunscreen and UPF clothing probably are more important battles to fight than sunglasses.

• Some great brands for sunglasses are:

  • Roshambo (apparently unbreakable!)

  • Babiators

  • Baby Banz (have a velcro strap to help them stay on)

  • Tuga (come with differently sizes straps so can grow with your child).

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Sun safety is a lifelong priority. Children learn best by watching what we do, so make sure you are also modeling good habits by wearing your own hats, sunscreen and sunglasses!