A frequently asked question by young mothers is whether sunscreens are safe for babies and young children, and if so, which ones should they use. Dr. Julianne Mann, a pediatric dermatologist at Oregon Health Science University suggests the following:
"I recommend physical (non-chemical) sunscreens only
for infants and babies less than two years old. I think we really don't have
convincing safety data for long term use of chemical sunscreens in this
age group, so I err on the side of safety and recommend zinc oxide or
titanium dioxide-based sunscreens. Parents often ask me whether
micronized zinc/titanium sunscreens are safe. I think they probably
are, but again we don't have data so I suggest using non-micronized
sunscreens since babies don't care if their skin looks a little white
:-)
My favorite brand is Badger fragrance free SPF 50 zinc
oxide sunscreen. Only has 5 ingredients, and doesn't have a whole lot
of botanical junk thrown in the way most "natural" sunscreens do.
ThinkBaby is also good and is slightly less greasy, although it has a
light fragrance.
For sun protection of babies' faces I love the
bonnets, made by Urban Baby Bonnets, a great USA (Ohio)-based small company. They are the
only hats I've found that actually shade babies' faces and stay on.
they make girl and boy baby and toddler bonnets that are high quality
and stylish.