Broad-spectrum SPF 30+ is the standard recommendation for kids old enough to wear it.
Dermatologists often favor mineral zinc oxide for young, sensitive skin.
Questions we get a lot
Are kids' sunscreens different from adult ones?
Often only in marketing. 'Kids' sunscreens usually use the same filters as adult versions but lean toward gentle, fragrance-free, mineral, water-resistant formulas. What matters is broad-spectrum SPF 30+, applied generously and reapplied — not the label.
Is mineral sunscreen better for children?
Mineral (zinc oxide/titanium dioxide) sunscreens are commonly recommended for children because they're photostable, gentle and less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens are also considered safe for kids over 6 months; the priority is broad-spectrum SPF 30+ used consistently.
How do I apply sunscreen to a squirming child?
Try a stick or mineral cream applied before the swimsuit goes on, keep it quick and playful, and cover the easy-to-miss spots (ears, neck, tops of feet). Reapply every two hours. Hats, rash guards and shade reduce how much sunscreen wrangling you need.
r/Mommit: 'How do I get sunscreen on a squirmy 2-year-old?'