best buys
The best sun creams for babies and toddlers
This page contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small amount of money if a reader clicks through and makes a purchase. All our articles and reviews are written independently by the Netmums editorial team.
Keeping your child's skin safe in the sun is often the number one worry for parents during the warmer months of the year.
Whether you're planning a trip abroad or just hanging out in the park, we've rounded up the best sun creams and lotions on the market.
You'll be spoilt for choice, as you can now pick between creams that only have to be applied once, waterproof versions that stay on even after a dip in the pool, and those for children with sensitive skin.
Just remember that babies under six months should never be left in direct sunlight, and be kept shaded at all times.
Want to know more about sun safety? Read our guide here.
1. Nivea Sun Kids Swim & Play Sun Lotion SPF 50+
*High SPF factor protects even very fair and delicate skin from harmful rays
*Designed especially for use in water, so ideal for a beach or pool holiday
*Provides immediate protection so your kids can get out and play as soon as it's applied
This swim and play sun lotion is designed to protect your child's skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays even when splashing around in water. It has an SPF factor of 50, and is specially formulated with aloe vera extract for children’s delicate skin. A great buy if your little one is going to be playing in the pool or sea.
2. SunScreen Mousse Kids SPF 30
*Mousse-style lotion so easy to apply
*Highly water-resistant and non-sticky
*Perfume, fragrance and paraben-free
Fragrance-free and containing no parabens, this long-lasting mousse is ideal for babies over six months. It's water-resistant, which will give you added peace of mind if your little one enjoys playing in the sea. The mousse formula is easy to apply, and may be preferred by children who don't like sticky creams or the feeling of spray-on suncreams.
3. Kids Sun Cream SPF 50+
*Made for delicate and sensitive skin, specially formulated for children
*Water-resistant and blocks harmful UVA and UVB rays
*Formula is smooth, light and non-greasy
A must for holidays, this high protection cream is still as effective after hours in the water. It absorbs easily, and is suitable for sensitive and delicate young skin. It's water-resistant for up to four hours, so little ones can play in the sea or pool all afternoon before it needs reapplying. This sun cream also contains nourishing vitamin B3.
4. Soltan Once Kids 3hr Protect & Swim Spray SPF50+, £10.00
*Lasts for three hours in water and eight hours when dry
*Perfect for applying in the morning before school
*Highest SPF rating so even children with very pale, delicate skin will be safe
Incredibly, one application gives your child eight hours of protection – ideal for a day at nursery or school. The sun cream also provides three hours of protection if worn in water, although it will wash off in the shower or bath. One bottle contains up to 13 applications, each is enough to cover a small child's body.
5. Sun Lotion SPF 50+
*Highly resistant to water, sweat and rubbing from towels and clothes
*Leaves your child's skin feeling soft and nourished
*Absorbs easily into the skin and doesn't feel greasy
A soothing hypoallergenic lotion with 0% alcohol and no fragrance, which works well on sensitive, allergy-prone skin. The Mustela SPF50+ is also water resistant, and doesn't come off with sweat or rubbing from towels. It protects against skin damage and burning from both the sun's UVA and UVB rays, plus it's suitable for using on the face and body.
6. Kids Trigger Spray SPF 50+
*Immediately protects against sun exposure and long term UV-induced skin damage
*Highly water-resistant
*Designed to protect children's skin
The trigger spray makes application much easier, especially if you're on holiday and need to reapply constantly. Kids will enjoy spraying it on themselves too, so it's great for encouraging sun safety. The spray immediately protects against sun exposure and long term UV-induced skin damage, and helps reduce the risk of sun allergies while moisturising the skin.
7. Kids Sensitive Sun Cream SPF50+
*Hypoallergenic with no perfume, no colourants and tested under paediatric control
*Moisturising formula is water and sand resistant
*Protects against UVB and UVA rays
A soothing and protective milk that contains vitamin E and cactus nutriflavones to top up moisture levels in your child's skin. It's ideal for days out at the beach, as the sun cream is resistant to both water and sand. It has a non-greasy finish and is developed for fair, sensitive and sun intolerant young skin.
8. Organic Children's Aloe Vera After Sun Lotion
*Gentle moisturiser and after sun for dry, sensitive skin
*Perfect for keeping your children's skin smooth after a day in the sun
*Contains calendula and rosemary extracts to protect delicate skin
This nourishing after sun lotion has calendula and rosemary extracts to protect delicate skin, just what your child's skin needs after a day outside. The natural extracts will soothe your child's skin, keeping it smooth and moisturised. Use the after sun lotion in tandem with a high SPF during the day.
9. Ultra-Sensitive Kids Roll On SPF50+, £4.00
*Convenient, no fuss roll on suncream
*Designed for ultra-sensitive children's skin
*Highly water-resistant, so it's suitable for children who like playing in the swimming pool or sea
Hypoallergenic lotion that has the added practicality of having a roll-on applicator, ideal if you're applying cream to a wriggly toddler! It's highly water-resistant, and provides the highest level of UVA and UVB protection. You can see the application on skin visibly, meaning you won't miss any parts of your child's body.
Read on:
- Summer must-buys for keeping your kids safe in the sun
- The best tinted moisturisers, bronzers and self tanning products
- Terrific holiday must-buys for holidays and travelling with kids