11 of the best sunscreens for babies, toddlers and children

by Amy Burns

While all of us welcome warmer weather, if the sun has got his hat on then it’s time to start reaching for your own hat, t-shirt and sunscreen.

Everyone is at risk of skin damage from the sun but children are particularly vulnerable due to their sensitive skin - so it’s important to ensure they are wearing a suitable sunscreen, even when it might not seem that hot.

NHS guidelines advise that babies under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight at all times.

Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer and, contrary to popular belief, you can burn in the UK even when it's cloudy.

Everyone - adults included - should wear a sunscreen of at least factor 15 between March and October and should spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its hottest.

UVA and UVB protection

When buying a sunscreen, look for at least four-star UVA protection - this star rating measures the amount of ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) protection. UVA rays can lead to premature ageing. The letters UVA inside a circle is a European marking which means the UVA protection is at least one third of the SPF value and meets EU recommendations.

SPFs are rated on a scale of 2 to 50+ based on the level of protection they offer, with 50+ being the strongest - this is important because UVB radiation burns the top layers of skin.

How much sunscreen should you apply?

Experts say the majority of people do not apply the correct amount of sun cream. NHS and Cancer Research UK guidelines recommend that adults should use two tablespoons if you're covering your entire body while wearing a swimming costume 30 minutes before going out and again just before leaving the house or hotel room.

As children vary so much in size, the “correct” amount is hard to establish but a golf ball-sized dollop should offer enough coverage for most age groups. Make sure all exposed areas - such as ears and faces - are covered and as a general rule, it’s better to apply more than you think they might need.

Graham Hill, managing director of Delph, a vegan sunscreen range prescribed on the NHS, adds: “We have been producing Delph for over 20 years and what most people do not know is that you should be applying the equivalent of six teaspoons of sun cream on an all over body application when wearing a swimming costume. Most people are only applying between 1/3 – 1/2 of the proper amount needed - meaning your family is at risk.”

While most sunscreens are water resistant, you should always reapply after going in the water and top up your application if you’re exposed to the sun for a long period of time. This can be tedious if your kids are in and out of the pool or sea all day on holiday but choosing the right product can speed up the re-application process.

Children may be resistant to being smothered in lotion, so get them into good habits early by teaching them how to do it themselves. Also encourage them to wear hats and sunglasses on hot days and holidays.

It's important to check and abide by your sunscreen's expiration date. Most are designed to last for up to three years but once out of date, they become ineffective.

How we test

Here, we’ve tested a variety of child-friendly sunscreens, many of which are available in a range of different formats to meet changing needs. Roll-ons and mousse applicators proved good for wriggly toddlers, while sprays were efficient for under 10s. Creams are good for the whole family - but remember to look for non-sticky products, especially if children are going to be rolling around on a sandy beach.

Sunscreens are listed in price order

Solait Kids Colour Mix Lotion

£4.49, SuperdrugBest for: Scent

Key specs - SPF: 30; Volume: 100ml; Protection: UVA and UVB; Water resistant: Yes; Age: From 6 months

First up, this range smells delicious - it’s got a real whiff of tropical holidays about it. But Superdrug has also covered all bases in terms of application with creams, sprays and even a suncare stick included in the range.

The Colour Mix lotion contains coloured beads, which burst on application and rub in as normal without leaving any colour or stains on the skin. It’s a good way to engage with kids and get them excited about putting cream on if they are reluctant to.

Buy it here

Delph Sun Lotion

£5.99 (price correct at time of publishing), AmazonBest for: Being vegan friendly

Key specs - SPF: 30; Volume: 150ml; Protection: UVA and UVB; Water resistant: Yes; Age: From 6 months

This has a pleasant, low-key smell and was easy to rub in. It’s also very fairly priced and suitable for the whole family - kids included - meaning you don’t have to buy different products for everyone to use.

Delph is a vegan sun care range that is not tested on animals. It’s also prescribed on the NHS for patients with certain skin conditions - for a parent, this is reassuring as it suggests testing is rigorous.

Another plus point is that Delph claims to allow the skin's pores to breath and stops them becoming blocked by sweat, which can lead to prickly heat - something many children suffer from.

Buy it here

Solero Baby Ultra Sensitive Sun Lotion

£7, Lloyds PharmacyBest for: Allergies/sensitive skin

Key specs - SPF: 50 baby, 30 kids; Volume: 200ml; Protection: UVA and UVB; Water resistant: Yes; Age: From 6 months

These pocket-friendly products are designed with ultra-sensitive skin in mind. Suitable for use on babies and children prone to eczema, it has a slightly chemical smell but it’s not unpleasant.