7 Best Sunscreen for Toddlers 2024

With summer on the horizon, getting your little ones prepared to stay safe is a top priority. As you dream of an all-inclusive resort for the family, having the best sunscreen for toddlers makes the trip ten times easier — trust us.

Perfect for between the straps of sandals for toddlers and to throw into a beach bag, a nice layer of sunscreen readies you (and them) for vacation mode. Have an older kiddo? We've got the top kids' sunscreens on deck, too.

What to look for in the best sunscreen for toddlers

Once your little one hits the six-month mark, it’s time to start thinking about sunscreen. Before that, it’s recommended to keep them in shade or loose, protective clothing. ”Kids’ skin this young is just too sensitive,” says Dr. Bently Doonan, a clinical assistant professor in the University of Florida Division of Hematology & Oncology.

Doonan suggests using sunscreen with at least SPF 30, but aim for SPF 50. Since your little one has ultra-sensitive skin, a mineral sunscreen, containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They often leave a white cast behind, which helps you see the areas you’ve already applied sun lotion – compared to chemical sunscreen.

“Mineral sunscreens are less harsh on the skin and less likely to cause a flare in, say, eczema or irritation since they are not absorbed,” explains Doonan.

Depending on the activity (and whether water is involved), determines how often you need to apply sunscreen on your toddlers. While mineral sunscreens work instantly, chemical sunscreens need to be applied around 30 minutes before sun exposure.

If no water activities are planned, the coverage is likely good for 90 minutes to two hours. If your little one goes for a dip, re-applying after drying off is key – all coverage disappears with water exposure — “even those that say waterproof,” he adds.

“Sun-safe clothing and shade are best resources for young children, so plan on a set time of sun exposure with sunscreen, and then if at, say, the beach or pool for longer than that, seek shade and use clothing,” says Doonan. “Particularly if toddlers are going to nap outside, best to keep them in the shade for full protection.”

It’s key to start sun protection from an early age. Doonan notes that sun damage is cumulative, so the more protection you can offer the better their skin will be long-term.

“The more you can protect when [they are] young and make it part of their daily routine and daily life, the more likely they will make it a habit and continue safe sun practices throughout their childhood and into adulthood.”

The best sunscreen for toddlers 2024

• Best overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
• Best budget-friendly: Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
• Best-rated:Sun Bum Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
• Best water-resistant:Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Mineral Sunscreen
• Best for sensitive skin: Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Baby Sunblock
• Best hypoallergenic formula: Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
• Highest SPF: Banana Boat Kids 360 Coverage Sunscreen Mist SPF 50+

Best overall

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50

Get full spectrum UVA UVB protection with this top-rated sunscreen for toddlers that offers a milky white texture and little to no odour. It's easy to apply evenly, won't apply gloppy or sticky and is approved by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

We love the strong SPF 50 protection and gentle formula that's safe enough for even the most sensitive skin. The formula works on both the face and body. Best of all, it boasts a minimum of 40 minutes of protection even in direct sunlight.

Best budget-friendly

Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

This brand is most recommended by the board-certified dermatologists we spoke to thanks to its consistent reliability, mineral formula, and downright great piece. At three ounces, it's small enough to pack in a carry-on bag if you're heading to the airport but large enough to cover an entire kid for a long day at the pool.

We love the thick, non-greasy formula that's easy to spread. It won't irritate or dry skin out and offers a water-resistant formula most toddlers love. Talk about fun in the sun!

Best rated

Sun Bum Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

This travel-ready sunscreen is TSA-approved for carry-ons and fits in purses, pockets, and camp bags without worry. It's a cinch to use, applies smoothly (not chalky), and makes sun safety more fun than ever before.

We love that it's budget-friendly, great for the whole family and safe enough for little ones ages six months and older to use. This mineral-based zinc oxide block keeps harmful UVA and UVB rays from damaging delicate skin.

Best water-resistant

Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Mineral Sunscreen

As the first sunscreen to pass Premium Care requirements, the highly gentle ingredients make it easy to enjoy the sun with your little one. With a water resistance of up to 80 minutes, your little munchkin is allowed some protected sunshine.

This zinc oxide mineral sunscreen protects infants over six months and is gentle on sensitive skin. The broad-spectrum sunscreen goes on smooth with areas exposed to sunlight, including behind the ears, neck, hands and feet. Free from biologically harmful chemicals, what’s not to love?

Best for sensitive skin

Pipette Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Baby Sunblock

The lightweight, fast-absorbing, non-sticky formula rubs in easily — crucial for on-the-move little ones. Its SPF 50 formula contains 100% sugarcane-derived squalane to help sunscreen glide on smoothly, alongside other plant extracts that moisturize and calm sensitive skin against the sun’s harmful rays.

This baby-friendly, reef-friendly natural sunscreen uses mineral, non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection, making it a perfect toddler sunscreen. The weightless, moisturizing sensitive-skin sunscreen is ideal for your little one’s face and body daily. Did we mention it's fragrance-free?

Best hypoallergenic formula

Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

It’s a big, wide world out there and your toddler wants at it. This all-mineral active ingredient formula provides broad spectrum SPF 50 UVA/UVB protection and glides on for easy application. The hypoallergenic and tear-free formula rids your little one of any allergic reaction — wherever the sun shines.

While it goes on white (so you don't miss a spot), it rubs in fast and easy. What’s more, the formula is unscented and tear-free, making the application easier for parents and their little ones. For under $10? Add to cart!

Highest SPF

Banana Boat Kids 360 Coverage Sunscreen Mist SPF 50+

Spray delivery is preferred by many parents, especially for those hard-to-reach areas between the sandal straps and bathing suits. We love the formula of this top-rated sunscreen for toddlers, the easy self-dispensing handle and the light, velvety texture that's ideal for sensitive skin.

The non-aerosol delivery, colorful packaging keep parents reaching for it alongside the reusable, twist-off sprayer and sunscreen bottle that can be used up to 14 times. Refills are sold separately and are easy to carry.