Baby & Kids' Sunscreen: A Kinder Sun for the Whole Family

As a parent, one of your top priorities is keeping your child safe from any danger, including the sun’s UV rays. But choosing the right kids' sunscreen can be a daunting task. You’re likely wondering: What SPF level is best for my child? What ingredients should I avoid?

At Panama Jack, we’ve made it simple to find trusted sun protection for your baby or young child. Specially formulated for your kid’s sensitive skin, our Baby Sunscreen Lotion comes in a gentle tear-free formula. What’s more, each sunscreen product is hypoallergenic and offers water resistant, Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50 defense, so you know your child is getting excellent sun protection.

Whenever you head out for your next sun-filled activity, stay safe and help the whole family experience A Kinder Sun with Panama Jack Baby and Kids Sunscreen products.

THE BASICS OF BABY & KID SUNSCREEN

You’ve probably already heard that kids are at high risk for sun damage, but why is that the case? During the first six months of life, a baby’s skin is at its most vulnerable. Even as they grow older, young children still have thin, delicate skin compared to adults. In addition, they haven’t developed all of the melanin (the pigment that offers small levels of natural sun protection) that they’ll have when they are fully grown.

These factors mean exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause serious damage. UVB rays are the sun’s rays that are responsible for causing painful sunburns and most forms of skin cancer over time. UVA rays are the sun’s rays that lead to the early aging of our skin. Although their effects appear in different ways, all types of UV radiation can contribute to your child’s risk of developing skin cancer.

UVA rays can be particularly dangerous as they can damage your child’s skin in ways that you don’t often notice. They can easily penetrate through glass and even clouds on the most overcast days. Even if your kid joins you on an errand or plays inside near a sunny window, they can still experience sun damage, which can quickly accumulate.

This is where Broad Spectrum SPF sunscreen comes in. When labeled as Broad Spectrum, sunscreen helps minimize the UVA and UVB rays that reach your child’s skin, making it a must-have for every day under the sun.

SUNSCREEN GUIDELINES TO FOLLOW

It’s important to help your child develop good sun safety practices from an early age. Follow these expert-recommended best practices to help them have a fun and safe time outside.

When it comes to sun protection for newborns and babies under six months old, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends keeping them out of direct sunlight completely. When you can’t avoid direct sunlight, it’s important to dress them in sun-protective clothing and a UPF-rated hat. You should also keep them in the shade or, if that’s not possible, create shade with an umbrella or stroller hood. If shade isn’t available at all, parents should apply a minimal amount of Broad Spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen on exposed areas. For specific guidance on how to protect your baby’s skin, be sure to consult a pediatrician or a board-certified dermatologist.

To protect children over six months of age, you need to follow many of the same guidelines you’d follow for yourself. In addition to ensuring your child avoids direct sunlight during peak hours and is wearing protective clothing, you should always apply sunscreen of SPF 30 (or higher) at least 15 minutes before they experience any sun exposure. Be sure to use a generous amount, about an ounce to cover their whole body. When in doubt, apply even more than you think you need.

If your kid spends extended amounts of time in the water, whether during a swimming lesson or while having fun at the beach, regularly reapply water resistant sunscreen at least once every 80 minutes. If they haven’t been swimming, sweating, or toweling off, you should still reapply at least every two hours.

OTHER MUST-KNOW SUN SAFETY TIPS

Use a Broad Spectrum sunscreen

For maximum defense against the sun’s dangerous UV rays, it’s best to use a Broad Spectrum sunscreen, which will offer protection against UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and most types of cancer. UVA rays lead to skin aging, and they also play a role in some skin cancers.

Limit time in the sun during peak hours

The sun is the strongest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., so kids (and adults) should avoid direct sun exposure during these hours whenever possible.

Consider a higher SPF

Your child needs a minimum SPF of 30. For added protection, you can’t go wrong with an SPF 50 sunscreen. Just remember: you shouldn’t assume a higher SPF means less sunscreen is required. You still need to apply a sufficient amount for it to be effective.

Go for water resistant sunscreen

If your kid loves to get active, a water resistant sunscreen is a must. Our Baby and Kids’ Sunscreens are water and sweat resistant for 80 minutes, meaning the sunscreen will remain effective for up to 80 minutes on wet skin. After that time, or immediately after towel drying, you’ll need to reapply.

Use protective clothing

For a multi-layered sun safety approach, dress your child in protective clothing, like a long sleeve shirt and a hat with a wide brim. At Panama Jack, many of our Kids’ Hats offer UPF 50+ protection, meaning the fabric blocks 98% of the sun’s rays. And finally, don’t forget to have your child wear a fun pair of sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection.

Choose a gentle sunscreen formula

Kids and babies have sensitive skin, so opt for a sunscreen, like Panama Jack’s, that doesn’t contain PABA, Parabens, Retinyl Palmitate, Dyes, BHT, and other potentially irritating or harmful ingredients.

Encourage sun safety habits often and early

We acquire 23% of the sun damage we’ll experience during our life by the time we’re 18 years old, so sunscreen shouldn’t just be reserved for long days in the sun. To show your child the importance of sun protection, model healthy habits by applying sunscreen daily.

Make sunscreen application fun

Sunscreen isn’t easy to apply correctly when your kid starts squirming or getting upset. To make the application process fun, you could let them “paint” on the sunscreen or create fun shapes with the sunscreen before you rub it in (always making sure you’re still applying a sufficient amount). As they get older, consider giving them more say in the process, such as letting them choose from a sunscreen spray or lotion.

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With Panama Jack, your whole family can enjoy A Kinder Sun. Our collection of Baby and Kids Sunscreens are hypoallergenic and are specially formulated to avoid irritating your child’s delicate skin. And with Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50 protection, you can rest assured that they’re defended against the sun’s harsh rays. Grab a tube or can today and keep the whole family safe during your next day in the sun.