The ultimate kids sun safety guide
By Hanna Oltmanns - March 7, 2025
We all want to keep our kids as safe as possible, and when it comes to sun protection, sunscreen is a must on a hot summer day. But with so many options available—mineral vs. chemical, SPF 30 vs. SPF 50, water-resistant or not—how do you choose the right one for your family?
If you’re new to the topic, it can be overwhelming to navigate the different formulas, SPF levels, and safety concerns.
Did you know that SPF 50 only blocks 1% more UVB rays than SPF 30? Or that some chemical UV filters have been linked to hormone disruption?
That’s why we’ve created this kids sun safety guide—a complete resource answering the most commonly asked questions. We cover everything from picking the safest sunscreen and applying the right amount to additional sun protection tips and shade strategies. Plus, we’ll walk you through what to do if your child ever gets sunburned, so you’re fully prepared for any situation.
Why is mineral sunscreen better for kids than chemical sunscreen?
Mineral sunscreen provides safe and more reliable protection for kids because it sits on top of the skin and physically blocks UV rays, rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens. The key ingredients are usually zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, offering broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays and start working immediately upon application.
In contrast, chemical sunscreens often contain synthetic UV-filters, which can be absorbed into the skin, disrupt hormones, and cause irritation. Especially on sensitive and developing skin. Chemical sunscreen also takes about 20 minutes to be effective, which is why they need to be applied before sun exposure.
Since mineral sunscreens use gentler, more stable ingredients and are generally free from synthetic additives, they are a safer and more effective choice for protecting kids from the sun.
What ingredients should I avoid in kids sunscreen?
Not all sunscreens are created equal, and some contain ingredients that may do more harm than good – especially for children, whose skin is more sensitive and absorbent than adults’. Oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate are among the most concerning chemical UV filters, as they have been linked to hormone disruption and skin irritation.
Other ingredients to avoid include parabens, synthetic fragrances, and certain preservatives, which can trigger allergic reactions and long-term health concerns. These chemicals have been linked to hormone disruption, increased skin sensitivity and in some cases potential carcinogenic effects.
For a full list of the most toxic sunscreen ingredients to stay away from, check out our detailed guide here: 11 Toxic Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid in 2025.
What is the safest SPF level for kids?
Many parents assume that higher SPF means significantly better protection. However as the SPF scale is not linear, this is not the case. The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is just 1 percentage point – SPF 30 blocks 97% of all UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98%.
UVB rays are responsible for visible sun damage, such as sunburn, but UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing long-term damage like premature aging and increased risk of skin cancer. Since SPF only measures UVB protection, it is important to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
“Properly applied SPF 50 sunscreen blocks 98 percent of UVB rays, while an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks 97 percent of sunburn rays – the difference being one percentage point.”
For kids, SPF 30 and SPF 50 can both be a safe choice as long as the sunscreen is a mineral one, offers broad-spectrum protection and is applied and reapplied as recommended.
For a deeper dive into SPF, UVA, and UVB protection, check out our full guide here: The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50
Is Suntribe sunscreen safe for babies and toddlers?
Yes! All Suntribe sunscreens are made with 100% natural and organic ingredients, making them a safe choice even for the most sensitive skin. Once your baby is older than 6 months, doctors generally consider sunscreen safe to use. Before this age, it’s best to rely on other protective measures like hats, long sleeves, and shade to keep little ones safe from the sun.
For toddlers and babies over 6 months, Suntribe sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection with non-nano zinc oxide, which creates a protective barrier on the skin and blocks both UVB and UVA rays immediately. That said, sunscreen should always be combined with other sun protection—hats, clothing, sunglasses, and shade—to ensure safe UV exposure.
“For toddlers and babies over 6 months, Suntribe sunscreens offer excellent protection from both UVB and UVA rays.”
Can I use my own sunscreen on my child or do kids need a special formula?
Not all sunscreens are suitable for kids, as children’s skin is more sensitive and absorbent than adults’. Many conventional sunscreens contain ingredients, which can cause irritation or allergic reactions in young skin.
A good way to check if a sunscreen is suitable for kids is to evaluate its ingredients using apps like INCI Beauty or Yuka, which analyze product formulations for potential risks.
⇒ As a side note, all Suntribe sunscreens are made with 100% natural and organic ingredients, and are safe even for the most sensitive skin, making them a worry-free option for the whole family.
For a detailed explanation of how both apps work and what scores Suntribe sunscreens have, head over to our article on the topic: Make a safe choice Suntribe scores on INCI Beauty & Yuka
How much sunscreen should I apply to my child?
To ensure proper protection, apply half a teaspoon of sunscreen to your child’s face and neck and about two tablespoons for the body. This amount follows the 2mg/cm² rule, which is the standard used in SPF testing.
A good trick is to place small dots of sunscreen onto the skin first, and then spread it evenly in circular motions to ensure full coverage. Don’t forget often-missed areas like the ears, back of the neck, tops of the feet, and hands.
How often should I reapply sunscreen on kids?
Sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours to maintain a good protection. If your child is swimming, sweating or towel-drying, reapply immediately afterward, even if the sunscreen is water-resistant.
Mineral sunscreens, like those with non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sit on top of the skin rather than absorbing into it, so a visible layer can help indicate when it is time to reapply. To ensure consistent coverage, set a reminder or make reapplication part of your child’s routine—especially during long days outdoors.
How else can I protect my child besides using sunscreen?
Sunscreen is essential, but as no sunscreen is 100% effective, it should not be the only source of UV protection. The best protection forms a combination of sun-safe habits:
⇒ Use protective clothing – use lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses with UV protection and consider clothing and bathing suits with UPF ( Ultraviolet protection factor).
⇒ Seek shade – Keep your child in the shade during peak sun hours (10am – 4pm) when UV radiation is at its strongest by using umbrellas, trees, or sun tents when spending time outdoors.
⇒ Time it right – Plan outdoor activities for early mornings or late afternoons when the sun is less intense.
⇒ Stay hydrated – Sun exposure can lead to dehydration, so ensure your child drinks plenty of water throughout the day.
Can sunscreen cause vitamin D deficiency in kids?
This is a common concern, but research shows that using sunscreen does not significantly impact vitamin D levels in both children and adults. While sunscreen does reduce the amount of UVB rays reaching the skin – the same rays responsible for vitamin D production – the body still produces sufficient vitamin D with regular outdoor exposure.
Studies have found that even with proper sunscreen use, enough UVB rays can penetrate the skin to allow vitamin D synthesis. E.g. if you apply an SPF 30 sunscreen to your child’s skin, it blocks 97% of UVB rays, leaving 3% to enter the skin, allowing for sufficient Vitamin D production.
Plus, vitamin D can also be obtained from foods like fatty fish, eggs, and fortified dairy products.
Since UV damage builds up over time, choosing unprotected sun exposure for vitamin D production is not a safe approach. The best strategy? Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, encourage outdoor play, and maintain a balanced diet to ensure your child gets the vitamin D it needs – without the risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage.
“Even when applying SPF 30 sunscreen, about 3% of UVB rays still reach the skin, ensuring the body can produce sufficient vitamin D.”
If you want to find more answers to this question, check out our detailed article about: Does SPF impact vitamin D intake?
What can I do if my child gets sunburned?
If your child gets sunburned, be sure to act quickly to soothe the skin and prevent further damage:
⇒ Cool the skin – Apply a cool, damp cloth or have your child take a lukewarm bath to reduce heat and discomfort. It is best to avoid ice, as ice can make the burn worse.
⇒ Keep them hydrated – Sunburn draws moisture away from the skin, so offer plenty of water to help with the healing process.
⇒ Soothe with aloe vera – Apply pure aloe vera gel or a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to calm irritation and be sure to avoid petroleum-based products as they can trap the heat.
⇒ Cover up and stay out of the sun – Keep your child in loose, breathable clothing and out of direct sunlight until the sunburn heals.
⇒ Watch for serious symptoms – If your child develops blisters, fever, chills, nausea, or dizziness, it could be a more severe sunburn, so be sure to consult your doctor if needed.
How to choose the right sunscreen for my child?
When choosing a sunscreen for your child, look for one that provides safe, effective and long-lasting protection. Here are some key factors to consider:
✔️ Broad-spectrum protection – Ensure the sunscreen protects your child against both UVA and UVB rays to prevent sunburn and long-term skin damage.
✔️ Mineral UV-filters – Choose a sunscreen with non-nano zinc oxide or non-nano titanium dioxide, which sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays rather than absorbing into the body like chemical sunscreens.
✔️ SPF 30-50 – SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98%. Higher SPF values offer only marginally more protection, so reapplication is more important than an extremely high SPF.
✔️ Water resistance – If your child is swimming or sweating, choose water resistant sunscreen:
⇒ 40-min water resistance for general outdoor play
⇒ 80-min water resistance for extended time in the water
✔️ Hypoallergenic & fragrance-free – Avoid synthetic fragrances, preservatives, and chemical UV-filters that can cause skin irritation, especially for children with sensitive skin.
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Hej, I’m Hanna. As a mother of two and a lover of the outdors, I cherish slow morning with a cup of green tea and fresh air before the day begins. I love spending time outdoors, exploring nature with my family, playing in the garden, or enjoying a Swedish fika with home-baked treats.
