UVA protection: Yes | UVB protection: Yes | Size: 177 ml | Applicator: Bottle | Fragranced: Yes | Water resistant: Yes Pros

Broad spectrum: For babies and children, it’s critical to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. When testing and selecting the sunscreen, we considered features such as; protection, water resistance, capacity and ease of application as well as how it would work with different skin types. From March to October, it’s more important than ever to shield your child’s skin from the harsh sun. Nobody enjoys the painful experience of sunburn (which can happen in cloudy weather too), but prolonged sun exposure is especially harmful to babies and young children as they’re at risk of additional complications like heat stroke, dehydration and skin cancer later on.Not only is t his natural sunscreen paraben-free, it also doesn’t contain any other potential skin irritants such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), petrolatum, artificial colours, or phthalates. This ensures the gentle formula is hypoallergenic and suitable for little ones with eczema. And because it’s sweat and water resistant for up to 80 minutes, this formula will allow your child more time in the sun before having to reapply. Therefore, with regards to children’s sensitive skins, it makes sense that the higher the SPF you use, the better. Also remember to reapply every two hours (and every 90 minutes) if your child is swimming and using a towel to dry off. Although it’s pricier than other sunscreens on the market, the gentle formula stands out as it contains soothing thermal spring water, which is suitable for even the most sensitive skins, and can be used on the face. The "Intellimer" technology in the product allows for full, even coverage for two hours before having to reapply. You may miss the traditional tropical smell as this one is non-perfumed, but it’s best for sensitive skins and Mumsnetters agree that this is one sunscreen you can trust. At the moment we are using Green People Organic Sun Cream which is also highly recommended. It's been brilliant, no irritation at all on my daughter or on my husband who normally really struggles with sun cream.” (Recommended by SleepingTurtle) Our verdict This organic, scent-free sun cream from Green People is a gentler, chemical-free option for dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin. It’s formulated with soothing aloe vera, green tea, avocado oil and olive oil to offer plenty of hydration and moisturising benefits along with protection from UVA and UVB rays.

The Calypso Kids Sun Lotion offers robust, broad spectrum sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays without bothering sensitive skin. It also doubles up as a moisturiser thanks to the gentle hydrating ingredients in the formula. Made according to strict Australian sun care standards with photostable ingredients (meaning they don’t break down as easily when exposed to the sun), you can rest assured that this sunscreen will protect your baby or toddler’s delicate skin throughout the day. While this sun lotion might carry a slightly heftier price tag for the size, Mustela is renowned for its high-quality skincare products for children and it’s Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF50+ is a firm favourite amongst parents. The good news is that we’ve done the hard work for you and conducted thorough research to find the best sunscreens for kids, carefully evaluating the creams and lotions that come highly recommended by parents, consumers and dermatologists. Plus, we also have guides to the best cooling pillows and most efficient tower fans, so the whole family can keep their cool this summer. What are the best sunscreens for babies and children? We've rounded up the best sun creams and lotions on the market – as well as a very exciting new eco-friendly aftersun, that doesn't come in a bottle (scroll down for more)!Finally, we cross-referenced all of the above information to find the best sunscreens on the market, particularly those that have been recognised and approved by doctors or dermatologists for children with dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin. We think there’s something here for everyone at various price points.

For children, the British Skin Foundation recommends using sunscreen with a minimum of an SPF 50 with broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It’s important to apply around five teaspoons of sun cream or lotion at least 15 to 20 minutes before going out, and to remember to reapply every two hours, especially after swimming and sweating. UVA protection: Yes | UVB protection: Yes | Size: 150ml | Applicator: Tube | Fragranced: No | Water resistant: Yes What we like FDA officials have mirrored this advice in their recently updated sunscreen guidelines where they highlight the importance of using an SPF of at least 30 for children, as well as wearing clothing that protects the arms, mid-section and legs from UV rays, plus a hat that provides adequate shade while covering the whole head. Which mode of sunscreen is most effective? According to the NHS, babies and toddlers need extra protection when in the sun, and babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. This is because their skin is much more sensitive than adult skin and repeated exposure to sunlight could lead to skin cancer later in life. If you’re looking for a fuss-free sunscreen that doesn’t need to be reapplied as often as some other lower SPF brands and that will continue to protect your child’s skin from sunburn, then the Soltan Kids Once 8hr Protect & Play Lotion is a good choice.We always ask our trusted Mumsnet users, of which there are millions of each month. That’s a lot of real, impartial and valuable advice! For that reason, we had an in-depth look on the Mumsnet forum to find out which sunscreens parents liked, used regularly, and recommended. Hypoallergenic: Many children are sensitive to sunscreens. If your child is prone to eczema or skin rashes, it’s important to look for a sunscreen that’s been specifically formulated for sensitive skins. While experts recommend that babies younger than six months avoid direct sunlight altogether, the best way to protect your older baby or young child’s skin from the sun’s UV rays is by using the best sunscreen for kids and dressing your little one in cool, comfortable, protective clothing and hats. Handheld fans can also be useful for keeping them cool on the go. UVA protection: Yes | UVB protection: Yes | Size: 113 g | Applicator: Tube | Fragranced: Yes | Water resistant: Yes What we like

High-end French brand La Roche-Posay is known for its silky-smooth skincare formulations and the company’s premium sunscreen is no different. We like this lightweight spray formulation because it’s hydrating, glides on the skin and sinks in fast (so no impatient tantrums while you’re applying it on your child), plus it’s non-greasy and won’t leave white marks on clothes or your child’s skin. In a nutshell, SPF numbers, which range from two to 50, “Tell you the time the skin will take to redden with the sunscreen versus the amount of time it will take to redden without the sunscreen.” So, with an SPF 15 for instance, it would take your skin 15 times longer to go red as compared to having no sunscreen on. They also go on to explain that an SPF of 30 allows about 3% of UVB to penetrate the skin and SPF 50 about 2%. In addition to the SPF, there are other factors to consider when looking for a good sunscreen you can use and rely on consistently:

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UVA protection: Yes | UVB protection: Yes | Size: 125ml | Applicator: Tube bottle | Fragranced: No | Water resistant: Yes What we like